Learning about different cuisine from around the world
What better way to learn about other parts of the world than through their food? Playing with your food is a great way to learn about history, geography, culture and science. Food lets you travel the world without even leaving your house. By learning more about what people around the world eat, you can get a glimpse into their culture and history.
If you’re looking for some new ideas, here are 13 traditional dishes you can try with your family:
1. Spam Musubi
Musubi is a popular snack in Hawaii made from rice with teriyaki sauce and nori (seaweed). It’s usually wrapped in bamboo leaves but it can also be wrapped in plastic wrap. The name “musubi” means “to tie” in Japanese. It’s named after the knots used to hold fishing nets together on boats!
2. Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread men have been around since ancient Greece! They were originally made with honey instead of sugar because honey was easier to find back then than sugar. Later on, ginger was added for flavor. In England, gingerbread men were baked on St John’s Day (June 24th) so they could be eaten during Christmas celebrations!
Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash
3. Borscht
Borscht is a traditional Russian soup that’s made with beetroot, beef and potatoes. It’s popularly served cold but can also be eaten hot during the winter months in Russia and Eastern Europe. This dish is full of nutrients like vitamins A and C which help strengthen your immune system and fight off infections like colds and flu.
4. Goulash
Goulash is a Hungarian dish made from meat cooked in paprika sauce over low heat for several hours until tender. Its name comes from the Hungarian word “gulyás” which means cattle-herder because it was traditionally made by cowboys who cooked it over an open fire while they were out on their travels!
5. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a traditional French fish soup that’s often served as an appetizer before dinner. The word “bouillabaisse” comes from the Provençal language meaning “boil again”, referring to how much the fish needs to boil before it’s ready to eat!
6. Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that’s made with rice, saffron and fresh seafood like prawns, scallops and mussels. It’s traditionally cooked in a large pan over an open fire so it’s perfect for camping or barbecues!
7. Biryani
Biryani is a traditional Indian dish made from meat or vegetables cooked with rice in a spicy sauce. There are many different kinds of biryani depending on the region where it’s from and what kind of meat or vegetables are used in the dish! It’s often served with raita which is a yogurt-based dip made with cucumbers or tomatoes. The best thing about biryani is that there are so many variations so you can mix up your recipe each time you make it!
8. Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is a traditional Italian dish that’s made from spaghetti, guanciale (the cheek of the pig) and egg yolks. It’s traditionally made with Pecorino Romano (sheep’s cheese) but you can also try it with Parmigiano Reggiano instead. The most important thing is to find an authentic Italian recipe, and not an American version that might add ingredients like cream.
Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash
9. Kebab
Kebab is a Turkish dish consisting of meat grilled on a skewer that’s been marinated in spices and herbs. It’s traditionally made from lamb but can also be made from beef or chicken depending on what region of Turkey you’re visiting! The word kebab comes from the Arabic word “kabab” which means “to grill meat.”
10. Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is a traditional American dish that’s usually served with potatoes and vegetables like carrots, corn on the cob and green beans. Roasted chicken contains high amounts of protein which helps build muscle mass and strengthens your immune system to help fight off infections like colds and flu. This dish also contains iron which helps transport oxygen throughout the body so it can be used by all organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys!
11. Pho
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from rice noodles in a beef broth with meat, herbs and vegetables like onion, coriander and ginger. This popular street food originated in northern Vietnam during the French occupation in the late 19th century when they used beef bones to make soup because they didn’t have enough money to buy meat!
12. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a traditional Thai dish that’s made from rice noodles, eggs and tofu. It’s usually served with bean sprouts, peanuts and green onions which gives it a unique flavor. The name Pad Thai comes from the words “pad” which means “fried” in Thai and “thai” which means “sweet.”
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
13. Curry
Curry is an Indian dish that usually consists of meat (chicken or lamb), sauce and curry spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander and cardamom. There are many different types of curries which can range from mild to very spicy depending on what region of India you’re visiting! Curry was introduced to Britain by the East India Company during their rule over India between 1600-1912 and has become one of Britain’s most loved dishes ever since. Curry is not only delicious but it’s also good for you because it contains vitamins A, C and E which help keep your immune system strong!
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a greater awareness of traditional foods that are still being served to this day. You also have a greater understanding of how traditional foods can differ from culture to culture, and why they’re all such an important part of their heritage. Each traditional dish has its own history, and is a part of the cultural identity of the people who eat it. The next time you’re looking for a new recipe to try, why not consider one from your ancestral home? There are many different cultures throughout the world that have delicious foods that can be prepared in almost any way imaginable.
There are so many wonderful foods to try and learn about, so don’t be afraid to explore. Happy cooking!
Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash