Must Try Foods Around the World

Travel isn't just about where you go — it's about what you experience. And some experiences are better captured on a plate than in a photo. Here’s a list of iconic foods you need to try at least once in your life, in the places that made them famous.

Pizza - Italy

Originating from Naples, Italian pizza is a true celebration of simplicity done to perfection. A thin, lightly charred crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil create a balance of flavors that feels effortless yet deeply satisfying. Unlike heavier versions abroad, pizza in Italy is light, fragrant, and focuses on quality ingredients. Enjoying a Margherita pizza in Naples or Rome connects you directly to generations of Italian culinary tradition.

Recommended Spots:

• L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples) — ($, cheap local classic)

• Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo (Naples) — ($, legendary for authentic Neapolitan pizza)

• Seu Pizza Illuminati (Rome) — ($$, modern twist, highly rated)

Sushi - Japan

Sushi in Japan is crafted with precision, respect, and an emphasis on purity. From the freshest cuts of tuna to delicate uni, sushi is treated as an art form, where every slice and every grain of rice matters. Whether at a small standing sushi bar or a high-end omakase experience, eating sushi in Japan allows you to taste seafood at its freshest and craftsmanship at its finest. It’s not just a meal — it's a lesson in discipline and simplicity.

Recommended Spots:

• Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo) — ($$$$, world-famous, Michelin-starred)

• Sushi Dai (Tsukiji Market, Tokyo) — ($$, early morning sushi experience)

• Sushi no Midori (Tokyo) — ($$, great quality for reasonable price)

Croissant - France

A croissant from a Parisian bakery is a completely different experience than anywhere else in the world. Perfectly layered, buttery, crisp yet delicate, a real French croissant shatters gently when bitten, releasing a rich, warm aroma. Freshly baked daily in small boulangeries, they reflect the French dedication to technique and tradition. Enjoying one while walking through Paris streets is simple, yet unforgettable.

Recommended Spots:

• Du Pain et des Idées (Paris) — ($, traditional French bakery, top-rated)

• Pierre Hermé (Paris) — ($$, gourmet pastries and croissants)

• Maison Pichard (Paris) — ($, local favorite)

Waffles - Belgium

Belgian waffles are thicker, denser, and far more indulgent than what most people know. Brussels-style waffles are light and crispy, perfect for toppings like whipped cream, fruits, or melted Belgian chocolate, while Liège waffles are richer, with caramelized sugar in the dough. Freshly baked from a street stand, the sweet aroma alone is enough to draw you in. A visit to Belgium isn’t complete without trying both types — straight from the source.

Recommended Spots:

• Maison Dandoy (Brussels) — ($$, high-end, traditional Belgian waffles)

• Vitalgaufre (Brussels) — ($, famous street waffle stand)

• Waffle Factory (multiple cities) — ($, casual chain, good variety)

Burgers - USA

America’s contribution to global comfort food culture, the burger, is an essential experience when visiting the United States. From simple classic cheeseburgers at old diners to gourmet versions in trendy cities, a real American burger emphasizes juicy, high-quality beef, fresh toppings, and a perfect bun. In cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Austin, burger culture is a craft, and each region adds its twist. Experiencing it locally gives you a taste of American tradition and innovation combined.

Recommended Spots:

• In-N-Out Burger (West Coast) — ($, classic fast-food cult favorite)

• Shake Shack (Nationwide) — ($$, upgraded fast-casual burgers)

• Minetta Tavern (New York City) — ($$$, famous Black Label Burger)

Gyros - Greece

Gyros are a staple of Greek street food, offering a delicious and satisfying meal packed with flavor. Juicy slices of pork, chicken, or lamb are shaved off a vertical spit, tucked into fluffy pita bread, and layered with fresh tomatoes, onions, fries, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Eating gyros in Greece — especially after a day of exploring ancient ruins or sunbathing by the sea — delivers a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and satisfying.

Recommended Spots:

• Kostas (Athens) — ($, simple and authentic since 1950s)

• Lefteris O Politis (Athens) — ($, legendary pork gyros)

• O Thanasis (Athens) — ($$, famous spot for tourists and locals)

Tacos - Mexico

Authentic Mexican tacos are all about honoring the ingredients. Soft corn tortillas, lightly grilled or steamed, are filled with anything from smoky carne asada to slow-cooked carnitas to freshly battered fish. Each region of Mexico has its specialty, and toppings are kept minimal — fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime — to highlight the flavor of the meat. Eating tacos from a street stand in Mexico, surrounded by the lively sounds and smells of the city, is an essential culinary experience.

Recommended Spots:

• El Vilsito (Mexico City) — ($, mechanic shop by day, taco shop by night, iconic)

• Taquería Orinoco (Mexico City) — ($, northern-style tacos, very popular)

• Los Tacos No.1 (New York City if abroad) — ($$, best tacos outside Mexico)

Paella - Spain

Paella, born in Valencia, is a celebration of Spain’s vibrant culinary culture. A traditional pan of saffron-scented rice is cooked slowly with seafood, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, often over an open fire. The best part, the crispy bottom layer known as socarrat, adds incredible depth of flavor. Sharing a large paella at a seaside restaurant, surrounded by friends and the scent of the ocean, is one of Spain’s great joys.

Recommended Spots:

• Casa Carmela (Valencia) — ($$, traditional Valencian paella)

• La Pepica (Valencia) — ($$, historic seaside paella spot)

• 7 Portes (Barcelona) — ($$$, iconic paella house)

Pad Thai - Thailand

Pad Thai is Thailand’s gift to the world — a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Freshly stir-fried noodles are tossed with tamarind paste, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and crushed peanuts. It’s simple yet layered with complex flavors. Eating Pad Thai cooked fresh by a street vendor, amidst the colorful chaos of Bangkok’s night markets, is the true way to experience it.

Recommended Spots:

• Thip Samai (Bangkok) — ($, considered the best Pad Thai in Bangkok)

• Pad Thai Narok Taek (Bangkok) — ($, another strong local favorite)

• Baan Phadthai (Bangkok) — ($$, modern version, Michelin Plate)

Kebab - Turkey

In Turkey, kebab is more than just grilled meat — it’s a deep-rooted culinary tradition. Whether it's skewered shish kebab, spicy Adana kebab, or slow-roasted döner, Turkish kebabs are seasoned to perfection and served with warm bread, rice, and grilled vegetables. Eating kebab in Turkey, especially in a local bazaar surrounded by the scent of spices and roasting meat, is a culinary and cultural experience combined.

Recommended Spots:

• Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Istanbul) — ($$, famous for traditional kebabs)

• Durumzade (Istanbul) — ($, Anthony Bourdain-approved street wraps)

• Hamdi Restaurant (Istanbul) — ($$, panoramic view with classic kebabs)

Pho - Vietnam

Pho is Vietnam’s most beloved dish, a deeply flavorful soup made with hours-simmered beef broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender slices of beef. Each bowl is aromatic, balanced, and soul-warming. Eating Pho at a busy street stall in Hanoi, where the broth has been perfected over generations, connects you to the comforting heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

Recommended Spots:

• Pho Gia Truyen (Hanoi) — ($, famous traditional pho stall)

• Pho Thin (Hanoi) — ($, beefy smoky pho style)

• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (Hanoi) — ($$, slightly touristy but excellent quality)

Conclusion

When you travel, the moments that stay with you are often those created around a table — or a food stand, or a street corner. These iconic dishes aren’t just meals; they are cultural experiences that tell a story about a place and its people.
If you truly want to understand a country, start by tasting it.