Traditional food is like going on a treasure hunt across the world, finding delicious meals that tell stories about different places and their people. Each dish is a special secret, made with unique ingredients and prepared in ways that have been passed down through generations. It’s not just about eating; it’s about learning new words and understanding cultures.
For anyone eager to expand their English vocabulary and discover the rich flavors of global cuisine, this journey is exciting and full of surprises. So, let’s dive into the world of traditional foods and uncover the magic behind the tastes and the words that describe them.
Traditional Food
- Sushi (Japan)
- Tacos (Mexico)
- Pizza (Italy)
- Croissant (France)
- Paella (Spain)
- Samosas (India)
- Kimchi (Korea)
- Feijoada (Brazil)
- Poutine (Canada)
- Haggis (Scotland)
- Baklava (Turkey)
- Borscht (Ukraine)
- Couscous (Morocco)
- Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)
- Pad Thai (Thailand)
- Fish and Chips (England)
- Pierogi (Poland)
- Beef Stroganoff (Russia)
- Empanadas (Argentina)
- Pho (Vietnam)
- Meat Pie (Australia)
- Frikadeller (Denmark)
- Goulash (Hungary)
- Bobotie (South Africa)
- Ceviche (Peru)
- Maqluba (Jordan)
- Moussaka (Greece)
- Jollof Rice (Nigeria)
- Kebab (Iran)
- Dim Sum (China)
- Rendang (Indonesia)
- Stamppot (Netherlands)
- Lutefisk (Norway)
- Lasagna (Italy)
- Falafel (Middle East)
- Bibimbap (Korea)
- Gazpacho (Spain)
- Ratatouille (France)
- Beef Wellington (England)
- Chicken Tikka Masala (India)
- Sauerbraten (Germany)
- Tarte Tatin (France)
- Mofongo (Puerto Rico)
- Schnitzel (Austria)
- Dolma (Turkey)
- Churrasco (Brazil)
- Fufu (Ghana)
- Biryani (India)
- Katsu Curry (Japan)
- Bratwurst (Germany)
- Tagine (Morocco)
- Bulgogi (Korea)
- Carbonara (Italy)
- Döner (Turkey)
- Gumbo (USA)
- Peking Duck (China)
- Rogan Josh (India)
- Arepas (Venezuela)
- Moules Frites (Belgium)
- Nasi Goreng (Indonesia)
- Pisco Sour (Peru)
- Vindaloo (India)
- Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)
- Spanakopita (Greece)
- Shawarma (Middle East)
- Papanasi (Romania)
- Hoppin’ John (USA)
- Massaman Curry (Thailand)
- Wiener Schnitzel (Austria)
- Galbi (Korea)
- Cabbage Rolls (Eastern Europe)
- Po’ Boy (USA)
- Tiramisu (Italy)
- Souvlaki (Greece)
- Feijão Tropeiro (Brazil)
- Jambalaya (USA)
- Koshari (Egypt)
- Satay (Malaysia)
- Pavlova (New Zealand)
- Gado-Gado (Indonesia)
- Yorkshire Pudding (England)
- Tortilla Española (Spain)
- Bao Buns (China)
- Fajitas (Mexico)
- Bunny Chow (South Africa)
- Quiche Lorraine (France)
- Beef Bourguignon (France)
- Scotch Egg (England)
- Pastel de Nata (Portugal)
- Aloo Gobi (India)
- Swedish Meatballs (Sweden)
- Sashimi (Japan)
- Fondue (Switzerland)
- Tzatziki (Greece)
- Chili Crab (Singapore)
- Plov (Uzbekistan)
- Shepherd’s Pie (Ireland)
- Guacamole (Mexico)
- Okonomiyaki (Japan)
- Shish Kebab (Middle East)
- Anticuchos (Peru)
- Fish Tacos (Mexico)
- Laksa (Singapore)
- Gnocchi (Italy)
- Coq au Vin (France)
- Asado (Argentina)
- Dal Makhani (India)
- Caesar Salad (Italy/Mexico)
- Bangers and Mash (England)
- Chicken Parmigiana (Australia)
- Escargot (France)
- Halloumi Fries (Cyprus)
- Jollof (West Africa)
- Korean BBQ (Korea)
- Lobster Roll (USA)
- Miso Soup (Japan)
- Nachos (Mexico)
- Oxtail Stew (Jamaica)
- Paneer Tikka (India)
Explore More Vocab:
1. Sushi (Japan)
Delicate pieces of raw fish served on or with vinegared rice, showcasing Japan’s minimalist culinary aesthetics and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
2. Tacos (Mexico)
Soft or crispy tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, or vegetables, embodying the rich flavors and simplicity of Mexican street food.
3. Pizza (Italy)
A flatbread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings, baked to perfection. It is a testament to Italian culinary tradition, focusing on quality ingredients and simple flavors.
4. Croissant (France)
A buttery, flaky pastry known for its crescent shape, the croissant is a staple of French bakeries, perfect for breakfast or as a snack, highlighting the art of pastry making.
5. Paella (Spain)
A vibrant rice dish originating from Valencia, combining seafood, meat, and vegetables, paella is a celebration of Spanish regional cuisine and communal eating.
6. Samosas (India)
Triangular fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat, samosas are a popular snack across India, reflecting the country’s diverse flavors and street food culture.
