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    Home » Roundups

    11 Flavor-Packed Recipes Inspired by International Favorites

    Published: Jun 1, 2025 by bobbieblue

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    Travel the world without leaving your house! What can tell you better about a region or a country than its food? Bold flavors, amazing spices, and interesting ingredient combinations - it is time to experiment and surprise your guests and family with delicious international-inspired recipes! Try these unique dinner recipes from around the world: Korea, India, the Middle East, South Africa, Ecuador, and Denmark.

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    Beef Kafta

    Beef Kafta served on top of vermicelli rice with tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

    Enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern dish with this easy Beef Kafta recipe. Kafta, which means "meatball" or "meat log," is a classic dish made from ground meat—usually beef or lamb—blended with onions, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. It's typically shaped into logs, then grilled, baked, or simmered in sauce. Serve it with fluffy rice and roasted tomatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Try this internationally loved dish and savor bold spices and rich heritage—a truly unforgettable experience!

    Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

    Shish Tawook

    Shish Tawook served with pita bread and garlic sauce.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

    Shish Tawook is a popular Middle Eastern dish consisting of tender, marinated chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection. The name originates from Turkish, where "shish" means skewer and "tawook" means chicken, literally translating to "chicken skewers." This savory favorite can be enjoyed in various ways: wrapped in warm pita bread, served on a bed of fluffy rice, or paired with a fresh, crisp salad. For an extra burst of flavor, add creamy garlic sauce and pickles. It's a delightful blend of cultures and cuisines. Try it today!

    Get the Recipe: Shish Tawook

    Turkish Pasta

    Turkish Pasta served in a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

    If you've been online lately, you've probably seen the viral Turkish Pasta trending on TikTok—and this recipe is inspired by that very sensation. It takes things to the next level with saucy ground beef, a rich browned butter paprika sauce, garlicky yogurt, and toasted pine nuts. The dish draws inspiration from the traditional Turkish classic Manti—beef-filled dumplings topped with garlic yogurt and seasoned oil. Try this trending dish at home and watch the thumbs-up roll in—it's a flavorful hit you won't want to miss!

    Get the Recipe: Turkish Pasta

    Japchae – Korean Glass Noodles

    Japchae – Korean Glass Noodles served in a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Evolving Table

    If you've been watching Korean dramas lately, chances are you've seen this colorful dish make an appearance. Japchae is a beautiful feast of colors and flavors in a single bowl—a beloved Korean dish made from stir-fried glass noodles (also known as sweet potato starch noodles) mixed with a variety of vibrant, thinly sliced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, spinach, and onions. It also includes proteins such as sliced beef, shiitake mushrooms, or scrambled egg strips, all tossed together in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. The dish is typically garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, or chili threads for an extra pop of flavor and texture. It's an easy way to take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Korean cuisine!

    Get the Recipe: Japchae – Korean Glass Noodles

    Chicken Dopiaza Curry Recipe (Do Pyaza)

    Chicken Dopiaza Curry served with pita bread and rice on the side.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

    Chicken Do Pyaza is a flavorful Indian curry whose name means "double onions" or "twice the onions" in Hindi, referring to the unique cooking method of adding onions at two different stages to build layers of flavors. This technique creates a rich, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic dish. It's often enjoyed with your choice of basmati rice, naan, or roti, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Discover how this simple yet intriguingly delicious curry can become a must-try highlight on your culinary journey.

    Get the Recipe: Chicken Dopiaza Curry Recipe (Do Pyaza)

    Traditional South African Vetkoek

    Traditional South African Vetkoek served with some jam.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

    Vetkoek (pronounced as FET-cook), which means "fat cake" in Afrikaans. It's a popular South African deep-fried bread made from a simple yeast dough, known for its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy center. Vetkoek can be enjoyed with savory fillings like curried ground beef, shredded chicken, or cheese, or with sweet toppings such as jam, syrup, or honey. However you choose to enjoy it, this combined dish brings the taste of delicious international cuisine right to your home.

    Get the Recipe: Traditional South African Vetkoek

    Curried Mince Recipe (Vetkoek mince)

    Curried Mince in a pan, with some South African Vetkoek on the side.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

    If you want to enjoy Vetkoek the proper way, look no further—this Curried Mince recipe has you covered. This savory international delight comes together in just 30 minutes, making it as quick as it is satisfying. Give this easy and delicious recipe a try, and enjoy a dish that's bold, authentic, and beautifully crafted. Try it today!

    Get the Recipe: Curried Mince Recipe (Vetkoek mince)

    Seco de Pollo - Ecuadorian Chicken Stew

    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

    Travel to Ecuador in a snap with this rich, hearty, and vibrant Seco de Pollo— the perfect dish to satisfy your Latin American flavor cravings. While the Spanish word "Seco" typically means "dry", in this case it refers to the slow-cooking process that reduces the sauce until it's think and deeply flavorful. Enjoy this beloved home-cooked dish with family, Served alongside rice, boiled potatoes or yuca, or or even some fried plantains. A true hidden gem of world cuisine!

    Get the Recipe: Seco de Pollo - Ecuadorian Chicken Stew

    Pandekager - Crispy-edged Danish pancakes

    Pandekager (Crispy-edged Danish pancakes) served with some raspberries and powdered sugar.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

    Pandekager are Danish pancakes, similar to the French crêpes but with their own Scandinavian charm—thin, sift, slightly sweet and known for their delightfully crispy edges. Typically enjoyed for breakfast or brunch or even as a dessert, many Danish families has their own special recipe that has been passed down through generations. Go ahead and try this timeless treat, and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!

    Get the Recipe: Pandekager - Crispy-edged Danish pancakes

    Tabbouleh Salad

    Tabbouleh Salad served in a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

    This fresh, herb-packed salad from the Middle East is known as Tabbouleh—a popular dish that's light, refreshing, and bursting with bold, zesty flavors. It's made with finely chopped fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat, all tossed in a bright lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it's a vibrant addition to your next world-class gathering!

    Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad

    Mujadara With Bulgur

    Mujadara With Bulgur served in a plate.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

    A beloved dish across the Middle East, Mujadara with Bulgur is known for being nourishing, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. This version, made with coarse bulgur instead of rice, cooks faster and offers even more fiber. Made with lentils, bulgur, and caramelized onions cooked in olive oil, it all comes together in just 30 minutes—a perfect quick, healthy, flavorful meal!

    Get the Recipe: Mujadara With Bulgur

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    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self-taught cook that loves to cook wholesome meals while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

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