Uncovering some of the best lesser-known cultural foods from around the world.
Khachapuri served with nuts. Ekkatterrinna. CC BY-SA 4.0
From sushi to falafel to chicken tikka masala, most cultures are represented on the global food stage. But for every well-known cultural classic, hundreds of local delights have never quite made it out of their homeland. This list compiles ten of the best, most unique specialties that most of the world has yet to experience. Each dish will include links to recipes and can be made at home with relative ease.
1. Lahmacun
Turkey
A traditionally wrapped lahmacun. Garret Ziegler. CC BY-SA 4.0
Lahmacun is a traditional flatbread variety that incorporates minced meat (usually lamb or beef), tomatoes and red peppers, and a healthy amount of garlic and chili pepper. Despite being commonly referred to as “Turkish pizza”, lahmacun is never prepared with cheese. Instead, the dish is often served rolled up around other vegetables like pickles or roast eggplant.
2. Kare-kare
The Philippines
A bowl of kare-kare. Maffeth.opiana. CC BY-SA 4.0
Kare-kare is a stew of thick peanut sauce. Typically made with oxtail and occasionally pigs’ or calves’ feet, kare-kare also features vegetables like eggplant and daikon. Some varieties include seafood (like prawns and squid), while others are entirely vegetarian. This dish has been a part of Filipino culture for hundreds of years and is considered one of the island nation’s staple dishes.
3. Zeljanica
The Balkans
A tray of zeljanica. BiHVolim. CC BY-SA 4.0
Often referred to as “savory spinach pie,” zeljanica is a flaky pastry filled with chopped spinach, egg and white or feta cheese. This particular meal has several options for substitution; just about any white cheese (preferably salted) can be used for the filling, and a variety of pastries can be used to make the outer shell, including phyllo or horiatiko (both of which are specialties in their own right).
4. Pastitsio
Greece
A plate of pastitsio. Sam Bailey. CC BY-SA 4.0
While this dish is often referred to as “Greek lasagna,” it takes a few steps outside of the box that sets it apart from its Italian cousin. Pastitsio has evolved over the years, transforming from a phyllo-wrapped meat pasta to a layered dish. The bottom layer is composed of bucatini or similarly-shaped pasta, bound together with cheese or eggs. The second layer features ground beef or pork heavily seasoned with cinnamon and cloves, and the top is a mixture of bechamel and mornay sauce.
5. Cou Cou
Barbados
An example of Cou Cou. KINGBROBLOXZZZ. CC BY-SA 4.0
Cou-cou is widely regarded as the best example of Barbados’ national food: the flying fish. While cou-cou is actually a mixture of cornmeal and okra, it is typically served alongside steamed or fried flying fish. Today, this meal is traditionally served on Friday in Barbados and has spread to Antigua and the Virgin Islands.
6. Khachapuri
Georgia
A variety of khachapuri including egg yolk. Rorschach11. CC 2.0
There are many varieties of Georgia’s khachapuri, but the most common (and most popular) is Imeretian khachapuri. This variation is made with yeast dough and filled with salted white cheese. Other varieties incorporate egg yolks, potatoes and a variety of seasonings.
7. Nacatamales
Nicaragua
A finished nacatamal. MiguelRamirez77. CC BY-SA 4.0
Nacatamales were historically made by Nicarao hunters who would wrap and steam herbs, deer and turkey meat in corn husks. Rapidly evolving into a cultural staple after the Spanish conquest of Nicaragua, nacatamales have continued to change throughout the centuries. Today, the dish is commonly wrapped in banana leaf and tinfoil and steamed for up to five hours.
8. Nam Khao
Laos
A pre-wrapped nam khao. Takeaway. CC BY-SA 3.0
Nam khao is a common dish throughout Laos, appearing everywhere from street stalls and potlucks to high-brow restaurants. The meal’s main ingredients include fried rice balls, classic Vietnamese pork sausage, chopped peanuts and other seasonings. Nam khao is unique from traditional salads as ingredients are used to fill a singular lettuce leaf before being topped with chili peppers and herbs.
9. Lo Mai Gai
Southern China
A variety of lo mai gai made with abalone. Peachyeung316. CC BY-SA 4.0
A gluten-rich rice stuffed with chicken, sausage, mushrooms and scallions, the most unique aspect of this variation on the classic dim sum is the method of cooking. Before being steamed, lo mai gai is wrapped in dried lotus leaves — in areas where lotus is not available, banana and grape leaves are frequently substituted.
10. Jollof Rice
West Africa
A variety of jollof including vegetables. Segun Famisa. CC BY-SA 4.0
Last but certainly not least is the ever-changing meal known as jollof rice, or jollof for short. This dish has a general ingredient list, but just about every nation in West Africa has its own regional variety, which has led to friendly rivalries between different regions. Typically, jollof is made with long rice grains, incorporating tomatoes, chili peppers, and a variety of spices together into one pot. Variations of the dish can range from different spices to the inclusion of additional vegetables or cuts of meat.
Few of the dishes on this list are available outside of their home country. However, the ingredients for each dish are relatively easy to obtain, so international foodies can find all the materials they need to cook some of these specialties at home.
Ryan Livingston
Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.