Joanna James
What is your favourite dish in the world? Does it evoke fond childhood memories – a particular emotion or smell? Our favourite food often is evocative. But some cuisines around the world have got the spice palette, texture and ingredients in such a perfect symphony that appeals to almost everyone. While this is a subjective matter, let's dig into some of the world's best-loved cuisines.
Mexican food borrows something from everything – so you're never bored. This is why you can see websites like 'The Dine And Wine' feature Mexican food often. You'll find the richness of Indian dishes and the heat of Thai food and even the crispy, freshness of Greek salad in Mexican food. The tacos and quesadillas are full of superfood nutrients too. The avocado, tomatoes and satisfying squeezes of lime, garlic and beans make for mouthwatering and gut heart healthy food. The chillies and spices are full of antioxidants. Try some ancient mole sauce made with chilli peppers, chocolate, and some magic words. Leaf-wrapped tamales are as ancient as the close-to-nature local delicacies of ancient Mayans.
Avid food lovers swear by Thai food. Their flavour combinations are rich and vast. Thai dishes fit together spicy, salty, umami, sweet and sour flavours all at once in most of their signature dishes. They taste complex and subtle at the same time. Try some tom yam kung to treat your tongue to a party of flavours. There are floral notes from lemongrass, earthy hints from galangal and the heat of the sun from chillies. Som tam (green papaya salad) is crispy, crunchy, sweet, spicy, salty, and sweet – just like a dream.
The blue seas and white buildings of Greece make a lovely backdrop for their olive oil and feta cheese-laden food and multi-coloured salads. Greece's gift from God is olive oil. The Greeks influenced the way people eat and think about their health in relation to food. Take a bite of dolma and lentil soup to understand how ancient Greeks ate. Try some spanakopita – spinach in a feta cheese mixture and flaky pastry cover.
Spices are the heart of Indian food, almost to the point that vegetables and meat seem like an afterthought. The best thing about Indian food is the way they make vegetarian dishes taste heavenly. When in India – eat Goa's seafood, wazwan from Kashmir and the coconut-infused goodness of Kerala. Finish your Indian dishes with some flavoursome chai.
If food preparation was an art – Japan would be a top contender for eye-pleasing arrangements and precision. Think about the delicate work of a Sushi chef and the fresh flavours of Japanese salads and rich broth in noodle dishes. Japanese cuisine combines raw, fresh directness with complexity. Miso soup depicts the fundamental virtues of Japanese cuisine. Try some tempura for non-greasy fried food.
Epicurean philosophers would approve of Spanish food and their approach to life. Spaniards feast on food with unbridled passion. They gorge on fruits d' Mediterranean Sea and Pyrenees spoils. There are notes of saffron and cumin in Spanish dishes. Their food seems timeless and Avant grade at the same time. Try some Jamon Iberico – whole cured ham hock and Churros – sweet fried dough.
From the days of decadent Versailles days when Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI feasted in abundance in front of courtiers to simple bouillabaisse which later took the world by storm, French cuisine has always held its own reputation. Try some pot au feu or a platter of cheese with wine. Eat croissants and drink black coffee and cognac for breakfast. Don't forget escargot and their unicorn food – macarons.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
