World recipes a beginner can't get wrong
652 dishes from around the world · Ingredient amounts, cooking times and heat levels worked out for 1 to 4 servings
Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Korea's classic home-style stew, made by frying well-fermented kimchi with pork and then simmering it.
JapanOyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
A Japanese rice bowl of chicken cooked in a sweet-savory sauce and topped with soft-set egg.
ChinaMapo Tofu
A Sichuan tofu dish simmered with chili bean paste and Sichuan pepper until spicy and tingling.
ThailandPad Thai
Thai street-food rice noodles stir-fried in a sweet and sour tamarind sauce.
VietnamPho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
Vietnamese rice noodles served in a clear beef bone broth infused with spices.
IndiaButter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
A North Indian dish of spice-marinated chicken, roasted and then simmered in a smooth tomato, butter and cream sauce.
ItalyCarbonara
A Roman pasta made without cream, using egg yolks, cheese and cured pork cheek.
SpainSeafood Paella
A Spanish dish of rice cooked in saffron stock in a wide pan, with a prized crispy crust on the bottom.
FranceRatatouille
A vegetable stew from the south of France: summer vegetables fried separately, then gently stewed with tomato and herbs.
GreeceMoussaka
A Greek oven dish of roasted aubergine and potato, meat sauce and béchamel, layered and baked.
United KingdomFish and Chips
Britain's classic dish of white fish fried in beer batter, with twice-fried chips.
LebanonHummus
A Lebanese dip of chickpeas and sesame paste blended until smooth.
TürkiyeMenemen (Turkish Tomato Scrambled Eggs)
A Turkish breakfast of tomatoes and green peppers cooked down, then softly cooked with eggs.
MoroccoChicken Tagine with Lemon and Olives
A Moroccan stew of spice-marinated chicken slowly cooked with preserved lemon and olives.
EthiopiaMisir Wat (Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew)
An Ethiopian lentil stew made by slowly cooking onions and simmering with berbere spice.
MexicoTacos with Guacamole
A Mexican dish of meat marinated in lime and spices, grilled and wrapped in corn tortillas.
United StatesBBQ Pulled Pork
Southern US barbecue: spice-rubbed pork shoulder cooked low and slow, then pulled apart along the grain.
BrazilFeijoada (Black Bean and Pork Stew)
Brazil's national dish: black beans slowly simmered with several cuts of pork.
PeruCeviche
A Peruvian seafood dish of fresh white fish briefly cured in lime juice.
ArgentinaBeef Empanadas
Argentine baked pastries filled with seasoned beef, egg and olives.
AustraliaPavlova
An Australian and New Zealand dessert: a meringue crisp outside and chewy inside, topped with cream and fruit.
New ZealandMince and Cheese Pie
New Zealand's favourite snack: rich beef gravy and cheddar in a crisp pastry case.
SpainGambas al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns)
A Spanish tapa of prawns and garlic cooked in olive oil, eaten by dipping bread. The number one favourite for camping.
NorwayFoil-Baked Salmon and Potatoes
A Nordic-style camping dish of salmon and potatoes wrapped in foil and steam-baked over charcoal.
JapanTeppan Yakisoba
Japanese fried noodles: pork and cabbage stir-fried, then tossed with noodles and sauce.
United StatesS'mores
An American campfire dessert of toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between crackers.
United StatesMarry Me Chicken
A popular American home dish of golden pan-fried chicken breast simmered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
United Arab EmiratesDubai Chocolate
Dubai's viral dessert bar: a chocolate mould filled with crisp butter-toasted kataifi and pistachio cream, then set.
TürkiyeTurkish Yogurt Pasta (Yalancı Mantı)
A quick Turkish pasta that tastes like mantı, topped with garlic yogurt and spicy chili butter.
ArgentinaChimichurri Steak
An Argentine dish of beef steak seared over high heat and served with a fresh chimichurri sauce of parsley and garlic.
United StatesWhite Chicken Chili
An American stew of chicken, white beans and sweetcorn simmered in cumin-scented stock and finished with cream cheese.
United StatesLasagna Soup
An American home dish that turns lasagne's meat and tomato sauce, pasta and cheese into a one-pot soup.
IndiaIdli with Coconut Chutney
Soft South Indian steamed rice cakes made from a fermented batter of soaked, ground rice and urad dal, served with coconut chutney.
JapanShio Pan (Japanese Salt Bread)
A Japanese bread rolled around a stick of butter and sprinkled with coarse salt, with a crisp base and a soft inside.
ThailandPad Kra Pao with Fried Egg
Thailand's best-known rice dish: minced pork stir-fried over high heat with garlic, chili and holy basil, served on rice with a crisp fried egg.
KoreaBulgogi (Korean Marinated Beef)
Korea's signature meat dish of thinly sliced beef marinated in pear and soy sauce, then stir-fried with vegetables.
NigeriaJollof Rice
A red West African rice dish from Nigeria, cooked in a blended sauce of tomatoes and peppers.
PhilippinesChicken Adobo
The Philippines' national dish of chicken braised in soy sauce, vinegar and garlic until tangy and savoury.
JapanKaraage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Japanese fried chicken: thighs marinated in soy sauce and ginger, coated in starch and fried twice.
ItalyBolognese (Ragù alla Bolognese)
A pasta dish from Bologna, Italy, with a meat sauce of minced meat and vegetables slowly simmered with milk and wine.
BrazilStrogonoff de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff)
A Brazilian home dish of chicken simmered in a ketchup, mustard and cream sauce, served with rice and potato sticks.
ChinaTomato and Egg Stir-Fry (番茄炒蛋)
China's classic home-style dish of soft scrambled egg stir-fried with sweet-and-sour tomatoes.
IndonesiaNasi Goreng
Indonesian fried rice: cold rice stir-fried with a spice paste and sweet soy sauce, topped with a fried egg.
IndiaChicken Biryani
An Indian rice dish of chicken marinated in spiced yogurt, layered with part-cooked basmati rice and slowly steamed.
VietnamThit Kho (Vietnamese Caramel Pork and Eggs)
A Vietnamese festive home dish of pork and boiled eggs braised in caramel and coconut water until glossy.
MexicoPozole Rojo
A Mexican festive soup of pork and hominy (large corn kernels) cooked red with a dried chili sauce and topped with crunchy vegetables.
FranceCherry Clafoutis
A dessert from the Limousin region of France: a thin egg batter poured over cherries and baked like a pudding.
TaiwanTaiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)
Taiwan's national noodle dish: chewy wheat noodles in a rich broth of beef shank slowly braised with chili bean paste and soy sauce.
PolandPierogi Ruskie
Poland's best-known dumplings: half-moon parcels filled with potato and cheese, then boiled.
South AfricaPotjiekos
A South African stew of meat and vegetables layered in a three-legged cast-iron pot and cooked slowly over a wood fire without stirring.
GreeceSouvlaki
Greek street food: grilled pork skewers marinated in lemon and oregano, wrapped in pita with tzatziki.
NetherlandsBoerenkool Stamppot (Kale Stamppot)
A Dutch winter home dish of potatoes and kale boiled together and mashed, served with smoked sausage.
United KingdomYorkshire Pudding
The classic side for a British Sunday roast: a thin batter poured into hot fat and baked until tall and puffed.
MalaysiaNasi Lemak
Malaysia's national breakfast: rice cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves, served with sweet-spicy sambal, egg, fried anchovies, peanuts and cucumber.
LebanonTabbouleh
A fresh Lebanese herb salad of finely chopped parsley and mint tossed with bulgur, tomato, lemon juice and olive oil.
AustraliaHot Cross Buns
Australia's Easter bread: soft spiced buns with raisins, marked with a piped cross before baking.
JamaicaAckee and Saltfish
Jamaica's national breakfast: desalted salt cod sautéed with peppers and onion, then folded with soft, buttery canned ackee.
GeorgiaAdjapsandali
Georgia's summer vegetable stew: golden fried aubergine simmered with peppers, tomatoes and onion, finished with plenty of garlic, coriander and basil.
DenmarkÆbleskiver (Danish Pancake Balls)
Denmark's Christmas treat: fluffy, cardamom-scented buttermilk pancake balls turned in a special pan and served with jam and icing sugar.
SwitzerlandÄlplermagronen
The Swiss alpine-hut classic: potatoes and macaroni cooked in one pot, folded into cream and melted mountain cheese, crowned with crispy onions and applesauce.
New ZealandAfghan Biscuits
New Zealand's classic chocolate biscuit: a buttery cocoa dough crunchy with cornflakes, topped with chocolate icing and a walnut half.
ItalySpaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino
Rome's famous midnight pasta: garlic and dried chili gently infused in olive oil, then emulsified with starchy pasta water into a glossy coating for spaghetti.
PeruAjí de Gallina
Peru's beloved home classic: shredded chicken in a creamy, golden sauce of ají amarillo chilli, milk-soaked bread, walnuts and parmesan, served over rice and potatoes.
ColombiaAjiaco (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup)
Bogotá's signature soup: chicken, corn and three kinds of potato that melt into a thick, golden broth scented with the herb guascas.
SpainAlbóndigas en Salsa (Spanish Meatballs in Sauce)
Pork-and-beef meatballs browned in olive oil, then simmered in a silky onion, carrot and white wine sauce: the Spanish grandmother's classic.
ArgentinaAlfajores de Maicena
Argentina's favourite treat: two melt-in-the-mouth cornstarch cookies sandwiched with plenty of dulce de leche, edges rolled in coconut.
IndiaAloo Gobi (Spiced Potato and Cauliflower)
Punjab's everyday dry curry: potato and cauliflower cooked slowly under a lid with cumin, ginger, tomato and turmeric until tender and golden.
PakistanAloo Keema
Pakistan's everyday mince and potato curry: beef mince and soft potato cubes cooked down in onion, tomato and warm spices, eaten with roti or rice.
IndiaAloo Paratha (Potato-Stuffed Indian Flatbread)
Punjab's favourite breakfast: soft wholewheat dough wrapped round spiced mashed potato, rolled flat and griddled with ghee until golden and blistered.
ItalyAmatriciana
Rome's beloved pasta from Amatrice: crisp guanciale, its rich fat simmered with tomato and chili, finished with sharp Pecorino Romano.
PeruAnticuchos de Corazón
Peru's favourite street skewers: beef heart marinated in ají panca, vinegar, garlic and cumin, seared hot and served with potato and corn.
AustraliaAnzac Biscuits
Australia and New Zealand's golden oat and coconut biscuits, bound with butter and golden syrup: crisp at the edges and chewy in the middle.
AustriaViennese Apple Strudel
Austria's classic: paper-thin buttery pastry rolled around cinnamon apples, rum raisins and toasted breadcrumbs, dusted with icing sugar.
United StatesClassic American Apple Pie
The all-American bake: a flaky all-butter double crust around tender cinnamon apples, baked golden until thick juices bubble through the vents.
ItalyArancini
Sicily's famous street food: golden saffron rice with cheese, wrapped around mozzarella, ham and peas, crumbed and fried until crisp.
VenezuelaArepas with Butter and Cheese
Venezuela's everyday corn cakes, griddled until crisp outside and steamy inside, then split and stuffed with butter and white cheese.
PeruArroz Chaufa (Peruvian-Chinese Fried Rice)
Peru's favourite chifa dish: day-old rice tossed in a blazing wok with chicken, egg, ginger, spring onion and soy sauce.
Puerto RicoArroz con Gandules
Puerto Rico's festive one-pot rice: grains turned golden-orange with sofrito and annatto oil, cooked with pigeon peas, ham and olives.
ColombiaColombian Arroz con Pollo
Colombia's Sunday one-pot: rice turned golden with cumin and achiote, cooked in homemade chicken broth with vegetables, peas and shredded chicken.
PortugalArroz de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Rice)
Portugal's soupy seafood rice: rice simmered in a tomato and white-wine broth with clams, mussels and prawns, finished with plenty of fresh coriander.
VenezuelaAsado Negro
Venezuela's festive pot roast: beef seared in dark caramelised cane sugar, then braised with red wine into a glossy, sweet-savoury black sauce.
IranAsh Reshteh (Persian Herb, Bean and Noodle Soup)
Iran's thick winter soup of heaps of herbs, beans, lentils and flat noodles, crowned with kashk, golden fried onions and sizzling mint oil.
Puerto RicoAsopao de Pollo
Puerto Rico's comforting soupy chicken and rice, simmered in a sofrito, olive and caper broth until thick, glossy and spoonable.
AustraliaAussie Meat Pie
Australia's favourite hand-held: beef mince simmered in rich gravy, baked in a crisp shortcrust base under a flaky puff pastry lid.
GreeceAvgolemono (Greek Egg-Lemon Chicken Soup)
A Greek home classic: chicken simmered into broth with rice, then thickened with whisked egg and lemon until silky, tangy and comforting.
IndonesiaAyam Goreng (Indonesian Fried Chicken)
Indonesia's golden home-style fried chicken: first simmered in a turmeric spice paste until the liquid is gone, then fried until crisp and fragrant.
MalaysiaAyam Masak Merah
A Malaysian festive favourite: golden fried chicken simmered in a glossy red sauce of chilli, tomato and warm spices; sweet, spicy and tangy.
IndonesiaAyam Penyet
Indonesian smashed fried chicken: spice-simmered chicken fried until crisp, pressed into fiery shrimp-paste sambal and served with rice and fresh vegetables.
LebanonBaba ganoush
Eggplants charred over an open flame until smoky, then mashed with tahini, lemon and garlic: the classic Lebanese dip.
PortugalBacalhau à Brás
Lisbon's favourite home dish: shredded salt cod, crisp matchstick potatoes and sweet onion bound with soft, creamy eggs and finished with olives.
KoreaBaechu Kimchi (Napa Cabbage Kimchi)
Korea's everyday kimchi: salted napa cabbage halves layered leaf by leaf with a radish, chili, garlic and fish-sauce filling, then left to ferment.
CambodiaBai Cha (Cambodian Fried Rice with Chinese Sausage)
Cambodia's everyday fried rice: cold rice tossed over high heat with lots of garlic, sweet-savoury Chinese sausage and egg, served with cucumber and lime.
CambodiaBai Sach Chrouk
Cambodia's favourite breakfast: thin pork marinated in coconut milk, garlic and palm sugar, grilled until caramelised and served over rice with quick pickles and a clear broth.
SingaporeBak Chor Mee
Singapore's hawker favourite: springy flat egg noodles tossed in black vinegar, chilli and lard, topped with minced pork and braised shiitake.
