As a home-cook and foodie I love taking inspiration from as many cultures as I can when I cook. One of my personal goals is to make at least 1 dish from every country and every major city around the world, and I've been compiling a list of my favorite dishes from each country to research and create versions of my own. I have tried and created many dishes from well-known countries, but I would love to know more about the culture and cuisine of places that are less talked about or less well represented.
So what are your favorite dishes and cuisines from your local city or country? Or local dishes you know of from other places? Or maybe you have your own list of your favorites?
My addition: Garbage Plates from Rochester NY. They sound strange at first but have become one of my comfort foods. When they are done well, they hit the spot like no other. As for a lesser known dish I absolutely love Roti Canai which is a type of curry and bread from Malaysia.
My list so far:
Japan: Spicy Miso Ramen
South Korea: Curry Tteokbokki
China : Lo Mein
Taiwan: Mongolian Beef
Thailand: Pad Thai
Malaysia: Roti Canai
Singapore: Singapore Street Noodles
India: Lamb Marsala
Syria: Maqluba
Libya: Couscous Bil-bosla
Turkey: Gozleme
Greece: Lamb over Rice
Russia: Stroganoff
Italy: Carbonara
Germany: Rahmshnitzel
Belgium: Liege Waffle
France: Croque Monsieur
UK: Lamb Tikka Masala
Sweden: Kottbullar
Iceland: Pylsur
Canada: Poutine
US: Garbage Plate
Mexico: Carne Asada Tacos
El Savador: Charamuscas
Trinidad: Dahl
Jamaca: Peanut Punch
Guyana: Pepper Pot
Regional favorites from my travels in the US off the top of my head…
Northeast? Lobstah. Syracuse Salt Potatoes.
Creole and Soul Food in the South. Jambalaya, Etoufee, corn bread, collard greens…so much good food.
BBQ. Pick your region. From lean brisket to fall apart sweet and sticky or Carolina tart.
West Coast…I’m gonna say Mexican. Weird to say another country’s food in a US state, but California does it awesome.
California was once Alta California and part of Mexico. Not surprising that it has authentic Mexican dishes.
Texas brisket was honestly a close second for me. It's so good when it's done right.
I totally agree on the West coast pick. San Diego and Tijuana have some of the best mexican food anywhere, and it greatly outshines the other food in the area