16 Must-Try Dishes You Need to Try on Your Next Trip

Embark on a gastronomic journey with these 16 essential dishes that you must taste during your travels. From traditional flavors to unconventional creations, each dish offers a distinctive experience and a glimpse into its cultural heritage. Discover a world of flavors that will add excitement to your culinary adventures and introduce you to time-honored recipes. Here’s a selection of diverse dishes that are not only delicious but bound to intrigue your palate and enrich your travel experiences.

1. Rendang

Rendang is a flavorful Indonesian dish made using beef simmered in coconut milk and an array of spices. The cooking process can take hours, allowing the meat to absorb the rich flavors of the ingredients. The key spices include ginger, garlic, turmeric, lemongrass, and chili, which are slowly cooked along with the beef until the liquid is absorbed, resulting in a thick, caramelized coating. The dish is widely enjoyed in Minangkabau culture, often prepared during different occasions. Enjoying rendang provides a deep insight into Indonesian culinary traditions. The dish’s complexity and depth of flavor make it a standout in Southeast Asian cuisine. When visiting Indonesia, indulging in this delicacy is essential for a complete cultural experience.

2. Tagine

Tagine is a staple of Moroccan cuisine, known for its unique cooking method using conical earthenware pots. This slow-cooked stew often features tender chunks of lamb, chicken, or beef, combined with dried fruits like apricots and a mix of nuts such as almonds or pine nuts. The blend of sweet and savory is enhanced with spices like cinnamon, saffron, and cumin, makeing a comforting and aromatic dish. Cooking in a tagine pot allows the dish to retain moisture, making the meat incredibly succulent. The resulting flavors are both rustic and exotic, embodying the essence of North African culinary art. Sampling a tagine offers a sensory journey through Moroccan culture and tradition.

3. Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup liked for its fragrant broth and fresh ingredients. Typically made with beef or chicken, the broth simmers for hours with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Thin rice noodles and finely sliced meat are added to the steaming broth just before serving, topped with fresh herbs such as cilantro and Thai basil. The dish’s simplicity and depth of flavor are enhanced by optional accompaniments like lime wedges and bean sprouts. Pho is enjoyed as a comfort food, often served during breakfast or lunch in Vietnam. Its aromatic profile and nourishing qualities make it a beloved dish worldwide. Experiencing pho in Vietnam is a culinary highlight.

4. Biryani

Biryani is an aromatic rice dish that has captured the hearts of many across the Indian subcontinent. It is renowned for its complex blend of spices and cooked basmati rice mixed with tender pieces of meat or vegetables. The dish is often layered with saffron-infused rice, caramelized onions, and herbs like mint and coriander. A typical biryani includes spices such as cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves, which are cooked with the meat to infuse a rich, spicy flavor. Whether served with chicken, beef, or lamb, biryani offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that is both filling and comforting. Tasting biryani allows you to explore the rich culinary heritage of India.

5. Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern dip made primarily from roasted eggplants. The smoky flavor of the eggplant is enhanced by blending it with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, making a creamy and luscious texture. Often enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, baba ganoush is served with pita bread or fresh vegetables. The dish’s simplicity allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, making it a popular choice in Levantine cuisine. It is a healthy and flavorful option, ideal for those seeking an authentic taste of the Middle East. The combination of creamy texture and smoky flavor makes baba ganoush a delightful culinary experience.

6. Falafel

Falafel is a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. The mixture is seasoned with herbs like parsley and cilantro, along with spices such as cumin and coriander. These ingredients are formed into small balls or patties and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Falafel is typically served in a pita or flatbread, accompanied by salads, pickles, and tahini sauce. It offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite. Known for its versatility, falafel can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. This vegetarian delight is enjoyed for its taste and cultural significance.

7. Mansaf

Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan, characterized by its rich flavors and communal style of eating. It consists of lamb cooked in a sauce made from fermented dried yogurt, known as jameed. The lamb is served over a bed of rice and often garnished with almonds and pine nuts. This hearty dish is traditionally eaten with the hands, symbolizing hospitality and unity. Mansaf’s unique taste comes from the yogurt sauce, which adds a tangy and creamy element to the savory lamb. It is often prepared during special occasions and gatherings, reflecting Jordanian culture and traditions. Enjoying mansaf allows you to experience the warmth and generosity of Middle Eastern hospitality.

