National Dishes From Around the World

A national dish is defined as a food strongly associated with a country. Some of the dishes on the list below are from long-lasting traditions, while others are assimilated recipes. Either way, all are delicious and exemplify the country that makes it.

© Howard Sandler | Dreamstime

Canada: Poutine

To Americans it looks strange, but for Canadians the combination of French fries, gravy and cheese curds is heaven on earth.

Peruvian Ceviche at La Mar Cebicheria © Cathrine Lindblom | Dreamstime

Peru: Ceviche

Located on the Pacific coast, seafood is an important part of Peruvian food, the main dish of which is ceviche — raw fish cured in citrus and spiced with chili, onions, salt and cilantro.

Korea: Bulgogi

Korean “fire meat” refers to the staple dish of grilled chicken or pork, sliced thin and marinated with soy, garlic, sesame, sugar and pepper, often served with kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish.

Jamaica: Ackee and Saltfish

The former slave recipe has been adopted as Jamaica’s national dish, combining a partially toxic fruit with salt cod, onions and tomatoes, sometimes served on top of cassava cakes and rice plantains.

© Berlinfoto | Dreamstime

Germany: Currywurst

A favorite late night snack, currywurst was developed in the aftermath of WWII, serving Allied soldiers sausages topped with ketchup and Indian curry powder alongside fries and mayo.

Hungary: Goulash

This dish is close to Hungarian identity, going all the back to the ninth century when it was made by sheep farmers. The dish is a stew combining beef, vegetables, onions and spices, and in the old days it was prepared in a sheep’s stomach.

© Veronica An | Kula Revolving Sushi Bar

Japan: Sushi

Sushi is almost as ubiquitous in America as pizza, but it’s mostly adapted from the contemporary Japanese kind, first invented in the 18^th century during the Edo Period as a form of street food.

In-N-Out Burger in Tucson, Arizona © Jeremy Keith | Flickr

United States of America: Burger and Fries

Burgers are German and fries are French, but together there’s nothing more American. No matter which state you’re in, you’re going to find a great burger with some local flair.