{Worldwide} Traditional Foods You Should Try from Around the World

In line with our “food themed” posts lately, we’d like to share a sponsored post from editors at InsureAndGo. 

Every country has its traditional dishes, but not all of them are particularly appetising. Most of them, however, are so sublimely delicious, that every time you think of them, your mouth waters and your stomach rumbles.

We’ve put together a list of food from around the world that are almost certainly worthy of a try – not just because they’re traditional, but because they are so delicious too.

India

Whilst in India, you’d be mad not to try a traditional Indian curry. It’s not like the curry you’d pick up from your local curry house back home; they’re fresh, spicy and a lot healthier than your typical British takeaway.

A popular curry in India is the rogan josh, which originated in the Kashmir region. It consists of lamb with peppers, tomato and red chilli. If your tastes are a little sensitive, don’t worry, because the rogan josh is only medium heat, which means it’s not too hot.

Japan

The healthiest traditional food belongs to the Japanese. Sushi is packed with carbohydrates (the good kind!) and stuffed full with natural minerals. It’s is available everywhere around the world, but a traditional dish always tastes better when it is prepared in its home country.

Fugu Nigiri. Photo credit: (c) 2006 Eden Politte

Another (expensive and deadly) Japanese delicacy is fugu (puffer fish). Inside the organs of the puffer fish lives a deadly poison known as tetrodotoxin. Despite its dangers, licensed chefs still regularly prepare fugu for high-society types and thrillseekers. It’s one of the most celebrated dishes in Japan. If you have the chance to delve into a plate of fugu, take it!

England

In England, Sundays simply wouldn’t be the same without a traditional Sunday roast. The dinner consists of meat (most often beef, chicken, turkey, lamb or pork) with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower cheese, peas, swede, parsnips and turnips, topped off with gravy. Normally served around mid-afternoon, a traditional English Sunday roast will leave you feeling satisfied well into the evening. But if you still need a little more, why not try finishing the meal off with some apple crumble and hot custard?

If you happen to drop by a seaside town whilst in England, make sure you tuck into some fish and chips! A heft lump of hand-battered cod or haddock with nice, fat chips really warms you up (especially useful given the unpredictability of England’s summer weather)!

Scotland

The landscape, castles and history of Scotland are sure to take your breath away, and the food isn’t bad either. If you need to rest after a day of trekking through villages and mountains, stop off at a local pub restaurant and get yourself some traditional haggis. It doesn’t sound at all appealing at first, but with all the trimmings, it really is a delicious meal.

Haggis is sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs) minced with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, salt and mixed-in stock. Haggis is traditionally simmered in the animal’s stomach, although nowadays it’s prepared in the casing on the sheep’s intestine instead. Haggis is served with what the Scottish called “neeps and tatties”, or swede and potatoes.

Like I said, it doesn’t sound too appealing, but after taking in the Scottish air, and appreciating the stunning views, finishing the day of with a traditional Scottish meal is a must-do.

Haggis, neeps, and tatties at the King’s Wark in Leith. Photo credit: (c) 2006 Ville Miettinen

Germany

Each region in Germany has its own traditional food, so it’s worth travelling around the country and experimenting with local delicacies. Here are a couple of my favourites:

Germany is famous for its sausages. With over 1,500 types of sausage (or wurst) within the country, you’re not short of choice. The most popular is the Bratwurst, which is made from ground pork and spices. Another popular variety is the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst which is a very small pork sausage which is normally seasoned with fresh marjoram which gives them their distinctive flavour.

Not only famous for their sausages, Germany is also known for the beautiful fresh bread on offer. With over 6,000 types available, including grey bread and black rye bread, the options are almost endless. Pop into a local market for some taste-testing.

Italy

Italian food is known, loved and enjoyed by millions of people around the world, but if you really want to experience the tasty and traditional Italian cuisine you need to visit the country itself.
When you’re walking around one of Italy’s small towns, make sure you pick up some freshly made Italian bread, some gorgeous cheese and some beautiful wine (the shop keeper will recommend you one if you’re not too sure which to choose). Nothing beats sitting in a quiet place with a beautiful view, and tucking into some lovely food and sipping a delicious glass of wine.

If you don’t fancy preparing your own food, go to a traditional small Italian restaurant. Start off with antipasti – I normally go for a meat-based one, which includes salami, prosciutto, finocchiona, and some pancetta. You normally get some freshly-baked bread with it as well. Each restaurant has their own variation of antipasti, but it’s usually enough to whet your appetite and get you ready for your main course.

Italian antipasti. Photo credit (c) 2007 avlxyz

You can really tell that the Italians are passionate for their food, which make you really appreciate the meal you are given, they certainly know how to cook.

Cambodia

If you’re travelling to Cambodia, you’re likely to come across a lot of tropical fruits, rice, noodles, soups and fresh fish. Typically, Cambodians will eat their meals with 3 or 4 dishes, each one being either sweet, sour, salty or bitter.

A popular and traditional dish that’ll come across in Cambodia is amok trey. It is fish with a thick coconut milk layer, topped with kroeung, which is similar to thai curry paste. The fish is either steamed or baked in a cup made from banana leaves. It’s unique taste is memorable; I guarantee you will have more than one dish of amok trey whilst you stay in Cambodia.

Wherever you’re travelling to, don’t forget to buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Visit Insure and go for an instant quotation.

Have you tried the food outlined above? What are some of your own “traditional foods” favorites from around the world?
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