By: Mariam Elhamy
On World Food Day we can only celebrate food by picking out some of the best dishes that originated from different countries. If you think you’re a foodie, we bet you’ve probably never tried all these delicious dishes from around the world!
Pierogi, Poland
Pierogi is popular in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Belarus but mainly in Poland. It is usually panfried or boiled and can be filled with any savory or sweet ingredients and can be eaten as a snack, appetizer or dessert.
Bunny Chow, South Africa
The Bunny Chow doesn’t actually have any bunnies. Instead, it has shredded chicken cooked with spicy curry that is put in half a hollowed out bread loaf and that’s what makes it pretty interesting.
Cacio e Pepe, Italy
Pasta is wonderful with all sauces and toppings, but have you ever tried the Italian delicacy Cacio e Pepe? It’s great in all its simplicity, comprising mainly of spaghetti, cheese and pepper; hence, the name Cacio e Pepe.
Boeuf Bourguignon, France
Slow-cooked to perfection is the hearty Boeuf Bourguignon. Originally from France, this dish will fill and warm you up on cold days. It contains beef, obviously, mushroom, carrots, onions and is sometimes served with mashed potatoes.
Barramundi, Australia
Barramundi is a type of fish that is famous in Australia. You can find it fried, grilled, baked, barbequed or steamed and served with lemon and dill butter.
Poutine, Canada
Basically French fries with a twist, Poutine can either be made with french fries or sweet potato fries and the best part is that it has gravy and cheese. What a combo!
Som Tam, Southeast Asia
Vegans and vegetarians will love this one! Som Tam is full of flavors and crunchy ingredients. It’s a salad made with papaya, peppers, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, peanuts and seasoned with sweet and sour dressing, chilli peppers and lime juice.
Arepa, Venezuela
Arepa is a traditional bread that came from Venezuela. It is made with cornmeal and buttermilk which makes it extra soft. It can be filled with shredded meat or chicken, cheese or even sweet fillings.
Poke, Hawaii
Poke is so delicious and healthy you’ll be wiping the bowl clean! A poke bowl contains some fresh ingredients like raw fish, avocado, edamame, mango, cucumber, carrots and any seasonal vegetables or fruits and steamed rice. It could also be made with chicken or beef and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Read our full review of Let’s Poke in Zamalek
Beef Rendang, Indonesia
This tender beef dish bursts with the flavors of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin, onion, pepper and lime. Usually served with white rice.
Pad Thai, Thailand
Pad Thai is a pretty well known Thai dish that contains rice noodles, chicken, tofu, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, garlic and peppers. You’ll find sweet, salty, spicy and sour flavors all in one dish.
Dim Sum, China
Dim Sum or dumplings are a Chinese delight. Deep-fried or steamed, dumplings can be filled with beef, chicken, vegetables or pork. They’re delicious on their own but even more amazing dipped in soy sauce.
Tagine, Morocco
Whether you’re a fan of meat, lamb, chicken or fish, a tagine is one dish you must try! A slow-cooked stew made the Moroccan way, a tajine is made with one type of meat and vegetables and spiced with turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, paprika, ginger and cumin and served with couscous.
Gumbo, Louisiana, USA
You probably have never heard of this American dish that mixes okra with chicken, sausage, celery, bell peppers and onions with a thick red sauce.
Ramen, Japan
Do you know why everyone loves noodles so much? It all started with the yummy ramen dish. Full of flavors, ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that usually contains mushrooms, seaweed, chicken or beef, spring onions and a soft-boiled egg, seasoned by soy sauce or miso.
Ceviche, Peru
Ceviche is basically fresh raw shrimp seasoned with lemon or lime and spiced with chili peppers or chopped onions, salt, oil and coriander.
Bobotie, South Africa
Minced beef cooked with curry, raisins, and onion, topped a creamy egg-based golden layer is what a Bobotie is and it’s South Africa’s national dish.
Pastel de Nata, Portugal
These light, fluffy, delicious custard tarts are just what you’ll want after a meal. The creamy Portuguese custard egg tart is a pastry you have to try.
Kimchi, Korea
If you’re really into spices and fermented vegetables, Kimchi is one side dish you’ll like. Kimchi pairs up nicely with any dish that needs a little spicing up and it’s mainly fermented cabbage and radish.
Goi Cuon, Vietnam
The Goi Cuon is a kind of spring roll, filled with prawns or shrimps, rice noodles, vegetables and peanuts, wrapped in rice paper. You dip it in hoisin or chili sauce with peanuts.
Paneer Butter Masala, India
Paneer is a type of fresh cheese that is usually cooked with a heavy sauce and served with Indian bread or rice. This dish is the perfect combo of creaminess and spiciness.
Find different restaurants that offer these cuisines in Cairo