SingaporeBak Kut Teh
Singapore's Teochew-style pork rib soup: ribs simmered with whole garlic and white peppercorns into a clear, peppery broth, with rice, youtiao and chili soy.
TürkiyeBaklava
Turkey's classic pastry: dozens of buttered filo layers around a walnut filling, baked until crisp and soaked in lemony syrup.
IndonesiaBakso (Indonesian Beef Meatball Soup)
Indonesia's favourite street soup: springy beef meatballs made with ice water and tapioca, in a clear garlicky broth with rice noodles, fried shallots and sambal.
United StatesCampfire Banana Boats
A whole banana slit in its peel, stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows, wrapped in foil and baked over the coals until gooey: the classic American campfire dessert you eat with a spoon.
AustraliaBanana Bread
The moist, buttery loaf found in every Aussie café, made with very ripe bananas, brown sugar and melted butter, then sliced thick, toasted and buttered.
ColombiaBandeja Paisa
Colombia's mighty Antioquian platter: red beans in hogao, white rice, crackling chicharrón, seasoned beef, chorizo, fried egg, sweet plantain, arepa and avocado.
United KingdomBangers and Mash with Onion Gravy
Britain's ultimate comfort plate: browned pork sausages on creamy buttery mash, smothered in a rich, sweet onion gravy, with peas on the side.
VietnamBánh Mì Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Bánh Mì)
Vietnam's famous sandwich: lemongrass and fish sauce pork, seared until caramelised, packed into a crackly baguette with tangy pickled carrot and daikon and fresh cilantro.
VietnamBánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crispy Sizzling Crêpes)
Southern Vietnam's sizzling crêpes: a thin turmeric and coconut rice batter fried crisp around pork belly, shrimp and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce and herbs and dipped in nước chấm.
IrelandBarmbrack
Ireland's Halloween fruit loaf: dried fruit soaked overnight in strong tea, baked into a moist, spiced, sliceable brack.
EgyptBasbousa
Egypt's favourite syrup cake: semolina, yogurt and coconut baked golden, cut into diamonds and soaked with lemony sugar syrup until moist and tender.
SpainBurnt Basque Cheesecake
San Sebastián's famous crustless cheesecake, baked hot so the top caramelises almost black while the inside stays creamy.
FranceBeef Bourguignon
Burgundy's slow-braised beef in red wine with bacon, mushrooms and little onions: tender enough to cut with a spoon, in a deep, glossy sauce.
United StatesBeef and Broccoli
The Chinese-American takeout classic: thin-sliced beef and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a glossy oyster-garlic sauce, served over steamed rice.
ChinaBeef Chow Fun
Hong Kong's classic dry-fried rice noodles: wide fresh ho fun seared in a smoking wok with two soy sauces, tender beef, bean sprouts and spring onion.
CambodiaBeef Lok Lak (Cambodian Stir-Fried Beef)
Cambodia's favourite home dish: oyster-sauce marinated beef cubes seared hot, piled on lettuce and tomato and dipped in a lime-pepper sauce.
United StatesBeer-Can Chicken
An American barbecue classic: a whole chicken perched on a can of beer and roasted upright on a covered camp grill, with evenly crisp skin and juicy meat.
BelgiumBrussels Waffles (Belgian Waffles)
The classic Belgian waffle: a yeasted batter lightened with whipped egg whites, baked in a deep-grid iron until crisp outside and airy within.
KoreaBibimbap
Korea's iconic rice bowl: warm rice topped with seasoned vegetables, savory beef and a fried egg, mixed with sweet-spicy gochujang sauce.
PhilippinesBicol Express
From the Bicol region of the Philippines: pork belly simmered in coconut milk and shrimp paste with plenty of chillies, rich, creamy and fiery.
PortugalBifanas
Portugal's favourite snack: thin pork slices marinated in garlic and white wine, simmered in their own juices and tucked into a crusty roll.
PolandBigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)
Poland's beloved hunter's stew: tangy sauerkraut and cabbage slowly braised with pork, smoked sausage, wild mushrooms and prunes until rich and mellow.
KoreaBindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)
Korea's classic mung bean pancakes: soaked beans ground to a batter, loaded with kimchi, bean sprouts and pork, and fried in plenty of oil until crisp.
SwitzerlandBircher Muesli
Switzerland's classic breakfast: oats soaked overnight in milk, stirred with grated unpeeled apple, yogurt and toasted hazelnuts.
MexicoBirria Tacos with Consomé
Jalisco-style beef slow-braised in a dried-chile adobo, shredded into crisp red tortillas and dunked in the rich, spiced consomé.
United StatesBiscuits and Gravy
The great Southern breakfast: tall, flaky buttermilk biscuits fresh from the oven, smothered in a creamy, peppery sausage gravy.
MoroccoBissara (Moroccan Fava Bean Soup)
Morocco's humble breakfast soup: split dried fava beans simmered with garlic, blended velvety and crowned with olive oil, cumin and paprika.
NetherlandsBitterballen
The Dutch bar snack: slow-simmered, finely shredded beef set in a thick roux ragout, rolled into balls, crumbed and fried crisp, served with sharp mustard.
RussiaBlini (Russian Thin Pancakes)
Russian home-style blini: a thin milk batter cooked into lacy, golden-edged pancakes, brushed with butter and served with smetana.
VietnamBò Lúc Lắc (Vietnamese Shaking Beef)
Garlicky, oyster-sauce-glazed beef cubes seared in a smoking pan and shaken until caramelised, served on watercress and tomato with a lime, salt and pepper dip.
BrazilBobó de Camarão
A creamy Bahian shrimp stew from Brazil: boiled cassava blended with coconut milk into a velvety cream, with shrimp, tomato and dendê oil.
South AfricaBobotie
South Africa's Cape Malay classic: gently curried minced beef with chutney and raisins, baked under a golden egg custard studded with bay leaves.
UkraineUkrainian Borscht
Ukraine's ruby-red home soup: beef broth simmered with beetroot, cabbage and potatoes, served with a spoonful of sour cream and fresh dill.
KoreaBossam (Korean Boiled Pork Wraps)
Pork belly gently simmered in a doenjang-and-aromatics broth, sliced thick and wrapped in cabbage leaves with kimchi and a salted-shrimp dip.
FranceBouillabaisse
Marseille's golden fisherman's stew: firm fish, prawns and mussels in a saffron, fennel and orange broth, with garlicky rouille on toasted baguette.
IsraelCheese Bourekas
Israel's favourite snack: buttery puff pastry folded into triangles around a salty feta and ricotta filling, brushed with egg and showered with sesame.
IrelandBoxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)
Ireland's classic potato pancakes: grated raw and mashed potato bound with buttermilk batter and fried in butter until crisp outside and soft within.
GermanyBratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes with Bacon and Onion)
Germany's everyday classic: boiled, cooled potatoes sliced and pan-fried until golden and crisp with smoky bacon and soft onions.
BrazilBrigadeiro
Brazil's birthday-party classic: condensed milk, cocoa and butter cooked into a fudgy dough, rolled into little balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles.
TunisiaBrik
Tunisia's favourite snack: paper-thin brik pastry folded around tuna-potato filling and a raw egg, fried crisp with a runny yolk inside.
United StatesClassic Fudgy Brownies
America's one-bowl brownies made with melted butter and dark chocolate: a shiny, crackly top over a dense, fudgy middle.
ItalyBruschetta al Pomodoro
Italy's classic antipasto: crisp grilled bread rubbed with garlic, soaked with good olive oil and piled with juicy tomatoes and basil.
TaiwanBubble Tea
Taiwan's classic: chewy homemade tapioca pearls simmered in brown sugar syrup, served in strong, ice-cold black milk tea.
KoreaBudae-jjigae (Korean Army Base Stew)
Korea's much-loved sharing stew: luncheon meat, sausages, kimchi and instant noodles simmered in a spicy broth and eaten straight from the pot.
United StatesClassic Buffalo Wings
Crisp deep-fried chicken wings tossed in the original tangy hot sauce and butter glaze, served with cool blue cheese dip and celery sticks.
VietnamBún Bò Huế (Spicy Hue Beef Noodle Soup)
The spicy noodle soup of Hue: a beef and pork hock broth fragrant with lemongrass, deepened with fermented shrimp paste and finished with red chilli saté over thick rice noodles.
VietnamBún Chả (Hanoi Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles)
Hanoi's favourite lunch: charred pork patties and pork belly soaking in a warm sweet-sour nước chấm, with rice noodles and fresh herbs to dip.
VietnamBún Thịt Nướng (Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Noodle Bowl)
Southern Vietnam's favourite noodle bowl: caramelised lemongrass pork on rice vermicelli with fresh herbs and tangy pickles, dressed with nước chấm and tossed at the table.
South AfricaBunny Chow (Durban Chicken Curry in a Loaf)
Durban's famous street food: a quarter loaf of white bread hollowed out and filled with a fragrant, chilli-warm chicken and potato curry.
MyanmarBurmese Chicken Curry (Kyet Thar Hin)
A rich Burmese home curry: onion, garlic and ginger paste fried slowly until the oil separates, then simmered with chicken and potato until tender.
MexicoCarne Asada Burrito
A northern Mexican-style burrito: lime-and-garlic steak seared hot, rolled tight in a big flour tortilla with homemade refried beans, pico de gallo and cheese.
CanadaButter Tarts
Canada's beloved little tarts: flaky pastry filled with a gooey brown sugar, butter and syrup filling studded with raisins.
United StatesRoasted Butternut Squash Soup
America's autumn favourite: oven-roasted butternut squash blended with sweet onion and stock into a velvety soup, finished with a splash of cream and maple.
VietnamCá Kho Tộ (Vietnamese Caramelised Fish in a Clay Pot)
A southern Vietnamese home classic: catfish braised in caramel, fish sauce and coconut water until sticky, salty-sweet and peppery, made for a bowl of hot rice.
UkraineKapustnyky (Ukrainian Cabbage Patties)
Ukrainian home-style cabbage patties: finely chopped, lightly blanched cabbage mixed with fried onion, egg and dill, pan-fried golden and served with sour cream.
VenezuelaCachapas
Venezuela's sweet-and-savoury fresh-corn pancake, cooked golden in butter and folded over soft, melting white cheese.
VenezuelaCachitos (Venezuelan Ham Rolls)
Soft, buttery crescent rolls rolled around diced smoked ham, the classic breakfast of every Venezuelan bakery.
ItalyCacio e Pepe
Rome's three-ingredient pasta: spaghetti tossed with Pecorino Romano, toasted black pepper and starchy pasta water into a silky, peppery cream.
MexicoCaldo de Res
Mexico's comforting beef and vegetable soup: bone-in shank simmered slowly with corn, carrots, potatoes, squash and cabbage, finished with lime and chile.
PortugalCaldo verde
Portugal's national soup: a silky potato purée with hair-thin ribbons of kale, slices of smoky chouriço and a swirl of olive oil.
United StatesCamp Breakfast Burrito
The campsite morning classic: crispy bacon, skillet potatoes, soft scrambled eggs and melted cheddar rolled into a warm flour tortilla with salsa, all made in one cast-iron pan on a camp stove.
United StatesCajun Butter Cabbage Boil
The viral one-pot cabbage boil: thick cabbage wedges, smoked sausage, corn and potatoes steamed in garlicky Cajun butter, made at the campsite.
United StatesCampfire Skillet Breakfast Hash
The classic American camp breakfast: crispy diced potatoes, bacon, onion and peppers in one cast-iron skillet, topped with eggs and melted cheddar.
United StatesCampfire Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Bite-size steak seared hard in a cast-iron skillet on a camp stove, then tossed in garlic butter and eaten off toothpicks: an American campsite favourite.
CanadaCampfire Bannock
Canada's classic trail bread: a simple dough of flour, baking powder, lard and water, cooked in a cast-iron pan over the coals until golden and crusty outside and fluffy inside.
AustraliaCampfire Damper
Australia's classic bush bread: a simple dough of flour, baking powder, butter and milk, baked in a cast-iron camp oven buried in the coals until crusty outside and fluffy inside.
MexicoCampfire Skillet Nachos
Tortilla chips layered with spiced beef, black beans and two cheeses in a cast-iron skillet, melted over the campfire and piled with fresh pico de gallo and avocado.
VietnamCanh Chua (Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Fish Soup)
Southern Vietnam's everyday soup: tangy tamarind broth sweetened by pineapple, with tender fish, tomato, bean sprouts and a spoon of golden garlic oil.
BelgiumCarbonnade Flamande (Flemish Beef and Beer Stew)
Browned beef and caramelised onions slow-cooked in dark Belgian beer with mustard-spread bread: Flanders’ bittersweet comfort stew.
United KingdomClassic Carrot Cake
A British teatime favourite: a moist, gently spiced cake full of grated carrot, walnuts and sultanas, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.
FranceCassoulet
The rich white bean bake of Languedoc in southwest France, slow-cooked in the oven with duck confit, Toulouse sausage and pork belly.
PeruCausa Limeña
Lima's chilled potato classic: silky mashed potato seasoned with yellow chilli and lime, layered with creamy chicken salad and avocado.
ChileChilean Cazuela
Chile's home-style chicken and vegetable soup: a clear broth with one whole potato, chunk of squash and piece of corn in every bowl.
SenegalCeebu Yapp (Senegalese Lamb and Onion Rice)
Senegal's celebration rice: garlic-and-parsley marinated lamb braised with onions and mustard, then the rich broth cooks the rice and the meat and onion sauce go on top.
SingaporeChai Tow Kway (Singapore Fried Carrot Cake)
Called carrot cake but made with white radish: steamed radish and rice-flour cake, cubed and fried with garlic, salty-sweet preserved radish and egg, a Singapore hawker breakfast.
South AfricaChakalaka (South African Spicy Vegetable and Bean Relish)
Onion, peppers and carrot fried with curry powder and chilli, then simmered with tomato and baked beans: the spicy relish no South African braai is without.
GeorgiaChakhokhbili (Georgian Chicken and Tomato Stew)
A Georgian home classic: chicken browned without oil, simmered with onions and fresh tomatoes, then finished with garlic and a fistful of herbs.
IsraelChallah (Braided Jewish Egg Bread)
The Shabbat loaf: a soft, gently sweet dough enriched with eggs and honey, braided into three strands and baked to a glossy mahogany shine.
IndiaChana Masala
North India's everyday chickpea curry: chickpeas simmered in a deeply browned onion, tomato and spice masala, finished with garam masala and lemon.
KenyaChapati
Kenya's soft, flaky pan-fried flatbread: a simple dough brushed with oil and coiled for layers, then cooked until golden-spotted. Perfect with stews.
