Whether planning dates, meetups with friends or family, vacations or even a relaxing walk around a park, many outings involve planning "What are we going to eat?!?!?" We all know that determining where our tastebuds lead will be decided upon what type of cuisine sounds the best. Mexican street tacos and margaritas? Italian pasta and wine? America's burgers, tater tots and a beer? Using you.gov, this list of amazing cultural foods is ranked by popularity. You will not believe what made the top spot, and what didn't crack the top five!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Blue's Best Life.
If you love everything food, Follow Blue's Best Life
We have all the breakfast, snacks, dinner and dessert recipes to make your life a little easier so be sure to click Blue's Best Life profile page so you can hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article! We love to hear feedback so please comment and let us know how you like the articles!
15. German Cuisine
German food is known to be hearty and comforting. It is famous for schnitzel, sausages (Germany is home to over 1,500 types of sausages!), pretzels, potatoes, and beer. Bread, meat, and beer are said to be German food's holy trinity. It may not be the flashiest cuisine, but eating it is deeply comforting and satisfying, especially in colder months. Crispy pork schnitzel with warm potato salad is a must-try!
14. Hong Kong Cuisine
Dim sum means "touch the heart," and Hong Kong cuisine really does. It is known for dim sum, roast meats, and milk teas. Hong Kong cuisine blends Cantonese with British and other international flavors. It is fascinating, fast, full of variety, and flavorful, perfect for any meal time and occasion. Indulge with their dim sum, starting with shrimp har gow, and pair it with a cup of milk tea.
13. Vietnamese Cuisine
Did you know that banh mi was born from the French baguette introduced during the Colonial period? Yet, it became one of the most famous Vietnamese foods along with pho and fresh herbs. Vietnamese food is fresh, light, and packed with flavors. It balances sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors with different textures. A bowl of beef pho with lime and Thai basil is a perfect way to experience Vietnamese cuisine.
12. Greek Cuisine
Greek food is all about fresh ingredients, and the Mediterranean diet is primarily based on this and is considered one of the healthiest in the world. It is known for gyros, feta, grilled meats, and olive oil; these ingredients and lemons are almost in every Greek food recipe. Meals are family-style, like they are meant to be shared, and it is best to enjoy them, making them perfect for slow days. Grilled souvlaki with tzatziki and warm pita are excellent ways to experience and discover Greek flavors.
11. Korean Cuisine
We often see fried chicken and instant ramen in K-dramas, but Korean flavors are more than that. Korean food is also known for BBQ, spicy stew, and kimchi. These have intense, tangy flavors that have levels. A fun eating experience awaits, so try Korean food, starting with a beef bulgogi BBQ set with kimchi and lettuce wraps! Sizzling meats, punchy fermented side dishes, and bubbling hot pots are adopted internationally to experience Korean cuisine. Their famous kimchi also has over 200 documented varieties, which says a lot.
10. Turkish
Kebab, maze, and baklava are the most famous Turkish foods. If you are wondering why kebab is, Turkish cuisine is influenced by the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Turkish foods are also known for grilled meats, flaky pastries, and spices. Experience Turkish flavors with a plate of lamb doner, a slice of sweet pistachio baklava, and a cup of coffee. Turkish coffee is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage item, so trying it is one for the books.
9. Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is as diverse as its regions. Every state offers its version of street foods and spice blends—a different depth of exciting flavors and colors! India is known for its curry, samosas, and biryani. It also has the world's largest vegetarian population, which proves that vegetarian foods are not meant to be boring. Butter chicken with garlic naan is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Indian cuisine. You can also try a South Indian dosa if you prefer something lighter.
8. Mexican Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is always a crowd pleaser and is full of history, from ancient Indigenous staples like beans and corn to dishes influenced by the Spanish. Some of the famous foods are tacos, tamales, and mole. Mole poblano can take hours to make; it has more than 30 ingredients. One of the must-try foods to get into the Mexican flavor is street-style tacos al pastor with pineapple and salsa.
7. American Cuisine
American cuisine combines regional specialties and global influences; it is more than fast food. From Southern barbecue to New England's clam chowder, there's always a little of everything. Gumbo, chili, and fried chicken are a few dishes that have roots in regional traditions or immigrant cultures. One of the best ways to experience American flavors (aside from BBQ, burgers, and other comfort mashups) is slow-smoked ribs and mac and cheese on the side.
6. Spanish
Jamón ibérico, tapas, and paella are the most famous Spanish foods. Fun fact: Paella is not Spain's national dish; it is wildly popular, especially in Valencia. Good quality olive oil and bold flavors are the base of Spanish cuisine. It is also meant for sharing because a meal is as much about the people as the food in Spanish cuisine.
5. French
It's not all white table clothes, but French cuisine is elegant, with everyday meals focusing on excellent ingredients and timeless cooking techniques. They say this cuisine is for dessert lovers because, with French cuisine, dessert is never an option. Aside from their beautiful and appetizing pastries, they are also famous for their cheese. They produce over 1,000 types of cheese! And lastly, sauces. If you are beginning to explore and discover what French cuisine offers, a croque monsieur or the classic buttery croissant is an excellent starting point.
4. Thai
A proof that Thai cuisine's bold, bright, and often spicy flavors are well known is the multiple Michelin-starred street food stalls in Bangkok, which make tourists line up and travel globally. They are known for spices, curries, and noodles. Thai cuisine is one of those cuisines that will give you different feels and flavors in every bite. The best dishes for exploring Thai cuisine are Pad Thai or green curry with jasmine rice.
3. Japanese
Best known for its ramen, sushi, and rice bowls, Japanese cuisine offers a wide range, from quick, cozy, and comforting ramen shops to high-end omakase experiences. A trivia, the famous sushi was originally a method to preserve fish. Don't miss the classic nigiri sushi with fresh wasabi and tonkatsu ramen if you are in Japan! These dishes will surely make you come back.
2. Chinese
Chinese cuisine isn't just about dumplings; it's way beyond. It isn't just one style. From Sichuan's spicy flavors to delicate Cantonese, each region offers something good and unique. China's culinary traditions are more than 4,000 years old, making Chinese cuisine one of the most influential cuisines in the world. A sizzling Sichuan stir-fry and xiao long bao, sometimes called "soup dumplings," are both must-try!
1. Italian
When you hear Italian food, what comes to your mind first? Pizza? Pasta? Or gelato? These foods are simple yet loved and considered soulful by many. With their unique ingredients and distinct flavors, Italian food turns basic dishes into food masterpieces that comfort everyone's soul. Carbonara and spaghetti are two of the most famous Italian pastas, and they would be good to pair with wood-fired Margherita pizza, which is said to represent the Italian flag through its colors, red, white, and green.
Conclusion
Italian is the #1 favorite cuisine, voted on by survey participants from You.gov!
In reflection, deciding upon dining options based on cultural cuisine is difficult, maybe even polarizing. And the favorite will always change upon moods, communities, age and so much more.
But does this list from you.gov meet YOUR standards? I love a good Mexican restaurant! Bring me tacos, queso and an icy cold margarita, so I'm shocked it wasn't in the top Five!
Do you think another deserves the top spot? Leave a comment and let us know and why you feel that way!
Leave a Reply