8. Dolma

Dolma refers to a family of stuffed dishes prevalent in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. The most common variety involves grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. The filling is seasoned with ingredients like dill, mint, and lemon juice, providing a fresh and tangy flavor. These parcels are simmered slowly in a broth until tender, allowing the flavors to meld together. Dolma is often served as an appetizer or side dish, enjoyed for its delicate and aromatic qualities. The dish showcases the art of balancing flavors and textures, making it a beloved choice among food enthusiasts. Sampling dolma offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the region.

9. Kofta

Kofta consists of spiced meatballs or patties made from ground beef or lamb, seasoned with onions, parsley, and a blend of spices. These flavorful morsels are usually grilled or cooked on skewers, allowing the outside to develop a delicious char while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Kofta is often served with flatbread or rice, accompanied by a yogurt-based sauce or fresh salads. The dish is versatile, with variations found in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Known for its rich taste and enticing aroma, kofta is a favorite among meat lovers. Trying kofta is an opportunity to savor the culinary diversity of different cultures.

10. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish made by poaching eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. The sauce is enriched with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika, making a flavorful base. The eggs are cooked to preference, with a soft, runny yolk being most common. Shakshuka is typically enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item, often served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Its simplicity and bold flavors have made it popular globally, appealing to those seeking hearty and satisfying meals. Sampling shakshuka offers a tasty exploration of traditional North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

11. Couscous

Couscous is a staple in North African cuisine, made from tiny steamed balls of semolina wheat. It is typically served as a side dish or main course, accompanied by vegetables, meat, or chickpeas. The couscous is often garnished with spices like saffron or turmeric, adding color and flavor. This versatile dish can be sweet or savory, depending on the accompaniments. Couscous is easy to prepare and absorbent, readily taking on the flavors of the ingredients mixed with it. Its light and fluffy texture make it a favorite choice for many. Exploring couscous allows you to appreciate the simplicity and adaptability of North African culinary traditions.

12. Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight, or Lokum, is a sweet confection originating from Turkey, known for its chewy texture and variety of flavors. Made from sugar, starch, and flavorings like rosewater, lemon, or pistachio, it is cut into small cubes and dusted with icing sugar or coconut flakes. While often enjoyed as a sweet treat, it can also be served with coffee or as a dessert. Its delicate texture and aromatic flavors make Turkish Delight a unique sensory experience. The confection is deeply rooted in Turkish culture and history, often associated with hospitality and sharing. Sampling Turkish Delight offers a sweet taste of Turkish tradition.

13. Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. This dessert is prevalent in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, enjoyed for its flaky texture and sweet, nutty flavor. The nuts, often walnuts or pistachios, are finely chopped and spread between layers of thin dough, then baked until golden. After baking, the pastry is soaked in a sweet syrup, infusing it with additional flavor. Baklava is an indulgent treat, often served on special occasions or as a dessert option. Enjoying baklava provides a delightful experience of sweetness and texture.

14. Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a dish made of bulgur wheat, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef, usually shaped into oval balls or patties. This Middle Eastern delicacy is seasoned with spices like cinnamon and allspice, giving it a warm and aromatic flavor. Kibbeh can be baked, fried, or served raw, each preparation offering a unique taste and texture. The crunchy exterior and savory filling make kibbeh a popular choice as an appetizer or main dish. Known for its versatility, kibbeh is cherished across the Middle East and beyond. Sampling kibbeh allows you to experience the rich culinary heritage and traditional flavors of the region.

15. Harira

Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup enjoyed during Ramadan and other occasions. This hearty soup is made with a base of tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas, seasoned with a blend of spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon. Often enriched with beef or lamb, harira is thickened with flour or eggs to make a smooth, velvety texture. The addition of fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley enhances the soup’s aromatic qualities. Harira is typically served with a slice of lemon and dates, providing balance of flavors. It is a comforting dish that reflects the warmth and hospitality of Moroccan culture.

16. Gözleme

Gözleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, or minced meat. The dough is rolled out thinly, and the filling is spread before it is folded and cooked on a griddle. This savory pastry is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal, appreciated for its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. The choice of fillings can vary, allowing for customized flavors to suit different tastes. Gözleme is a beloved street food in Turkey, known for its simple yet satisfying qualities. Exploring gözleme introduces you to the diverse and flavorful world of Turkish cuisine.