PakistanChapli Kebab
Peshawar's street kebab: spiced beef mince with toasted coriander, pomegranate seeds and chilli, flattened thin as a sandal and fried until crisp.
MalaysiaChar kway teow
Penang's smoky hawker classic: flat rice noodles tossed in a blazing wok with prawns, Chinese sausage, egg, bean sprouts and chives.
ChinaChar Siu
Cantonese barbecued pork: shoulder strips marinated overnight in hoisin, soy and five-spice, oven-roasted and lacquered with honey until sticky and charred at the edges.
NepalChatamari
Kathmandu's Newari 'rice-flour pizza': a thin, crisp-edged rice crepe topped with spiced mince, egg, onion and tomato, cooked under a lid.
JapanChawanmushi (Japanese Savoury Egg Custard)
A silky Japanese egg custard set with dashi and hiding chicken, prawns and shiitake, steamed gently until it trembles like a pudding.
United Arab EmiratesChebab
Emirati breakfast pancakes: a yeasted batter scented with saffron and cardamom, cooked thin and served with date syrup and cream cheese.
SwitzerlandSwiss Cheese Fondue (Moitié-Moitié)
Half Gruyère, half Vacherin Fribourgeois, melted with white wine in a garlic-rubbed pot and finished with kirsch: the classic Swiss fondue for dipping bread and potatoes.
ItalyChicken Cacciatore
Italy's hunter-style chicken: bone-in thighs browned golden, then braised low and slow with onion, peppers, rosemary, red wine, tomatoes and olives.
PakistanChicken Karahi
Pakistan's favourite chicken dish: bone-in chicken cooked fast in a wok-like karahi with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chillies and crushed whole spices, no onion.
UkraineChicken Kyiv
Ukraine's famous cutlet: thin chicken breast wrapped around dill and parsley butter, crumbed and fried golden, so herb butter flows out when you cut it.
United Arab EmiratesChicken Machboos (Emirati Spiced Chicken and Rice)
The Emirates' everyday feast: chicken simmered with warm bezar spices and tangy dried black lime, then basmati cooked in that golden broth.
JapanChicken Nanban
Miyazaki's famous dish: egg-coated fried chicken thighs soaked in a sweet-sour nanban vinegar and topped with plenty of rich tartare sauce.
HungaryChicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás)
Hungary's classic Sunday stew: chicken simmered with lard-softened onions and plenty of sweet paprika, finished with sour cream and served with little nokedli dumplings.
AustraliaChicken Parma
The Aussie pub icon: a thin crumbed chicken breast fried golden, topped with napoli sauce, ham and melted mozzarella.
MoroccoChicken Pastilla
Morocco's sweet-savoury celebration pie: saffron and cinnamon braised chicken, soft eggs and sweet almonds wrapped in crisp pastry and dusted with icing sugar.
United StatesChicken Pot Pie
America's favourite comfort pie: tender chicken, carrots, celery and peas in a creamy sauce under a golden, flaky crust.
IndiaChicken Tikka Masala
Yogurt-marinated chicken charred in a hot pan, then simmered in a spiced onion-tomato masala finished with cream and fresh coriander.
United StatesChicken Vesuvio
Chicago's Italian-American classic: crisp-skinned bone-in chicken and golden potato wedges roasted with garlic, white wine and oregano, finished with sweet peas.
MexicoChilaquiles Rojos
Mexico's favourite breakfast: crisp fried tortilla wedges tossed in a fresh tomato-jalapeño salsa and topped with crema, queso fresco and onion.
MexicoChiles Rellenos (Cheese-Stuffed Poblanos)
Charred, peeled poblano peppers stuffed with melting cheese, fried in a fluffy egg batter and served in a light tomato caldillo, Mexican home style.
United StatesChili con Carne
America's home-style chili: ground beef browned with onion, peppers, chili powder and cumin, then simmered with tomatoes and kidney beans.
SingaporeChili crab
Singapore's signature dish: crab simmered in a sweet, spicy tomato-chili sauce, silky with ribbons of egg, with soft buns to mop up every drop.
NigeriaChin Chin
Nigeria's favourite crunchy snack: little cubes of sweet, buttery, nutmeg-scented dough fried golden. Perfect with a cold drink and made for sharing.
United StatesChocolate Chip Cookies
The classic American home-baked cookie: crisp golden edges, a soft chewy middle and plenty of chocolate chips in every bite.
IndiaChole Bhature
North India's favourite brunch: tangy, tea-darkened Punjabi chickpea curry with soft yogurt-dough breads that balloon up the moment they hit the hot oil.
ArgentinaChoripán
Argentina's favourite sandwich: a fresh chorizo grilled until bronzed, split open in crusty bread and spooned with garlicky chimichurri.
ChinaChow Mein (Chinese Chicken Fried Noodles)
Egg noodles pan-fried until golden, then tossed over high heat with chicken, cabbage and bean sprouts in a glossy soy sauce: China's everyday fried noodles.
SpainChurros con Chocolate
Madrid's favourite treat: a simple flour and boiling-water dough piped into ridged sticks, fried crisp and dunked in thick Spanish hot chocolate.
TürkiyeÇılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs on Garlic Yogurt)
Silky poached eggs on cool garlic yogurt, drenched in sizzling red chili butter: a classic Turkish breakfast.
United StatesNew England Clam Chowder
The creamy clam soup of the New England coast: fresh clam broth, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, milk and cream.
IrelandColcannon
Ireland's cosy mashed potatoes, beaten with butter and hot milk and folded with soft cabbage and spring onions.
VietnamCơm Tấm Sườn Nướng (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop)
Saigon's favourite plate: lemongrass pork chops caramelised in the pan over fluffy broken rice, with scallion oil, a fried egg, quick pickles and nước chấm.
ChileCompleto Italiano (Chilean Hot Dog)
Chile’s beloved hot dog: a soft bun loaded with a frankfurter, diced tomato, a thick layer of mashed avocado and lots of mayo, in the colours of the Italian flag.
ChinaCantonese Congee with Pork and Century Egg
Hong Kong's favourite breakfast: rice simmered until it melts into a silky porridge, with tender sliced pork and savoury century egg (pei dan sau yuk juk).
FranceCoq au Vin
France's great home braise: chicken slowly simmered in red wine with bacon, mushrooms and baby onions until tender, in a rich, glossy sauce.
United StatesClassic Skillet Cornbread
Southern-style buttermilk cornbread baked in a sizzling cast-iron skillet: crisp golden edges, a tender, moist crumb and just a touch of sweetness.
United KingdomCornish Pasty
Cornwall's famous hand pie: raw beef, potato, swede and onion seasoned only with salt and pepper, sealed in a crimped half-moon of pastry and baked in its own juices.
BrazilCoxinha (Brazilian chicken croquettes)
Brazil's favourite snack: a soft dough cooked in chicken broth, wrapped around a creamy shredded-chicken filling, shaped like a drumstick and fried crisp.
SpainCrema Catalana
Catalonia's classic custard, gently scented with lemon peel and cinnamon and finished with a crackling layer of burnt sugar.
FranceCrème Brûlée
France's classic vanilla custard, baked gently in a water bath and chilled, under a thin sheet of torched caramel you crack with a spoon.
FranceCrêpes
Paper-thin French crêpes, spread with butter and sugar with a squeeze of lemon or apricot jam and folded into quarters, the classic way.
FranceCroque Monsieur
The Paris café classic: ham and cheese between buttered bread, blanketed in béchamel and more cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling.
SpainHam Croquetas (Croquetas de jamón)
Spain's favourite bar tapa: a crisp crumb shell around molten, creamy béchamel flecked with cured jamón.
CubaCuban Sandwich (Cubano)
Mojo-marinated pork with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, layered in buttered bread and pressed flat until crisp and melting.
ChinaCumin Lamb (Ziran Yangrou)
A northwest Chinese favourite: thin slices of lamb seared hard in a wok, then tossed with toasted cumin, chilli flakes and fresh coriander.
JamaicaJamaican Curry Goat
Jamaica's Sunday favourite: bone-in goat marinated in curry, allspice and thyme, slowly simmered with a whole scotch bonnet and potatoes into a rich golden gravy.
GermanyBerlin Currywurst
Berlin's favourite street snack: browned sausage sliced and drenched in a tangy homemade curry ketchup sauce, finished with a dusting of curry powder.
KoreaDak-kalguksu (Korean Chicken Knife-Cut Noodle Soup)
Korea's homely noodle soup: fresh knife-cut noodles cooked straight in a rich chicken broth until silky, topped with plenty of hand-shredded chicken.
KoreaDakbokkeumtang (Korean Spicy Braised Chicken)
Bone-in chicken braised with potatoes and carrots in a glossy gochujang and chilli sauce until tender: Korea's sweet-spicy home favourite that begs for a bowl of rice.
KoreaDakgalbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
Chuncheon-style home dakgalbi: gochujang-marinated chicken thighs stir-fried in a wide pan with cabbage, sweet potato and rice cakes, finished with crispy fried rice.
KoreaDakgangjeong (Korean Sweet and Crispy Chicken Bites)
Market-style Korean chicken bites: boneless thigh double-fried until shatteringly crisp, tossed in a sweet-spicy soy and gochujang glaze with crushed peanuts.
NepalDal Bhat Tarkari (Nepali Lentils, Rice and Vegetable Curry)
Nepal's everyday meal on one plate: silky lentil dal, fluffy rice (bhat) and a spiced potato and cauliflower tarkari, finished with a sizzling garlic and cumin tempering.
IndiaDal Tadka (Tempered Yellow Lentils)
India's everyday comfort dish: slow-simmered yellow lentils finished with a sizzling pour of ghee, cumin and garlic.
TaiwanDan Bing (Taiwanese Egg Crepe)
Taiwan's favourite breakfast-shop roll: a thin crepe made from a pourable batter, stuck to a spring onion omelette and rolled up.
ChinaDan Dan Noodles
Sichuan's famous saucy noodles: no broth, just nutty sesame paste, tingly chili oil and crisp-fried pork tossed through springy noodles.
UkraineDeruny (Ukrainian Potato Pancakes)
Ukraine's favourite potato pancakes: finely grated potato and onion bound with a little egg and flour, fried crisp in sunflower oil and served with sour cream.
KoreaDoenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew)
The everyday stew of the Korean table: fermented soybean paste in anchovy broth with potato, zucchini and tofu – earthy, savoury and comforting.
TürkiyeHome-Style Döner Kebab
Turkish döner made at home: a well-kneaded spiced meat log baked, shaved thin and crisped in a hot pan, stuffed into bread with salad, garlic yogurt and chilli sauce.
JapanDorayaki
Japan's beloved sweet: two soft, honey-scented pancakes sandwiched around a generous layer of sweet red bean paste.
EthiopiaDoro Wat
Ethiopia's festive chicken stew: heaps of slow-cooked red onion, berbere and spiced butter simmered into a deep red sauce with chicken and whole eggs.
IrelandDublin Coddle
Dublin's humble one-pot supper: pork sausages, bacon, potatoes and onions layered and slowly simmered in a peppery broth.
United StatesDutch Oven Peach Cobbler
The campfire classic: juicy cinnamon peaches under golden, buttery drop biscuits, baked in a cast-iron Dutch oven with hot coals below and on the lid.
NigeriaEfo Riro
Yoruba-style rich spinach stew: tender beef and smoked fish simmered in a red palm oil and pepper sauce with locust beans, folded with bright greens.
United StatesSous Vide-Style Spinach and Cheese Egg Bites
Velvety, custardy café-style egg bites made at home: eggs blended with cottage cheese and Monterey Jack, baked in a muffin tin with steam so they stay silky.
IndiaEgg Curry (Anda Curry)
India's everyday egg curry: boiled eggs, pan-fried until golden, then simmered in a rich onion and tomato masala gravy.
ChinaEgg Drop Soup
Ginger-scented chicken broth, lightly thickened, with beaten egg poured in a thin stream so it blooms into silky ribbons: China's ten-minute home soup.
United StatesEgg Foo Young
The Chinese-American takeout classic: fluffy egg patties packed with shrimp, bean sprouts and onion, smothered in a glossy brown gravy.
NigeriaEgusi Soup
Nigeria's beloved rich soup of ground melon seeds that set into soft, nutty curds in palm oil and peppers, with tender beef and leafy greens.
MexicoElote (Mexican Street Corn)
Mexico's favourite street snack: charcoal-charred corn brushed with mayo and crema, rolled in salty cotija and finished with chili and lime.
MexicoChicken Enchiladas Rojas
Mexican home cooking: corn tortillas bathed in a deep red guajillo chile sauce, rolled around shredded chicken and topped with crema and fresh cheese.
NetherlandsErwtensoep (Dutch Split Pea Soup)
The Netherlands’ winter classic: green split peas simmered until thick enough to stand a spoon in, with smoked sausage and pork.
BrazilEscondidinho de Carne Seca
Brazilian home-style bake of savoury shredded dried beef hidden under a silky cassava mash and a golden layer of melted cheese.
LebanonFalafel
Lebanese falafel made from soaked raw chickpeas and lots of herbs, fried crisp outside and green and tender inside, tucked into pita with tahini sauce.
NorwayFårikål
Norway's national dish: bone-in lamb and cabbage layered with whole black peppercorns and gently stewed in a little water until meltingly tender.
SenegalFataya (Senegalese Beef Turnovers)
Dakar street-food favourite: crisp fried half-moon pastries stuffed with spiced minced beef, served with a tangy onion and tomato sauce.
LebanonFatteh (Lebanese Chickpea and Yogurt Pita)
A beloved Lebanese breakfast: crisp toasted pita topped with warm chickpeas, garlicky yogurt and pine nuts sizzled in butter.
LebanonFattoush
Lebanon's everyday bread salad: crisp fried pita, crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs tossed in a tangy sumac and pomegranate dressing.
BrazilFeijão Tropeiro
Minas Gerais classic: tender-firm beans tossed with crisp bacon, smoked sausage, soft scrambled egg and greens, bound with toasty cassava flour.
IranFesenjan (Persian Chicken in Pomegranate-Walnut Sauce)
Iran's festive stew: chicken thighs slowly simmered in finely ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses until dark, glossy and sweet-sour.
EgyptFeteer Meshaltet
Egypt's flaky layered pastry: dough stretched paper-thin, brushed with plenty of ghee, folded and baked, served with honey, white cheese and molasses-tahini.