7. Kimchi (Korea)
A traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, most commonly cabbage, with a variety of seasonings, kimchi is celebrated for its health benefits and spicy, tangy flavor.
8. Feijoada (Brazil)
A hearty stew of black beans with pork or beef, feijoada is considered Brazil’s national dish, showcasing the blending of indigenous, African, and Portuguese culinary traditions.
9. Poutine (Canada)
Originating from Quebec, poutine consists of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy, representing Canadian comfort food at its best.
10. Haggis (Scotland)
A savory pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, haggis is a symbol of Scottish cuisine, traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach.
11. Baklava (Turkey)
A rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, baklava is a celebrated dish in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines.
12. Borscht (Ukraine)
A hearty soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes meat, borscht is a staple of Eastern European cuisine, known for its distinctive red color and sour-sweet taste.
13. Couscous (Morocco)
Steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina, couscous is a North African staple, often served with a stew spooned on top, showcasing the region’s flavors and communal dining practices.
14. Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)
A spicy grilled chicken dish marinated in a hot spice mixture called jerk spice, jerk chicken embodies the fiery spirit and culinary traditions of Jamaica.
15. Pad Thai (Thailand)
A stir-fried noodle dish, commonly served as street food and at casual local eateries in Thailand, pad Thai is known for its complex balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
16. Fish and Chips (England)
A classic British dish consisting of fried battered fish and hot chips, often served with mushy peas or tartar sauce, epitomizing comfort food in the UK.
17. Pierogi (Poland)
Dumplings of unleavened dough, traditionally stuffed with potato filling, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables, pierogi are a versatile staple in Polish cuisine.
18. Beef Stroganoff (Russia)
A Russian dish of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream), beef stroganoff is a testament to the richness of Russian culinary tradition.
19. Empanadas (Argentina)
Baked or fried pastries filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, empanadas are a popular snack or meal throughout Latin America, showcasing regional variations in filling and dough.
20. Pho (Vietnam)
A Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, often chicken or beef, pho is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, known for its complex flavors and aromatic herbs.
21. Meat Pie (Australia)
A hand-sized pie containing diced or minced meat and gravy, often topped with mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy, meat pies are a quintessential Australian comfort food.
22. Frikadeller (Denmark)
Pan-fried meatballs typically made from minced pork, beef, or veal mixed with onions, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, frikadeller are a beloved Danish dish served with potatoes and gravy.
23. Goulash (Hungary)
A hearty stew of meat, usually beef, seasoned with paprika and other spices, goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish that offers warmth and depth of flavor.
24. Bobotie (South Africa)
A well-seasoned minced meat bake topped with a golden egg-based layer, bobotie is a flavorful South African dish with Malay origins, blending sweet and savory tastes.
25. Ceviche (Peru)
Raw fish marinated in citrus juices, spiced with chili peppers and seasoned with onions, salt, and coriander, ceviche is a refreshing Peruvian dish celebrated for its bright, acidic flavors.
26. Maqluba (Jordan)
An upside-down rice, eggplant, and meat dish, maqluba is a traditional Jordanian and Palestinian dish known for its layers of flavor and impressive presentation.
27. Moussaka (Greece)
A layered oven casserole dish made with slices of eggplant and/or potatoes, minced meat, and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, moussaka is a rich and savory Greek classic.
28. Jollof Rice (Nigeria)
A one-pot rice dish cooked in a tomato, onion, and pepper base, often with added meat, fish, or vegetables, jollof rice is a West African favorite, known for its bold, spicy flavors.
29. Kebab (Iran)
Grilled meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, marinated and cooked on skewers, kebabs are a staple of Iranian cuisine, enjoyed for their smoky flavor and tender texture.
30. Dim Sum (China)
A style of Chinese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates, dim sum is enjoyed for its variety and flavor.
31. Rendang (Indonesia)
A spicy meat dish slow-cooked in coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies, rendang is celebrated for its complex, rich flavors.
32. Stamppot (Netherlands)
A traditional Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with one or several vegetables like sauerkraut, kale, spinach, turnip greens, or carrots, often served with sausage.
33. Lutefisk (Norway)
Dried whitefish (usually cod or ling) treated with lye, then soaked and cooked, lutefisk is a traditional Nordic dish known for its unique preparation and gelatinous texture.
34. Lasagna (Italy)
Layered pasta dish made with sheets of lasagna noodles, alternating with sauces, meat, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection, showcasing the richness of Italian cuisine.
35. Falafel (Middle East)
Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish, often served in pita bread with salad.
36. Bibimbap (Korea)
A Korean rice dish topped with an assortment of vegetables, beef, a whole egg, and gochujang (chili pepper paste), bibimbap is known for its vibrant colors and mix of flavors.
37. Gazpacho (Spain)
A cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and garlic, gazpacho is a refreshing Spanish dish, perfect for hot summer days.
38. Ratatouille (France)
A stewed vegetable dish originating from Provence, consisting of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and herbs, ratatouille is celebrated for its simplicity and flavors.
39. Beef Wellington (England)
A preparation of filet steak coated with pâté and duxelles, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked, Beef Wellington is a luxurious and classic British dish.
40. Chicken Tikka Masala (India)
Chunks of grilled chicken (tikka) cooked in a creamy, spicy tomato-based sauce, chicken tikka masala is a beloved dish with roots in Indian and British cuisine, known for its rich flavors.