I love traveling and hope to visit as many countries as possible throughout my lifetime. One of the best parts of traveling is getting to taste the best foods each country has to offer and discover new dishes to bring back home. I've made a bucket list of foods from different countries that I want to try, and these are ten of the most delectable dishes.
1. Austria: Wiener Schnitzel
So tasty and well-known that it's the national dish of Austria, the wiener schnitzel is a thin veal cutlet that is deep fried and served by a side of potatoes or rice.
2. Canada: Poutine
To me, the word "poutine" sounds a lot fancier than the actual dish, which originated in Quebec. Poutine is French fries with gravy and cheese curds on top. You can't really go wrong with that combination.
3. China: Xiaolongbao
These soup dumplings are a memorable dish from such a large country. They are filled with meat and soup broth, then steamed in a bamboo basket. I’ve had the American version of this dish, but I would love to try the authentic xiaolongbao someday.
4. Ecuador: Chocolate
For a long time, Ecuador was the world’s primary chocolate producer. Family-run plantations across this country produce some of the best cocoa beans to make delicious gourmet chocolate.
5. England: Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is hot, doughy bread often served with roast beef and gravy. It doesn’t have to be served with meat, as eating these alone is just as delicious.
6. France: Croissant
Everybody loves a good croissant, but a true French croissant is irresistible. Pair it with some butter or jam and I could eat it every morning for breakfast.
7. Italy: Neopolitan Pizza
Pizza is made and served in so many different countries around the world, but Italy makes it the best. The Neopolitan uses three types of tomatoes, hand-rolled dough, and is baked in a wood-fired oven.
8. Japan: Sushi
I’m not a fan of sushi, but even I would try it if I visited Japan. Sushi is such a popular dish around the world it would be a shame to miss out on ordering it in the original sushi country.
9. Slovakia: Bryndzove Halusky
This dish is potato dumplings served with soft sheep’s milk cheese and bacon. There hasn’t been a food made of potatoes that I haven’t liked yet, and the picture just makes my mouth water.
10. Uruguay: Dulce de Leche
This dish is popular all across South America, but the best is made in Uruguay and Argentina. Dulce de Leche is a sweet caramel treat that can be served with ice cream, in an alfajores biscuit, or piped into churros.
Indulging in the culture of a country is the best way to try to understand new perspectives. Food is ingrained into any kind of culture, whether through daily meals or as part of traditions, holidays, and rituals. Every new country you visit you should try a new meal, learn a couple words in a that region's language, and listen to their music.