ItalyFettuccine Alfredo
The original Roman way: fettuccine tossed with butter, Parmigiano and starchy pasta water into a glossy, creamy sauce with no cream at all.
CambodiaFish Amok (Amok Trey)
Cambodia's national dish: fish folded into a lemongrass-galangal kroeung and coconut milk custard, gently steamed in banana-leaf cups.
NorwayFiskesuppe (Norwegian Creamy Fish Soup)
Norway's home-style fish soup: butter-softened vegetables in a creamy fish stock, with tender chunks of cod, salmon and prawns poached in at the end.
ItalyFocaccia
Ligurian-style flatbread soaked in olive oil, crisp outside and soft inside, with deep dimples holding pools of salty brine.
PortugalFrancesinha
Porto's legendary sandwich: sausages, linguiça, steak and ham stacked in bread, smothered in melted cheese and drowned in a rich beer-tomato sauce.
FranceFrench Onion Soup
Onions cooked slowly in butter until deep brown, simmered in beef stock and baked under baguette and melted Gruyère, the classic French bistro soup.
FranceFrench Toast (Pain Perdu)
France's thrifty classic: day-old baguette soaked in sweet egg custard and fried golden in butter, crisp outside and creamy, almost custardy, inside.
TunisiaTunisian Fricassé
Tunisia’s favourite street sandwich: little fried bread rolls, puffy and golden, split and filled with harissa, tuna, potato, egg and olives.
CubaCuban Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)
Dried black beans simmered until creamy, then thickened with an onion, pepper and garlic sofrito and cumin: the everyday Cuban pot served over white rice.
DenmarkFrikadeller
Denmark's beloved home-style meatballs: juicy pork patties with grated onion, pan-fried golden in butter and served with boiled potatoes.
EgyptFul Medames
Egypt's everyday breakfast: warm fava beans roughly mashed with garlic, cumin, lemon and olive oil, topped with tomato and parsley and scooped up with bread.
United KingdomFull English Breakfast
Britain's hearty plate of sausages, bacon, fried eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomato and buttered toast, all served hot at once.
IndonesiaGado-Gado
Jakarta's warm salad of blanched vegetables, potato, egg and crisp tofu and tempeh, smothered in a sweet, savoury peanut sauce.
ThailandGai Yang (Isan-Style Thai Grilled Chicken)
North-eastern Thai chicken marinated in garlic, coriander root, lemongrass and white pepper, roasted golden and dipped in tangy, toasted-rice jaew.
KoreaGalbi-jjim (Braised Beef Short Ribs)
Korea's festive braise: soaked beef short ribs simmered in a pear and soy sauce until tender, then glazed with radish, carrot and shiitake.
KoreaGalbitang (Korean Beef Short Rib Soup)
A clear, deeply beefy Korean soup of tender short ribs simmered with radish, served with glass noodles, spring onion and a bowl of rice.
KoreaGamjatang (Korean Pork Bone and Potato Stew)
Korea's beloved bone stew: slow-simmered pork neck bones and floury potatoes in a spicy gochugaru broth thickened with nutty ground perilla seeds.
IndiaGarlic Naan
Soft, chewy Indian flatbread with golden blistered spots, brushed with garlic ghee and cilantro, made in a frying pan instead of a tandoor.
SpainAndalusian Gazpacho
Andalusia's cold summer soup: ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, garlic and bread blended silky with olive oil and sherry vinegar.
GreeceGemista (Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers)
Greece's summer classic: hollowed tomatoes and peppers filled with herby tomato rice, baked slowly with potatoes and plenty of olive oil.
EthiopiaGenfo
Ethiopia's hearty breakfast porridge: toasted barley flour stirred into boiling water until thick, shaped into a mound and filled with berbere butter, ringed with yogurt.
AustriaGermknödel (Austrian Steamed Yeast Dumpling)
A big, fluffy steamed yeast dumpling filled with thick plum butter, drowned in melted butter and showered with poppy seed sugar, as served in Austrian ski huts.
IranGhormeh Sabzi
Iran's beloved herb stew: tender lamb, kidney beans and dried limes simmered slowly with a mountain of fried green herbs.
KenyaGitheri
Kenya's everyday one-pot meal: dried maize and red beans simmered until tender, then cooked down with onion, tomato and potato.
ItalyPotato Gnocchi with Tomato and Basil
Soft, pillowy Italian potato dumplings made from just potatoes and flour, finished in a garlicky tomato sauce with basil and Parmigiano.
VietnamGỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Pork)
Southern Vietnam's fresh rolls: poached shrimp and pork, rice vermicelli, lettuce and herbs wrapped in rice paper and dipped in a nutty hoisin-peanut sauce.
HungaryHungarian Goulash Soup
Hungary's gulyás: beef simmered with onions and plenty of sweet paprika into a rich, brick-red soup full of potatoes, carrots and peppers.
FranceGratin Dauphinois
Thin potato slices simmered in milk and cream, then slow-baked in a garlic-rubbed dish until golden: the cheese-free classic from the Dauphiné.
GreeceGreek salad (horiatiki)
The real Greek village salad: ripe tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion and olives under a whole slab of feta, oregano and plenty of olive oil. No lettuce.
ThailandThai Green Curry with Chicken (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Thailand's beloved home curry: green curry paste fried in coconut cream, simmered with chicken and eggplant, finished with Thai basil.
GhanaGhanaian Groundnut Soup (Nkatenkwan)
Ghana's beloved peanut soup: chicken steamed in its own juices, simmered with blended tomato and scotch bonnet, then enriched with cooked groundnut paste.
TaiwanGua Bao (Taiwanese Pork Belly Bun)
Taiwan's night-market classic: a soft folded steamed bun stuffed with soy-braised pork belly, tangy mustard greens, sweet peanut powder and cilantro.
MexicoClassic Guacamole
Mexico's everyday avocado dip, mashed by hand with onion, fresh chili, cilantro and lime: chunky, bright and made for tortilla chips.
IndiaGulab Jamun
India's festive Diwali sweet: soft milk-powder dumplings, fried slowly to deep golden brown and soaked in warm cardamom and rose-water syrup.
United StatesChicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Louisiana's signature stew: a roux cooked to milk-chocolate brown, the holy trinity of vegetables, chicken and smoked sausage, simmered and spooned over rice.
KoreaGyeran-jjim (Korean Steamed Eggs)
Eggs seasoned with salted shrimp, stirred in an earthenware pot and puffed up like a volcano under the lid: Korea's fluffy, comforting egg side dish.
JapanGyoza (Pan-Fried Japanese Dumplings)
Pork, cabbage and garlic chive dumplings in thin pleated wrappers, fried and steamed in one pan for crisp golden bottoms and juicy tops.
GreecePork Gyros Pita
Greece's favourite street wrap made at home: thin, spiced pork strips seared until crisp-edged, rolled in warm pita with tzatziki, tomato, onion and chips.
JapanGyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
Japan's everyday beef bowl: thin beef and onion briefly simmered in a sweet-savoury dashi and soy broth, spooned over rice.
KoreaHaemul Pajeon (Korean Seafood Scallion Pancake)
A crisp-edged Korean pancake packed with whole scallions, squid and shrimp, cut into squares and dipped in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce.
SingaporeHainanese chicken rice
Singapore's national favourite: chicken legs gently poached in ginger-scented water, rice cooked in that broth and chicken fat, with chilli and ginger sauces.
HungaryHalászlé (Hungarian Fisherman's Soup)
Hungary's fiery red fish soup: a broth of fish bones and onions, coloured with plenty of paprika, in which chunks of carp or catfish gently poach.
PakistanHaleem
Pakistan's slow-cooked porridge of wheat, barley and three lentils with beef, beaten until silky and stretchy, crowned with crisp fried onions.
United Arab EmiratesHarees
The Emirati classic of Ramadan and Eid: whole wheat and chicken simmered for hours, then beaten into a smooth, stretchy porridge and topped with ghee.
MoroccoHarira
Morocco's beloved tomato, lentil and chickpea soup with tender lamb, fresh herbs and warm spices, thickened to a velvety finish and served with lemon.
EgyptHawawshi
Egypt's favourite street snack: pita bread stuffed with a thin layer of spiced minced beef, onion and chilli, then baked until crisp.
JapanHayashi Rice (Japanese Beef and Tomato Stew over Rice)
A Japanese home classic made without roux blocks: thin beef and sweet sautéed onions simmered with tomato, red wine and Worcestershire, spooned over rice.
KoreaHobakjuk (Korean Pumpkin Porridge)
Silky, gently sweet Korean kabocha porridge thickened with glutinous rice flour and dotted with chewy little rice-flour dumplings.
New ZealandHokey Pokey Ice Cream
New Zealand's favourite flavour: creamy no-churn vanilla ice cream loaded with crunchy homemade honeycomb toffee, no ice-cream machine needed.
SingaporeHokkien Mee (Singapore Prawn Noodles)
Singapore's hawker favourite: yellow noodles and rice vermicelli fried and braised in a rich prawn and pork stock until slick and saucy.
UkraineHolubtsi (Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls)
Ukrainian home cooking at its coziest: blanched cabbage leaves rolled around meat and rice, braised in a tomato and sour cream sauce until spoon-tender.
Sri LankaHoppers (Appa) and Egg Hoppers
Sri Lanka's favourite breakfast: a fermented rice-flour and coconut batter swirled in a round pan into bowls with lacy, crisp edges and soft, spongy centres.
ChinaHot and Sour Soup
A thick, warming Chinese soup of shiitake, wood ear, tofu and pork, sharpened with black vinegar and the slow heat of white pepper.
United StatesHot Honey Salmon with Crisp Cucumber Salad
Juicy roasted salmon lacquered with chili-infused honey and finished under the broiler, served with a cool, tangy cucumber and dill salad.
KoreaHotteok (Korean Brown Sugar Pancakes)
Chewy yeasted pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and peanuts, pressed flat in the pan so the first bite releases hot syrup. Korea's favourite winter street snack.
Türkiyeİmam Bayıldı
Turkey's famous olive-oil dish: whole fried aubergines stuffed with soft onion, tomato and garlic, then gently simmered until melting.
IrelandIrish Stew
Ireland's classic one-pot supper: tender lamb, onions, carrots and potatoes simmered slowly with thyme until the potatoes thicken the broth.
Türkiyeİskender Kebab
Bursa's famous dish: thin slices of spiced beef over toasted pide with tomato-butter sauce and yogurt, finished with sizzling butter poured at the table.
JamaicaJamaican Beef Patties
Jamaica's favourite hand-held snack: flaky golden pastry tinted with turmeric and curry, filled with moist beef spiced with scotch bonnet, thyme and allspice.
United StatesJambalaya
New Orleans' spicy one-pot rice: chicken, smoked sausage and shrimp cooked with onion, celery, pepper, tomato and Creole spices.
SwedenJanssons frestelse (Jansson's Temptation)
Sweden's festive potato gratin: thin potato sticks, soft onions and spiced sprats baked in cream under a golden, buttery crumb crust.
JapanJapanese Curry Rice (Kare Raisu)
Japan's mild, glossy home-style pork curry, thickened with a roux you toast yourself from butter, flour and curry powder.
JapanJapanese Yogurt Cheesecake (Two-Ingredient, No-Bake)
The viral Japanese no-bake trick: bury biscuits in thick Greek yogurt overnight and they turn into soft cake inside a creamy, cheesecake-like set.
KoreaJapchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Chewy sweet potato glass noodles tossed with beef, colourful vegetables, soy sauce and sesame oil, the star of every Korean celebration table.
Saudi ArabiaJareesh
A comforting Najdi porridge from Saudi Arabia: cracked whole wheat simmered with chicken broth and yogurt, topped with onions fried in ghee.
JamaicaJerk Chicken
Jamaica's fiery classic: chicken thighs marinated overnight in a paste of spring onion, Scotch bonnet, allspice and thyme, then roasted until charred at the edges.
IsraelJerusalem Mixed Grill (Me'orav Yerushalmi)
The Jerusalem street-food legend: chicken thigh, hearts and livers seared hard with onion, cumin and turmeric, stuffed into pita with tahini.
KoreaJeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Pork)
Thin slices of pork marinated in a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce and stir-fried hard with onion, carrot and leek: Korea's favourite rice-stealer of a home dish.
ChinaPork and Napa Cabbage Jiaozi (Boiled Dumplings)
Northern China's everyday boiled dumplings: juicy whipped pork and salted, squeezed napa cabbage in thin wrappers, with a black vinegar dip.
KoreaJjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles)
Korea's favourite Chinese-style noodle dish: chewy noodles under a glossy sauce of fried black bean paste, pork and plenty of sweet onion.
KoreaJjamppong (Korean Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
Korea's other Chinese-style classic beside jjajangmyeon: a fiery, smoky red broth built on chili oil and loaded with squid, shrimp, mussels and vegetables.
KoreaAndong Jjimdak (Korean Soy-Braised Chicken)
Chicken braised with potatoes, carrots and chewy glass noodles in a sweet, savoury, gently spicy soy sauce: Korea's favourite rice companion.
IranJoojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebab)
Iran's favourite chicken kebab: chunks marinated in saffron, lemon, onion and yogurt, grilled over charcoal and brushed with saffron butter.
Saudi ArabiaChicken Kabsa
Saudi Arabia's festive one-pot rice: chicken simmered with warm spices and dried lime, its broth cooked into fluffy basmati and topped with almonds and raisins.
TunisiaKafteji
A Tunis street classic: fried potatoes, squash, peppers and tomato chopped together with fried eggs, harissa and caraway, scooped up with crusty bread.
AustriaKaiserschmarrn (Austrian Torn Pancake)
Austria's favourite dessert: a fluffy, meringue-lightened pancake torn into pieces in the pan and lightly caramelised, served with icing sugar and fruit compote.
SwedenKanelbullar (Swedish Cinnamon Buns)
Sweden's favourite bun: a soft, cardamom-scented dough rolled around buttery cinnamon filling, glazed with egg and scattered with pearl sugar.
PhilippinesKare-Kare
The Filipino feast stew: slow-simmered, fall-apart oxtail in a nutty peanut sauce, with blanched vegetables and salty bagoong on the side.
TürkiyeKarnıyarık (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant)
Whole fried eggplants split open and packed with spiced minced beef, topped with tomato and green pepper and baked: Turkish home cooking at its best.
GermanyKartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
Finely grated potato and onion, squeezed dry and shallow-fried into thin pancakes with lacy, crisp edges and a tender centre, served with applesauce.
GermanyKartoffelsalat (German Potato Salad)
Southern German potato salad without mayo: warm sliced potatoes soaked in a hot broth, vinegar and onion dressing until creamy, tangy and moist.
GermanyKäsespätzle
Swabian and Allgäu comfort food: fresh egg spätzle layered with melting mountain cheese and crowned with sweet butter-fried onions.
RussiaGrechnevaya Kasha (Russian Buckwheat Kasha with Mushrooms, Onion and Egg)
Russia's everyday comfort bowl: toasted buckwheat cooked fluffy and nutty, then stirred with butter, golden onion, browned mushrooms and chopped boiled egg.
JapanKatsu Sando
Japan's cult sandwich: a thick, crisp pork loin cutlet dipped in sweet-tangy tonkatsu sauce and pressed between pillowy white bread.
JapanKatsudon (Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl)
Japan's favourite rice bowl: a crisp fried pork cutlet simmered with onion in sweet dashi and soy, then blanketed in softly set egg over rice.
SingaporeKaya Toast
Singapore's favourite breakfast: crisp toast sandwiching pandan coconut custard jam (kaya) and cold butter, with soft-boiled eggs seasoned with soy and white pepper.
MoroccoKefta Tagine
A Moroccan home favourite: little cumin and paprika beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, with eggs cracked in and bread for scooping.
GhanaKelewele
Ghana's favourite street snack: very ripe plantain cubes soaked in a fiery ginger, onion and chilli paste, then fried until caramelised and crisp at the edges.
KenyaKenyan Beef Pilau
Kenya's celebration rice: basmati cooked in beef broth with deeply browned onions and freshly ground pilau masala, served with a zingy kachumbari salad.
GeorgiaAdjarian Khachapuri
Georgia's famous cheese boat from Adjara on the Black Sea: soft bread filled with salty, melting cheese, topped with an egg yolk and butter.
ThailandKhao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice)
Bangkok's street chicken rice: tender chicken poached in ginger-pandan stock, garlicky chicken-fat rice cooked in that stock, and a punchy fermented soybean sauce.
ThailandKhao Pad Gai (Thai Chicken Fried Rice)
Thailand's everyday fried rice: jasmine rice tossed hot with egg, chicken and tomato, seasoned with fish sauce and served with lime and fiery prik nam pla.
ThailandKhao Soi
Chiang Mai's signature noodle soup: tender chicken legs and egg noodles in a golden coconut curry broth, crowned with crispy fried noodles.
IndiaKheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
India's best-loved home dessert: basmati rice slowly simmered in milk with cardamom and saffron, finished with almonds, pistachios and raisins.
GeorgiaKhinkali
Georgia's beloved dumplings: thin pleated dough wrapped around peppery meat that turns into a pool of hot broth inside. Hold the knob and sip first.
LebanonBaked Kibbeh (Kibbeh bil Sanieh)
Lebanon's family tray kibbeh: a bulgur and minced meat crust wrapped around spiced meat and pine nuts, scored in diamonds and baked golden.
NetherlandsKibbeling (Dutch Battered Fish Bites)
The Dutch market-stall favourite: spice-seasoned chunks of cod fried in a crisp, light batter and served with garlic sauce and lemon.
EthiopiaKik Alicha
Ethiopia's gentle golden stew of yellow split peas simmered with onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric: creamy, mild and deeply comforting.
KoreaKimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)
Korea's favourite lunchbox food: sesame-scented rice rolled tightly in seaweed around egg, spinach, carrot, ham and yellow pickled radish.
KoreaKimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)
Ripe kimchi and pork fried in scallion oil, tossed with day-old rice and topped with a fried egg: Korea's favourite quick home meal.
KoreaKimchi Jeon (Korean Kimchi Pancake)
A thin, crisp-edged pancake made with well-fermented kimchi and its juice: the savoury Korean comfort snack everyone craves on a rainy day.
Sri LankaKiribath (Sri Lankan Milk Rice)
Sri Lanka's celebration breakfast: soft rice simmered in coconut milk, pressed flat and cut into diamonds, served with fiery lunu miris onion sambol.
EthiopiaKitfo (Leb Leb)
Ethiopia's celebration dish: finely minced lean beef folded into warm spiced butter and fiery mitmita, served just warmed with fresh cheese and greens.
NorwayKjøttkaker (Norwegian Meat Cakes in Brown Gravy)
Norway's everyday comfort food: tender beef patties spiced with nutmeg and ginger, simmered in rich brown gravy with boiled potatoes and lingonberries.
SwedenKladdkaka
Sweden's favourite sticky chocolate cake: a thin crisp top over a gooey, fudgy centre, made in one bowl in about 30 minutes.
TürkiyeIzgara köfte
Turkey's everyday grilled meatballs: beef seasoned with onion, cumin and pul biber, seared until juicy and served with sumac onion salad, blistered peppers and bread.
EgyptEgyptian Konafa with Cream (Konafa bel Eshta)
Buttery shredded pastry baked golden around a soft milk-cream filling, then soaked with cold syrup: Egypt's favourite celebration dessert, made at home.
KoreaKongguksu (Korean Cold Soy Milk Noodles)
Thin wheat noodles in a thick, nutty, ice-cold broth of freshly cooked and blended soybeans, topped with cucumber: Korea's classic summer noodle.
KoreaJeonju-Style Kongnamul Gukbap (Soybean Sprout Rice Soup)
Jeonju's famous comfort soup: crunchy soybean sprouts in anchovy-kelp broth over warmed rice, with a soft poached egg and toasted seaweed.
GhanaKontomire Stew
Ghana's home-style green stew: cocoyam leaves simmered in a palm-oil tomato sauce with fluffy egusi curds and smoked fish, crowned with boiled eggs.
PolandKopytka
Poland's soft potato dumplings shaped like little hooves, boiled until tender and tossed with crisp bacon, golden butter-fried onion and dill.
KoreaYangnyeom Chicken (Korean Fried Chicken)
Boneless chicken thighs fried twice until shatteringly crisp, then tossed in a sticky sweet-and-spicy gochujang glaze, the way Koreans make it at home.
EgyptKoshari
Egypt's favourite street food: lentil rice, macaroni and chickpeas under a tangy tomato sauce, crispy fried onions and a sharp garlic-vinegar dressing.
PolandKotlet Schabowy (Polish Breaded Pork Cutlet)
Thinly pounded pork loin in fine breadcrumbs, fried golden in lard: Poland's classic Sunday lunch, served with dill potatoes and a cucumber and sour cream salad.
GreeceKotopoulo lemonato (Greek lemon chicken with potatoes)
A Greek family favourite: bone-in chicken and potatoes roasted in one tray with lemon, olive oil, garlic and oregano, so the potatoes soak up the tangy juices.
Sri LankaKottu Roti
Sri Lanka's favourite street food: chopped flatbread stir-fried and clattered on the griddle with curry chicken, vegetables and egg until it soaks up the gravy.
MalaysiaKuih Dadar
Malaysia's favourite teatime roll: thin crêpes tinted green with fresh pandan juice, wrapped around moist coconut cooked in gula melaka palm sugar.
IranKuku Sabzi
Iran's herb frittata: a mountain of chopped parsley, coriander and dill bound with egg, studded with walnuts and tart barberries, crisp outside and moist within.
TürkiyeKumpir (Turkish Loaded Baked Potato)
Istanbul's street-food favourite: a giant baked potato mashed in its skin with butter and stretchy cheese, then piled high with corn, olives, pickles and sausage.
ChinaKung Pao Chicken
Sichuan's best-loved stir-fry: juicy chicken thigh and crunchy peanuts tossed in chili and Sichuan pepper oil with a glossy sweet-sour sauce.
CambodiaKuy Teav (Cambodian Pork Noodle Soup)
Cambodia's breakfast noodle soup: a clear, gently sweet broth of pork bones, dried shrimp and daikon over rice noodles, pork and prawns, scented with garlic oil.
TunisiaLablabi
Tunisia's beloved breakfast soup: garlicky cumin chickpea broth ladled over stale bread, topped with a poached egg, harissa, tuna, capers and olive oil.
UzbekistanUzbek Lagman (Beef and Vegetable Noodle Stew)
Cumin-scented beef stewed with radish, peppers and tomato into a rich, brothy sauce ladled over chewy thick wheat noodles: Uzbekistan's beloved noodle dish.
TürkiyeLahmacun
Turkey's paper-thin flatbread, spread with a spiced mixture of minced meat, vegetables and pepper paste and baked crisp in a very hot oven.
MyanmarLahpet Thoke (Burmese Tea Leaf Salad)
Fermented tea leaves dressed with garlic oil and lime, tossed with crunchy peanuts, fried beans and garlic chips: Myanmar's salty, tangy, gently bitter signature salad.
MalaysiaCurry Laksa
Malaysia's beloved noodle soup: a fried spice paste simmered with chicken stock and coconut milk, poured over noodles, prawns and tofu puffs.
AustraliaLamingtons
Australia's favourite teatime treat: squares of light butter sponge dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut.
HungaryLángos
Hungary's favourite street snack: a soft potato dough stretched thin, fried golden and loaded with garlic water, sour cream and grated cheese.
NorwayLapskaus (Norwegian Brown Stew)
Norway's everyday comfort stew: browned beef, potatoes, swede and carrot simmered until the potatoes break down into a thick, savoury gravy.
ThailandLarb Gai (Thai Minced Chicken Salad)
A warm salad from Isan in northeast Thailand: juicy minced chicken tossed with lime, fish sauce, chilli, toasted rice powder and handfuls of mint.
ItalyLasagne alla Bolognese
Bologna's Sunday classic: layers of tender pasta, slow-simmered beef and pork ragù, silky béchamel and Parmigiano, baked until golden and bubbling.
GermanyLebkuchen (German Christmas Spice Cookies)
Soft, chewy Nuremberg-style Christmas cookies made with ground almonds and hazelnuts, honey, cinnamon, clove and candied peel, finished with a lemon glaze.
PhilippinesLeche Flan
The Philippines' festive caramel custard: egg yolks with condensed and evaporated milk make it far richer and silkier than a classic crème caramel.
PhilippinesLechon Kawali
The Philippines' famous crispy pork belly: simmered tender in peppery broth, dried, then deep-fried until the skin crackles and blisters.
HungaryLecsó (Hungarian Pepper and Tomato Stew)
Hungary's summer comfort dish: pale sweet peppers and onion softened in lard, then simmered with ripe tomatoes, paprika and smoked sausage, eaten with crusty bread.
GhanaGhanaian Light Soup
Ghana's clear, peppery tomato soup: chicken steamed in its own juices with ginger and garlic, then simmered in a silky blended tomato and pepper broth.
ChinaRed-Braised Lion's Head Meatballs (Hong Shao Shizitou)
Shanghai's famous giant pork meatballs, seared golden then slowly braised in soy sauce and rock sugar with silky napa cabbage.
GeorgiaLobio
Georgia's beloved bean stew: soft, half-mashed red kidney beans cooked with fried onion, walnuts, garlic, coriander and Georgian spices.
ArgentinaLocro
Argentina's national stew: white hominy, beans, pork, chorizo and squash simmered until thick and creamy, topped with a spicy paprika oil.
New ZealandLolly Cake
New Zealand's no-bake party favourite: crushed malt biscuits, butter and condensed milk studded with colourful fruit lollies, rolled in coconut and sliced.
PeruLomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef and Fries Stir-Fry)
Peru's beloved Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry: beef, red onion and tomato tossed over fierce heat in soy and vinegar, served with fries and white rice.
GreeceLoukoumades (Greek Honey Doughnuts)
Greece's favourite street sweet: bite-size yeasted doughnuts, crisp outside and airy inside, soaked in honey syrup with cinnamon and walnuts.
TaiwanLu Rou Fan (Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice)
Skin-on pork belly cut into little strips, braised glossy with fried shallots, soy and five-spice, and spooned over steamed rice: Taiwan's favourite home bowl.
PhilippinesLumpiang Shanghai (Filipino Pork Spring Rolls)
Slim, cigar-thin rolls of seasoned pork fried until shatteringly crisp: the spring roll no Filipino party is complete without.
United Arab EmiratesLuqaimat
The UAE's favourite sweet: saffron and cardamom yeasted dough fried into crisp, chewy little balls, drizzled with date syrup and sesame.
United StatesMac and Cheese
America's favourite comfort food: elbow macaroni folded into a velvety butter-and-flour sauce loaded with melted sharp cheddar, made on the stovetop.
FranceMadeleines
Classic French shell-shaped tea cakes with a proud hump, fragrant with lemon zest, honey and melted butter.
United Arab EmiratesMadrouba
A comforting Emirati porridge of rice and chicken simmered with baharat, cardamom and dried lime, beaten until silky and finished with ghee.
SenegalBeef Mafé
Senegal's rich peanut stew: beef simmered with peanut butter and tomato, loaded with sweet potato, carrot and cabbage, and spooned over rice.
IndiaMalai Kofta (Paneer and Potato Dumplings in Creamy Tomato Gravy)
North India's festive curry: golden fried paneer and potato dumplings hiding a raisin centre, served under a silky tomato, cashew and cream gravy.
IsraelMalawach (Yemenite Flaky Pan-Fried Bread)
The Yemenite Jewish breakfast bread: ghee-laminated dough coiled and pan-fried into crisp, flaky layers, served with grated tomato, zhug and a boiled egg.
South AfricaMalva Pudding
South Africa's favourite warm pudding: a light apricot-jam sponge baked until caramel-dark, then soaked straight from the oven in a hot cream and butter sauce.
LebanonManakish with Za'atar
Lebanon's favourite breakfast bread: soft, chewy dough spread thickly with za'atar and olive oil and baked in a blazing-hot oven.
KenyaMandazi (Kenyan Cardamom Doughnuts)
East Africa's favourite snack: lightly sweet, cardamom-scented dough cut into triangles and fried until golden outside and fluffy within.
Saudi ArabiaMandi
Yemeni-Saudi rice dish: fragrant basmati cooked in spiced chicken broth, topped with golden-roasted chicken and finished with a puff of charcoal smoke.
ThailandMango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Thailand's favourite dessert: steamed glutinous rice soaked in a sweet-salty coconut sauce, served with perfectly ripe mango.
UzbekistanManti
Uzbekistan's big steamed dumplings: thin dough wrapped around a cumin-scented meat and onion filling, steamed until juicy and served with yogurt.
ItalyMargherita Pizza
Naples' classic in a home oven: a chewy, blistered crust with bright tomato, melting mozzarella, fresh basil and a thread of olive oil.
IndonesiaMartabak Manis
Indonesia's night-market favourite: a thick honeycomb pancake loaded with butter, chocolate, peanuts, cheese and condensed milk, then folded in half.
IndiaMasala Dosa
South India's favourite breakfast: a paper-thin, crisp crêpe of fermented rice and urad dal batter, folded around a turmeric-spiced potato masala.
ThailandMassaman Curry
Southern Thailand's mild, gently sweet curry: chicken, potatoes and peanuts simmered in coconut milk with a massaman paste warm with cinnamon and cardamom.
UzbekistanMastava (Uzbek Rice Soup)
A comforting Uzbek home soup: browned beef, onion, carrot and tomato simmered with rice and potato until thick and soft, topped with yogurt and dill.
United StatesMeatloaf
The American classic: a tender beef loaf with onion and breadcrumbs, baked under a sweet-tangy ketchup glaze.
ArgentinaMedialunas de Manteca
Argentina's breakfast pastry: a sweet, buttery laminated yeast dough rolled into small crescents and brushed with hot sugar syrup for a sticky shine.
MalaysiaMee Goreng Mamak
Malaysia's mamak-stall classic: yellow noodles wok-fried with chili paste, sweet soy and ketchup, tossed with shrimp, crisp tofu and crushed potato.
South AfricaMelktert (South African Milk Tart)
South Africa's beloved milk tart: a crisp butter pastry case filled with a silky, cinnamon-scented milk custard and dusted with cinnamon.
JapanMentaiko Pasta
Japan's café classic: hot spaghetti tossed with salty, buttery spicy pollock roe, no cooking for the sauce, topped with shiso and nori.
TürkiyeMercimek Çorbası (Turkish Red Lentil Soup)
Turkey's everyday soup: red lentils simmered with onion and carrot, blended smooth and finished with chilli butter and a squeeze of lemon.
ArgentinaMilanesa (Argentine Breaded Beef Cutlet)
Argentina's everyday favourite: thin beef soaked in garlic-parsley egg, pressed into breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crisp.
New ZealandMince and Cheese Pie
New Zealand's favourite bakery pie: savoury beef mince in rich gravy under a layer of melting cheddar, in a crisp shortcrust base with a flaky puff lid.
ItalyMinestrone
Italy's everyday vegetable soup: slowly softened vegetables simmered with tomato, cannellini beans and little pasta, finished with Parmigiano and olive oil.
JapanTofu & Wakame Miso Soup
Japan's everyday soup: a clear homemade kombu and bonito dashi with silky tofu and wakame, with the miso stirred in just before boiling to keep its aroma.
Puerto RicoMofongo
Puerto Rico's signature dish: fried green plantains pounded with garlic, olive oil and crunchy chicharrón, shaped into a dome and served with hot broth.
MyanmarMohinga (Burmese Fish Noodle Soup)
Myanmar's beloved breakfast: a thick lemongrass and ginger fish broth ladled over thin rice noodles, topped with boiled egg, coriander and lime.
NigeriaMoi Moi (Nigerian Steamed Bean Pudding)
Peeled black-eyed beans blended with red pepper and hot chilli, enriched with oil and seasoning and steamed around boiled egg into a soft, savoury pudding.
MexicoChicken in Mole Poblano
Puebla's festive classic made doable at home: poached chicken in a glossy, deep sauce of toasted dried chiles, nuts, spices and chocolate.
EgyptMolokhia
Egypt's beloved home soup: finely minced jute leaves simmered in chicken broth and finished with a sizzling garlic and coriander ta'leya.
NepalNepali Chicken Momo with Tomato Achar
Nepal's favourite dumplings: juicy chicken filling scented with timur pepper and coriander, pleated in thin wrappers, steamed and dipped in roasted tomato-sesame achar.
BrazilMoqueca baiana
Bahia's signature fish stew: lime-marinated white fish layered with tomato, onion and pepper, simmered in coconut milk and red dendê oil.
MoroccoSeven-Vegetable Couscous
Morocco's Friday couscous: fluffy steamed semolina crowned with tender beef and seven vegetables, all moistened with a golden, gently spiced broth.
BelgiumMoules-frites
Belgium's national dish: mussels steamed in white wine with butter, celery and onion, served with crisp double-fried fries and mayonnaise.
FranceMousse au chocolat
France's classic home dessert: melted dark chocolate and egg yolks lightened with gently folded meringue, chilled until airy and set.
MoroccoMsemen
Morocco's square breakfast flatbread: dough stretched paper-thin, layered with butter and semolina, folded and griddled until flaky, crisp and chewy. Serve with honey and mint tea.
LebanonMujaddara (Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions)
The humble one-pot dish every Lebanese family knows: lentils and rice cooked together with cumin, crowned with a heap of deeply browned onions.
ItalyMushroom Risotto
Creamy Italian risotto ai funghi: rice slowly cooked in hot stock with golden mushrooms and porcini, finished with butter and Parmesan.
Saudi ArabiaMutabbaq
Saudi street food: paper-thin dough wrapped around spiced minced meat, egg and spring onion, folded into a square and fried crisp in ghee.
KoreaMul-naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles in Icy Beef Broth)
Chewy buckwheat noodles in an icy, sweet-tangy beef broth with quick radish pickles, tender brisket, pear and egg: Korea's favourite summer bowl.
MyanmarNan Gyi Thoke (Burmese Thick Rice Noodle Salad)
A favourite Burmese breakfast: thick rice noodles tossed with rich chicken curry, toasted chickpea flour, shallot oil, fish sauce and lime.
CanadaNanaimo Bars
Canada's famous no-bake slice: a chocolate, coconut and crumb base, a smooth custard buttercream middle and a thin snap of chocolate on top.
JapanNasu Dengaku (Miso-Glazed Eggplant)
A Japanese home classic: halved eggplant pan-roasted until creamy inside, spread with sweet-savoury miso glaze and grilled until bubbling.
United StatesClassic New York Cheesecake
The real New York slice: a dense, ultra-creamy cream cheese filling baked low and slow on a crisp graham cracker crust.
NigeriaNigerian Fried Rice
Nigeria's party favourite: rice parboiled in curry-and-thyme chicken stock, then stir-fried with prawns, bright vegetables and butter.
PakistanNihari
Pakistan's slow-cooked beef stew: bone-in shank simmered for hours with warm spices until it melts into a thick, silky, gently fiery gravy.
JapanNikujaga (Japanese Beef and Potato Stew)
Japan's ultimate home-style simmered dish: thin beef and fluffy potatoes braised in a sweet, savoury dashi, soy and mirin broth.
JapanNikuman (Japanese Steamed Pork Buns)
Fluffy white buns filled with a juicy pork, shiitake and bamboo-shoot filling: the classic Japanese winter snack, made at home.
CambodiaNum Banh Chok
Cambodia's breakfast noodles: fine rice noodles under a turmeric-yellow fish and coconut gravy made with pounded kroeung, piled with crisp raw vegetables and herbs.
KenyaNyama Choma (Kenyan Grilled Meat with Kachumbari)
Kenya's beloved barbecue: bone-in goat seasoned simply with salt, garlic and ginger, slow-grilled over charcoal, chopped small and served with kachumbari salad and ugali.
JapanOden (Japanese Dashi Simmered Pot)
Japan's winter one-pot: daikon, eggs, konnyaku and assorted fish cakes slowly steeped in a clear kombu and bonito dashi until flavoured to the core.
MyanmarOhn No Khao Swe (Burmese Coconut Chicken Noodles)
Myanmar's beloved noodle soup: turmeric chicken in a coconut broth thickened with chickpea flour, over wheat noodles with boiled egg and lime.
JapanOkonomiyaki (Japanese Savoury Pancake)
Osaka-style cabbage pancake topped with crisp pork belly, sweet-tangy sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes that dance in the heat.
NetherlandsOliebollen (Dutch New Year's Doughnuts)
The round doughnuts every Dutch home eats on New Year's Eve: a light yeast batter studded with raisins and apple, fried and buried in icing sugar.
RussiaOlivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad)
Russia's beloved New Year salad: boiled potato, carrot and egg diced with ham, pickles and peas, all the same size, and folded through mayonnaise.
EgyptOm Ali
Egypt's favourite warm pudding: crisp-baked puff pastry tossed with nuts, raisins and coconut, soaked in sweet milk and baked until golden.
JapanOmurice (Japanese Omelette Rice)
A Japanese home favourite: chicken and onion fried rice tossed in ketchup, wrapped in a thin, soft omelette and finished with more ketchup.
JapanOnigiri (Salmon and Okaka)
Japan's everyday rice ball: freshly cooked rice, salted by hand, filled with flaked salmon or soy-seasoned bonito and wrapped in crisp nori.
ItalyOrecchiette alle Cime di Rapa
Puglia's signature home pasta: little ear-shaped orecchiette boiled with bitter broccoli rabe, tossed in garlic, anchovy and chili olive oil.
ItalyOssobuco alla Milanese
Milan's slow-braised veal shanks in white wine and butter, so tender the meat slips off the bone, finished with a fresh lemon-garlic gremolata.
TaiwanOyster Omelette (Taiwanese O-a-tsian)
A Taiwanese night-market icon: plump oysters set in a chewy-crisp sweet potato starch batter with egg and greens, smothered in a sweet-tangy red sauce.
VenezuelaPabellón Criollo
Venezuela's national dish: shredded braised beef, sweet-savoury black beans, white rice and golden fried ripe plantain on one plate.
PolandPączki (Polish Jam Doughnuts)
Poland's Fat Thursday doughnuts: a soft, yolk-rich yeast dough fried golden, filled with rose or plum jam and glazed with orange-peel icing.
ThailandPad See Ew (Thai Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Soy)
Thailand's street-food favourite: wide fresh rice noodles charred in sweet dark soy with egg, chicken and Chinese broccoli, smoky and gently sweet.
IndiaPalak Paneer (Spinach with Indian Cheese)
North Indian home-style curry: blanched spinach blended smooth, simmered with spices, with soft cubes of paneer cheese.
ThailandPanang Chicken Curry (Phanaeng Gai)
Thailand's thick, rich red curry: tender chicken in coconut cream fried with Panang paste and peanuts, sweet and salty, scented with lime leaves and basil.
United StatesFluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
The American breakfast classic: thick, tender pancakes with golden edges and a gentle tang from buttermilk, stacked with butter and warm maple syrup.
PhilippinesPancit Canton
The Philippines' party noodles: pork, chicken, prawns and vegetables stir-fried, then springy wheat noodles simmered until they soak up the savory stock.
IndiaPaneer Tikka
North India's favourite vegetarian kebab: cubes of paneer, pepper and red onion in a spiced yoghurt marinade, roasted until charred at the edges.
ItalyPanna Cotta
Piedmont's classic dessert: vanilla-scented cream barely set with gelatine so it melts on the tongue, served with a tangy berry sauce.
BrazilPão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
Minas Gerais-style cheese bread: cassava starch scalded with hot milk and oil, packed with cheese and baked until crisp outside and chewy inside.
PeruPapa a la Huancaína (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)
A Peruvian classic: tender yellow potatoes under a silky golden sauce of ají amarillo chilli, fresh cheese and milk, with egg and olives.
Sri LankaParippu
Sri Lanka's everyday dal curry: red lentils simmered with turmeric and curry leaves, softened with coconut milk and finished with a sizzling mustard-seed tempering.
ItalyPasta e Fagioli
Italy's thick, comforting bean and pasta soup: a pancetta soffritto, creamy beans and short pasta cooked together in one pot until the broth turns velvety.
PortugalPastéis de Nata
Portugal's famous custard tarts: shatteringly crisp spiralled puff pastry filled with lemon-and-cinnamon egg custard, baked very hot until blistered and caramelised.
ChilePastel de Choclo
Chile's summer bake: cumin-scented beef pino with chicken, egg, olives and raisins under a basil-scented sweet corn crust, sugared and baked golden.
Puerto RicoPuerto Rican Pastelón
Puerto Rico's sweet-and-savoury lasagne: fried ripe plantain strips layered with olive-studded beef picadillo and cheese, bound with egg and baked golden.
GreecePastitsio
Greece's beloved baked pasta: thick macaroni bound with egg and cheese, a cinnamon-scented meat sauce and a tall, golden béchamel crown.
ColombiaPatacones (Crispy Smashed Green Plantains)
Colombia's favourite side: green plantain fried, smashed flat, dipped in garlic water and fried again until shatteringly crisp, with fresh hogao.
SpainPatatas bravas
Spain's favourite bar tapa: chunky potatoes fried twice until crackly, under a smoky, gently fiery paprika sauce.
IndiaPav Bhaji
Mumbai's beloved street food: a buttery, spiced mash of vegetables cooked down in a wide pan and scooped up with soft, butter-toasted bread rolls.
CanadaPeameal Bacon Sandwich
Toronto's signature sandwich: cornmeal-crusted Canadian back bacon fried golden, piled high on a soft roll with nothing but yellow mustard.
RussiaPelmeni (Russian Meat Dumplings)
Russia's favourite dumplings: thin dough wrapped around a juicy beef and pork filling, folded into little ears, boiled and served with butter, sour cream and dill.
NigeriaNigerian Goat Meat Pepper Soup
Nigeria's beloved restorative soup: bone-in goat simmered with pepper soup spice and scotch bonnet into a fiery, deeply aromatic broth.
South AfricaPeri-Peri Chicken
Born of Portuguese Mozambique and loved all over South Africa: chicken marinated in a homemade fiery, tangy chilli sauce and roasted until charred.
Puerto RicoPernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder)
Puerto Rico's festive roast: skin-on pork shoulder marinated overnight in garlic, oregano and vinegar adobo, slow-roasted until fork-tender under shatteringly crisp skin.
ItalyPasta al Pesto Genovese
Liguria's classic home pasta: fresh basil, pine nuts, cheese and olive oil blitzed into a bright green pesto and tossed with pasta, potatoes and green beans.
United StatesPhilly Cheesesteak
Philadelphia's signature sandwich: thin-shaved ribeye seared hot, piled with soft onions and melted provolone in a long hoagie roll.
CubaPicadillo
Cuba's everyday comfort dish: minced beef simmered in tomato sauce with salty olives and sweet raisins, served with fluffy white rice.
BrazilPicanha Churrasco (Brazilian Skewered Picanha)
Brazil's king of the barbecue: thick picanha steaks bent onto skewers with their fat cap, seasoned only with coarse salt, charcoal-grilled and served with fresh vinagrete.
PeruPicarones
Peru's favourite street doughnuts: chewy rings of sweet potato and squash dough, fried crisp and drenched in orange-and-cinnamon chancaca syrup.
New ZealandPikelets
New Zealand's little thick pancakes, smaller than your palm, served with butter, jam and whipped cream for morning or afternoon tea.
TaiwanPineapple Cakes (Taiwanese Feng Li Su)
Taiwan's best-loved gift pastry: a buttery, crumbly milk shortbread wrapped around a chewy, tangy homemade pineapple jam.
RussiaPirozhki (Russian Fried Meat Buns)
Soft, golden yeast buns stuffed with juicy beef and onion and pan-fried until crisp outside: the beloved Russian snack from every grandmother's kitchen and street kiosk.
SpainPisto manchego
La Mancha's slow-cooked Spanish vegetable stew: onion, peppers and courgette softened in olive oil, simmered down with tomato and topped with a fried egg.
GeorgiaSpinach Pkhali
Georgia's classic cold starter: blanched spinach blended with ground walnuts, garlic, cilantro and spices, rolled into balls and topped with pomegranate.
UzbekistanUzbek Plov
Uzbekistan's national dish: lamb, onion and carrot sizzled in a heavy pot into a rich base, then topped with rice and steamed until every grain is glossy.
NetherlandsPoffertjes
Dutch mini pancakes: a light, yeasted buckwheat batter cooked in a dimpled pan until puffy, served hot with butter and a snowfall of powdered sugar.
United StatesHawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl
Hawaii's classic shoyu poke: cubes of raw ahi tuna tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet onion and sesame, piled onto warm rice.
Sri LankaPol Sambol
Sri Lanka's fiery coconut relish: freshly grated coconut rubbed with pounded red onion, chilli and Maldive fish, sharpened with lime. No cooking, ready in 10 minutes.
PeruPollo a la Brasa (Peruvian Roast Chicken)
Peru's favourite chicken, made in a home oven: bone-in pieces marinated in garlic, cumin, soy, lime and ají panca, roasted until the skin is dark and crisp, with fries and green ají sauce.
SpainPollo al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Chicken)
A Spanish home classic: whole garlic cloves sizzled in olive oil, bone-in chicken pieces browned until golden and finished with white wine.
United StatesPork Tenderloin Medallions with Lemon-Parsley Pan Sauce
Thick rounds of pork tenderloin seared golden, then finished in a quick, bright lemon-butter sauce made from the pan juices: an American weeknight classic.
ChilePorotos Granados
Chile's summer stew of fresh shelling beans and sweet squash, thickened with freshly grated corn and finished with torn basil.
CanadaPouding Chômeur (Quebec Maple Pudding Cake)
Quebec's famous "poor man's pudding": a simple vanilla sponge baked over hot maple syrup and cream, which sinks to form a thick, buttery caramel sauce underneath.
CanadaPoutine
Québec's famous comfort food: crisp double-fried fries and squeaky cheese curds smothered in hot, peppery brown gravy.
ArgentinaProvoleta
Argentina's asado starter: a thick disc of provolone seared until crusty and golden outside, molten inside, finished with oregano and chimichurri.
NigeriaPuff-Puff
Nigeria's favourite street snack: soft, airy yeast-dough balls fried golden, lightly sweet with a hint of nutmeg.
United StatesPumpkin Pie
The Thanksgiving classic: a silky pumpkin custard warmed with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, baked in a crisp, flaky pie crust.
El SalvadorSalvadoran Pupusas (Bean and Cheese)
El Salvador's national dish: thick corn masa cakes stuffed with refried beans and melting cheese, griddled until spotty, served with tangy curtido and salsa roja.
El SalvadorQuesadilla Salvadoreña
El Salvador's sweet-and-salty cheese cake: a moist rice-flour crumb packed with hard cheese and crema, topped with sesame – made for coffee.
MexicoCheese Quesadillas
Mexico's everyday favorite: flour tortillas folded around stretchy melted cheese, toasted golden in a pan and served with fresh pico de gallo.
FranceQuiche Lorraine
The classic from Lorraine, France: a crisp pastry shell filled with smoky bacon and a silky egg-and-cream custard, baked until just set.
SwitzerlandRaclette
A Swiss winter classic from Valais: bubbling melted raclette cheese scraped over small potatoes boiled in their skins, with tangy cornichons and pickled pearl onions.
SwedenRaggmunk (Swedish Potato Pancakes with Crispy Pork)
Lacy, crisp-edged pancakes of grated raw potato in a milky batter, fried in butter and served the Swedish way with crispy pork belly and lingonberries.
IndiaRajma Chawal (Punjabi Kidney Bean Curry with Rice)
North India's Sunday comfort meal: kidney beans simmered until creamy in an onion-tomato masala, spooned generously over fluffy basmati rice.
HungaryRakott Krumpli (Hungarian Layered Potato Bake)
Hungary's beloved home bake: layers of sliced potato, hard-boiled egg and smoky sausage, bathed in sour cream and baked until bubbling and golden.
JapanHomemade Shoyu Ramen
Japanese home-style soy sauce ramen: chicken stock boosted with kombu, shiitake and bonito, seasoned with the braising liquid from tender chashu pork.
IndonesiaRawon
East Java's jet-black beef soup, coloured and deepened by kluwek nuts: earthy and nutty, eaten with rice, bean sprouts and salted egg.
ChinaRed-Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
China's beloved home braise: pork belly coated in rock-sugar caramel, then simmered with Shaoxing wine and soy until glossy red and meltingly tender.
GhanaRed-Red (Ghanaian Bean Stew with Fried Plantain)
Ghana's comforting everyday plate: black-eyed beans simmered in a red palm oil, onion and tomato sauce, served with sweet fried ripe plantain.
IndonesiaBeef rendang
Indonesia's Minangkabau classic: beef simmered for nearly three hours in coconut milk and spice paste until a dark, rich coating clings to every piece.
JamaicaJamaican Rice and Peas
Jamaica's Sunday staple: rice cooked in coconut milk with kidney beans, thyme, allspice, spring onion and a whole Scotch bonnet for fragrance.
GermanyRinderrouladen (German Beef Rolls)
Thin beef slices spread with mustard, rolled around bacon, onion and gherkin, browned and slowly braised in a rich gravy: Germany's Sunday-lunch classic.
DenmarkRisalamande (Danish Christmas Rice Pudding)
Denmark's Christmas dessert: rice simmered in vanilla milk, chilled, then folded with chopped almonds and whipped cream and topped with warm cherry sauce.
AustraliaAussie Roast Lamb
Lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, roasted with crunchy potatoes and pumpkin and served with pan gravy and tangy mint sauce: Australia's Sunday family roast.
United StatesThanksgiving Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Pan Gravy
The Thanksgiving centrepiece sized for a small table: a bone-in turkey breast roasted under garlic-herb butter until juicy, with a simple gravy from the pan juices.
IndiaRogan Josh
Kashmir's classic lamb curry: bone-in lamb fried with whole spices in mustard oil, then slowly braised with Kashmiri chilli, yogurt and fennel until a red oil glistens on top.
CubaRopa Vieja
Cuba's national dish: beef simmered until it falls into tender shreds, then braised in a garlicky pepper, tomato and olive sofrito and served over white rice.
SwitzerlandRösti
Switzerland's golden potato cake: boiled, chilled potatoes coarsely grated and fried in butter until crisp outside and tender within.
MalaysiaRoti Canai
Malaysia's favourite breakfast: a flaky, chewy flatbread stretched paper-thin, folded and pan-fried, dipped in a simple lentil dhal curry.
MalaysiaRoti Jala with Chicken Curry
Malaysia's festive lacy coconut crêpes, tinted with turmeric and folded into triangles, served with a mellow chicken curry for dipping.
IsraelRugelach
Tender, flaky cream cheese dough rolled around apricot jam, cinnamon sugar, walnuts and raisins: the classic Jewish crescent cookie.
IsraelSabich
Israel's great street sandwich: a pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, chopped salad, tahini and tangy amba.
AustriaSachertorte
Vienna's famous chocolate cake: a moist chocolate sponge layered with apricot jam under a glossy dark-chocolate glaze, served with unsweetened whipped cream.
FranceSalade Niçoise
The composed salad of Nice: ripe tomatoes, boiled eggs, olive-oil tuna, anchovies and black olives with potatoes and green beans, dressed with a sharp vinaigrette.
Saudi ArabiaSaleeg
Hejazi comfort food from Saudi Arabia: rice simmered in spiced chicken broth and milk until creamy, topped with golden roasted chicken.
ItalySaltimbocca alla Romana
Rome's 15-minute classic: thin veal topped with prosciutto and sage, seared in butter and finished with a quick white-wine pan sauce.
KoreaSamgyeopsal (Korean Grilled Pork Belly)
Thick slices of pork belly grilled golden on a hot griddle, wrapped in lettuce and perilla leaves with ssamjang, garlic and grilled kimchi: Korea's favourite camping meal.
KoreaSamgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup)
A whole young chicken stuffed with sticky rice, garlic and jujubes, simmered with fresh ginseng until the broth turns milky and the meat falls off the bone.
CambodiaSamlor Korko
Cambodia's great everyday soup: pork and plenty of vegetables simmered with lemongrass kroeung paste and thickened with nutty toasted rice powder.
IndiaAloo Samosa
India's favourite snack: spiced potato and pea filling in an ajwain-scented pastry, fried low and slow until crisp and blistered.
UzbekistanUzbek Samsa
Buttery spiral-layered dough wrapped around knife-chopped meat and onion and baked until crisp: Uzbekistan's juicy triangular meat pastries.
ColombiaSancocho (Colombian Chicken and Root Vegetable Soup)
Colombia's Sunday family soup: chicken, cassava, green plantain, corn and potato simmered with coriander, served with rice and avocado.
IndonesiaChicken Satay (Sate Ayam)
Indonesia's beloved street skewers: kecap manis-marinated chicken thigh grilled until sticky and charred, served with a rich homemade peanut sauce.
GermanySauerbraten
Germany's Sunday roast: beef marinated for three days in red wine vinegar, slowly braised and served with a sweet-sour gravy thickened with gingerbread.
AustraliaSausage Sizzle
Australia's beloved fundraiser classic: browned sausages and sweet fried onions folded into a slice of soft white bread with a squeeze of tomato sauce.
IndonesiaSayur Lodeh (Javanese Vegetables in Coconut Milk)
A mild, comforting Javanese stew of eggplant, long beans, chayote, tempeh and tofu simmered in a spice paste and coconut milk.
ChinaShanghai Scallion Oil Noodles
Thin noodles tossed in slow-fried scallion oil with a sweet soy glaze and crunchy dark-brown scallions, a Shanghai classic made from pantry staples.
ChinaChinese Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)
Northern China's favourite street snack: thin dough rolled with scallions and oil, coiled and pan-fried until crisp outside and flaky, chewy and layered inside.
AustriaWiener Schnitzel
Vienna's national dish: veal pounded thin, breaded and fried in plenty of fat until the golden crust puffs up in waves, served with lemon.
GermanySchwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake)
Germany's famous Black Forest cake: light chocolate sponge soaked with kirsch, layered with tangy sour-cherry filling and whipped cream, covered in chocolate shavings.
United KingdomClassic British Scones
Tall, tender British scones made by rubbing cold butter into flour and patting the dough by hand, served warm with jam and clotted cream.
PakistanSeekh Kebab
Pakistan's classic barbecue kebab: herb-packed, spiced mince moulded into long rolls on skewers and grilled until browned and juicy.
NepalSekuwa
Nepal’s Dharan-style pork skewers: marinated in mustard oil, timur and cumin, then charred over high heat and served with chiura and raw onion.
NepalSel Roti (Nepali Rice Doughnut Rings)
Nepal's festival treat: soaked rice ground with sugar, banana and ghee, poured into rings and fried until crisp outside and chewy inside.
SwedenSemla (Swedish Cardamom Cream Bun)
Sweden's beloved Lent bun: a soft cardamom bun hollowed out, filled with almond paste and topped with a tall swirl of whipped cream.
ChinaCold Sesame-Peanut Noodles
Chinese-style cold noodles tossed in a nutty sesame-peanut sauce with soy, black vinegar and chili oil, topped with crisp cucumber.
JapanShabu-Shabu
Japan's swish-and-dip hot pot: paper-thin beef swirled through gentle kombu broth, dipped in ponzu or creamy sesame sauce, finished with udon.
TunisiaShakshuka
Tunisia's beloved one-pan dish: eggs gently poached in a spiced pepper and tomato sauce with harissa, scooped up with crusty bread.
MyanmarShan Noodles (Burmese Tomato Chicken Rice Noodles)
From Myanmar's Shan State: rice noodles tossed in garlic oil, topped with a sweet-tangy tomato chicken sauce and roasted peanuts, with a cup of clear broth on the side.
UzbekistanShashlik
Uzbekistan's beloved lamb skewers: chunks marinated in onion and cumin, threaded with bits of fat and grilled over glowing charcoal, served with vinegar onions.
LebanonChicken Shawarma
Lebanese-style home shawarma: spiced, yoghurt-marinated chicken thighs roasted, then crisped in a pan and rolled in thin bread with garlic sauce and pickles.
RussiaShchi (Russian Cabbage Soup)
Russia's oldest everyday soup: a clear beef broth simmered with cabbage, potatoes and sautéed onion and carrot, finished with dill and smetana.
United KingdomShepherd's Pie
The British family classic: minced lamb simmered with vegetables in rich gravy, topped with buttery mashed potato and baked until golden.
EthiopiaShiro Wat
Ethiopia's everyday comfort stew: chickpea flour whisked into slow-cooked onion and berbere until thick, silky, nutty and gently fiery.
LebanonShish Tawook
Lebanon’s favourite skewers: chicken marinated in yoghurt, lemon, garlic and tomato paste, grilled and wrapped in pita with snow-white toum garlic sauce and pickles.
ItalyShort Rib Ragù with Pappardelle
Bone-in beef short ribs braised for nearly three hours in red wine and tomato, then shredded into a rich, silky Italian ragù for wide ribbons of pasta.
United KingdomScottish Shortbread
Scotland's classic butter biscuit made from just butter, sugar and flour: pale, sandy, melt-in-the-mouth fingers with a deep buttery flavour.
United StatesShrimp and Grits
The Lowcountry classic: creamy grits rich with butter and sharp cheddar, topped with garlicky lemon shrimp cooked in bacon fat.
PhilippinesSinigang na Baboy (Pork Tamarind Sour Soup)
The Philippines' favourite comfort soup: tender pork in a bright, tamarind-sour broth loaded with radish, eggplant, long beans and water spinach.
PhilippinesSisig
Pampanga's sizzling classic: pork belly boiled, grilled crisp and chopped, tossed with calamansi, chilli and onion and served on a red-hot pan.
NorwaySkillingsboller (Norwegian Cinnamon Buns)
Bergen's classic cinnamon buns: a soft cardamom dough rolled with cinnamon sugar, brushed with butter straight from the oven and dipped in sugar.
United StatesSmash Burger
The American diner double: balls of beef smashed thin on a scorching pan for lacy, crisp edges, stacked with melted cheese in a soft toasted bun.
DenmarkSmørrebrød: Potato and Egg & Shrimp
Denmark's classic lunch: dense rye bread spread thickly with butter and piled with new potatoes and chives, or egg and sweet little shrimp.
IrelandIrish Soda Bread
Ireland's everyday loaf made with just flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and buttermilk: no yeast, no kneading, a crisp crust and a soft, gently tangy crumb.
RussiaSolyanka (Russian Mixed Meat Soup)
A hearty sour-and-salty Russian soup of smoked meats, brined pickles, olives and capers in a tomato-tinted broth, finished with lemon and sour cream.
ThailandSom Tam (Green Papaya Salad)
Thailand's favourite salad: shredded green papaya pounded with garlic, chili, lime, fish sauce and palm sugar until crunchy, sour, sweet and fiery.
MexicoSopa de Fideo (Mexican Tomato Noodle Soup)
Thin noodles toasted golden in oil, then simmered in a tomato and chicken broth: the gentle, comforting soup cooked in homes all over Mexico.
ChileChilean Sopaipillas with Pebre
Golden, puffy fried rounds made with mashed squash, Chile's favourite street snack, served hot with a fresh tomato and coriander pebre.
South AfricaSosaties (Cape Malay Lamb Skewers)
South Africa's braai classic: lamb marinated overnight in a sweet-sour curry, apricot jam and vinegar sauce, threaded with dried apricots and onion and grilled over coals.
IndonesiaSoto Ayam
Indonesia's beloved golden chicken soup, fragrant with turmeric and lemongrass, served with glass noodles, bean sprouts, egg and crisp fried shallots.
United StatesButtermilk Southern Fried Chicken
Bone-in chicken soaked overnight in buttermilk, rolled in seasoned flour and fried: a craggy, crackling crust over juicy meat, the way the American South makes it at home.
ItalySpaghetti all'Assassina
Bari's cult 'assassin's spaghetti': dry pasta cooked risotto-style in a blazing iron pan with tomato broth until sticky, spicy and charred in crisp patches.
GreeceSpanakopita
Greece's golden spinach and feta pie: a herby, tangy filling baked between crisp, olive-oil-brushed layers of phyllo.
BelgiumSpeculoos
Belgium's thin, crunchy spiced biscuits with deep brown-sugar caramel flavour, cinnamon warmth and a hint of clove, the classic partner to coffee.
Sri LankaSri Lankan Chicken Curry (Kukul Mas Curry)
Sri Lanka's everyday chicken curry: bone-in chicken marinated in roasted curry powder, simmered with curry leaves, cinnamon and coconut milk.
ChinaCantonese Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion
A whole fish steamed briefly over fierce steam so it stays silky, crowned with ginger and spring onion, sizzled with hot oil and dressed with sweet soy sauce.
DenmarkStegt Flæsk (Crispy Pork Belly with Parsley Sauce)
Denmark's national dish: thin slices of pork belly fried slowly until shatteringly crisp, served with boiled potatoes and a creamy parsley sauce.
United KingdomSticky Toffee Pudding
Britain's favourite winter pudding: a moist date sponge drenched in a glossy, dark brown-sugar toffee sauce, served warm with cold cream.
BelgiumStoemp
Brussels home cooking: potatoes and carrots boiled together, roughly mashed with buttery leeks and served with a browned pork sausage and sharp mustard.
KoreaSujebi (Hand-Torn Dough Soup)
Korea's rainy-day soup: soft, chewy hand-torn dough in a clear anchovy-kelp broth with potato and zucchini.
JapanSukiyaki
Japan's celebratory hot pot: thin slices of beef, tofu and vegetables simmered at the table in a sweet soy sauce, then dipped in beaten egg.
KoreaSundubu Jjigae (Spicy Soft Tofu Stew)
Korea's fiery home-style stew: pork and cloud-soft tofu simmered in a quick chili oil, finished with an egg cracked right into the pot.
NigeriaSuya
Nigeria's favourite street food: thin beef skewers coated in yaji, a smoky, spicy peanut rub, grilled until charred at the edges.
SwedenSwedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) with Cream Gravy
Sweden's home classic: small beef-and-pork meatballs scented with allspice, browned in butter, then bathed in a pan-gravy with cream and served with potatoes and lingonberry jam.
ChinaTangcu Liji (Home-Style Sweet and Sour Pork)
Northern China's favorite home dish: pork tenderloin strips fried twice until crackly, then tossed fast in a glossy sugar-and-vinegar sauce.
RussiaSyrniki (Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes)
Russia's favourite breakfast: soft tvorog bound with a little egg and flour, pan-fried until golden outside and creamy within, served with sour cream and jam.
AustriaTafelspitz
Vienna's classic: beef rump cap gently simmered with root vegetables, eaten first as a clear broth, then sliced with apple horseradish and buttered potatoes.
IranTahdig (Persian Saffron Crispy Rice)
The pride of every Iranian home: parboiled basmati steamed slowly in the pot so the bottom turns into a golden, crackling saffron crust.
TaiwanTaiwanese Popcorn Chicken (Yan Su Ji)
Garlic-soy marinated chicken thigh in a craggy sweet potato starch crust, fried twice and tossed with crisp basil and pepper salt: Taiwan's night-market favourite.
JapanTakoyaki (Osaka Octopus Balls)
Round, crisp-shelled balls of dashi batter with octopus, tempura crumbs and pickled ginger, finished with sauce, mayo and dancing bonito flakes: Osaka's iconic street snack.
JapanTamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
Japan's lightly sweet home omelette: egg seasoned with dashi and sugar, cooked in thin sheets and rolled up layer by layer.
MexicoRed Chile Pork Tamales
Mexico's festive classic: tender shredded pork in guajillo chile sauce, wrapped in fluffy corn masa and steamed in corn husks.
IndiaTandoori Chicken
Bone-in chicken legs marinated twice, first in lemon and chilli, then in spiced yogurt, and roasted hot until smoky and charred at the edges.
ChinaBlack Sesame Tangyuan in Ginger Syrup
Chewy glutinous rice balls that burst with molten sweet black sesame, served warm in a fragrant brown-sugar ginger syrup.
FranceTarte Tatin
France's famous upside-down apple tart: apples packed into butter caramel, baked under puff pastry and flipped out glossy and amber.
FranceTartiflette
The Savoie mountains' winter classic: tender potatoes, smoky bacon and onions under a whole Reblochon cheese, baked until molten and golden.
JapanTempura (Shrimp and Vegetable)
Japan's classic: shrimp and vegetables in a lacy, ice-cold batter, fried pale and crisp and dipped in warm tentsuyu with grated daikon.
VenezuelaTequeños
Venezuela's favourite party snack: sticks of salty white cheese wrapped in a spiral of thin dough and fried until crisp outside and melting inside.
JapanTeriyaki Chicken
Japanese home-style chicken thigh, pan-fried until the skin is crisp, then lacquered in a glossy soy, mirin and sake glaze.
SenegalThiakry
Senegal's favourite dessert: steamed, buttered millet couscous folded into a tangy-sweet yogurt cream with vanilla and nutmeg, served chilled.
SenegalThieboudienne (Senegalese Fish and Rice)
Senegal's national dish: rof-stuffed fish and vegetables simmered in tomato broth, then rice cooked in that broth until a crisp crust forms underneath.
TaiwanThree-Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
Taiwan's beloved home dish: chicken braised in sesame oil, rice wine and soy sauce with lots of ginger and garlic until sticky, finished with fragrant Thai basil.
NepalThukpa
Nepal's warming Himalayan noodle soup: chicken and vegetables in a cumin, ginger and timur-spiced broth over wheat noodles, finished with lime.
EthiopiaSiga Tibs (Ethiopian Sautéed Beef)
Ethiopia's favourite everyday sauté: beef cubes seared hard, then tossed with spiced butter, red onion, green chilli and rosemary, served on injera.
MexicoTinga de Pollo (Chipotle Shredded Chicken)
Poached, shredded chicken simmered with soft onions in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce and piled onto crisp tostadas, Puebla-style home cooking.
PhilippinesTinola (Filipino Ginger Chicken Soup)
A clear, comforting Filipino home soup of bone-in chicken simmered with plenty of ginger, green papaya and tender leafy greens.
ItalyTiramisu
Italy's beloved no-bake dessert: coffee-dipped ladyfingers layered with a light mascarpone and egg cream, finished with bitter cocoa.
United KingdomToad-in-the-Hole
A classic British family dinner: sausages baked in hot fat inside a crisp, towering Yorkshire pudding batter, served with plenty of onion gravy.
ThailandTom Kha Gai
Thailand's creamy coconut chicken soup, scented with galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves and balanced sour, salty and gently spicy.
ThailandTom Yum Goong (Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)
Thailand's signature soup: shrimp simmered in a broth scented with lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves, then made fiery, sour and salty.
JapanTonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlet)
Japan’s classic home-style pork cutlet: thick loin coated in panko, fried crisp at 170°C and served with finely shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.
ItalyTorta della Nonna
Tuscany's 'grandmother's tart': crumbly lemon pasta frolla filled with silky custard, topped with pine nuts and a snowy dusting of icing sugar.
SpainSpanish Tortilla (Tortilla de Patatas)
Spain's beloved thick potato omelette: potatoes and onion gently cooked in olive oil, folded into eggs and set into a golden cake with a juicy centre.
CanadaTourtière (Québec Meat Pie)
Québec's Christmas classic: pork and beef gently spiced with cinnamon, clove and allspice, bound with mashed potato and baked in a flaky lard-and-butter crust.
MexicoTres Leches Cake
Mexico's favourite party cake: a light sponge soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk and whole milk, then topped with cold whipped cream.
KoreaTteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Korea's favorite street snack: chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, cabbage and boiled eggs simmered in an anchovy broth with sweet-spicy gochujang sauce.
KoreaTteokguk (Korean Rice Cake Soup)
The classic Korean New Year soup: chewy sliced rice cakes in a clear beef broth, finished with ribbons of egg and crumbled roasted seaweed.
ChinaTwice-Cooked Pork (Hui Guo Rou)
Sichuan's great home classic: pork belly simmered, sliced thin and stir-fried again with chilli bean paste and sweet bean sauce until crisp-edged and glossy.
JapanKitsune Udon
Japan's classic bowl: chewy udon in clear kombu-and-bonito dashi, crowned with large pieces of sweet-savoury simmered fried tofu.
KenyaUgali with Sukuma Wiki
Kenya's everyday plate: ugali, a firm white maize-meal staple, with sukuma wiki, finely shredded collard greens sautéed with onion and tomato.
UkraineVarenyky (Ukrainian Potato Dumplings)
Ukraine's beloved dumplings: thin dough filled with mashed potato and golden onion, boiled and smothered in buttery onions and sour cream.
South AfricaVetkoek with Curried Mince
South Africa's beloved 'fat cake': golden fried yeast bread, crisp outside and pillowy inside, split open and stuffed with mild curried mince.
United KingdomVictoria Sponge
The icon of British teatime: two tender butter sponges made from equal weights of butter, sugar, eggs and flour, sandwiched with raspberry jam and vanilla buttercream.
BelgiumVol-au-vent
Belgium's beloved Sunday classic: tender chicken, little meatballs and mushrooms in a creamy velouté, spooned into crisp puff-pastry shells.
GhanaWaakye (Ghanaian Rice and Beans)
Ghana's favourite breakfast: black-eyed beans and rice cooked together with dried sorghum leaves that stain them a deep reddish brown.
New ZealandWhitebait Fritters
A West Coast New Zealand treasure: translucent baby fish caught in spring, bound with egg, fried in butter and eaten on buttered white bread with lemon.
ChinaXiaolongbao (Shanghai Soup Dumplings)
Shanghai's famous soup dumplings: thin pleated wrappers around a pork filling studded with jellied stock that melts into a hot broth inside as they steam.
JapanYakitori (Chicken and Leek Skewers with Tare)
Juicy chicken thigh and sweet Japanese leek threaded on bamboo skewers, grilled over charcoal and lacquered with a glossy soy-mirin tare.
ChinaYangzhou Fried Rice
China's classic fried rice from Yangzhou: day-old rice tossed over high heat with egg, shrimp, ham and peas until every grain is separate and fluffy.
SenegalChicken Yassa
Senegal's beloved home dish: chicken marinated in lemon and mustard, braised with a mountain of soft onions into a tangy sauce and served over rice.
JapanYosenabe
Japan's everyday 'gather-together' hot pot: chicken, white fish, prawns and clams with napa cabbage, tofu and mushrooms in a light kombu–bonito dashi.
CubaCuban Yuca con Mojo
Tender boiled yuca drenched in sizzling-hot mojo of garlic, orange and lime: the classic Cuban home side dish.
El SalvadorYuca Frita
El Salvador's favourite street snack: salt-boiled cassava fried until crackly, topped with tangy curtido slaw and a light tomato salsa.
KoreaYukgaejang (Spicy Korean Beef and Leek Soup)
Korea's classic fiery beef soup: slow-cooked brisket pulled into strands and simmered with leeks, fernbrake and bean sprouts in a chilli-oil broth.
ChinaYuxiang Eggplant (Fish-Fragrant Aubergine)
A Sichuan home classic with no fish at all: golden, silky eggplant in a sweet, sour and spicy sauce of doubanjiang, garlic and ginger.
MoroccoZaalouk
Morocco's warm eggplant salad: soft eggplant cooked down with garlic, tomato, paprika and cumin into a rustic, spoonable dip for bread.
AustraliaZucchini Slice
Australia's favourite lunchbox bake: grated zucchini, bacon and cheese folded into a simple egg batter and baked until golden.
SwitzerlandZürcher Geschnetzeltes
Zurich’s signature home dish: thin strips of veal and mushrooms tossed in a quick white wine and cream sauce.
PolandŻurek (Polish Sour Rye Soup)
Poland's beloved sour rye soup: fermented rye starter simmered with white sausage, bacon, potatoes and marjoram, served with halved boiled eggs.
652 dishes · Updated 2026-10-10