International Cuisines - A Guide to Explore Global Flavors

Lomo Saltado

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the heart of Peruvian cuisine, it’s Lomo Saltado. This bold, comforting stir-fry is more than just a meal—it’s a fusion of cultures, textures, and flavors all in one skillet. Imagine tender strips of seared beef tossed with sweet red onions, juicy tomatoes, and the unexpected (but oh-so-perfect) addition of crispy French fries. It’s all finished off with a savory soy-based sauce and served alongside fluffy white rice. Rooted in Peru’s Chinese-immigrant influence, Lomo Saltado is the ultimate chifa dish—a harmonious marriage between East and West. It’s quick, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re …

Tags:

International cuisine

Plokkfiskur

International Cuisines

There’s something profoundly comforting about a dish like Plokkfiskur—a creamy Icelandic fish stew that speaks to the soul of Nordic home cooking. Rooted in simplicity and resourcefulness, this humble recipe transforms everyday ingredients—flaky white fish, buttery potatoes, sweet onions, and a smooth béchamel—into a bowl of pure comfort. I first discovered Plokkfiskur on a chilly afternoon in Reykjavik, where it was served with a thick slice of dark rye bread and a dollop of butter. The flavors were mild yet deeply satisfying, warming me from the inside out like a familiar hug. It’s the kind of dish you make when …

Tags:

Easy recipe / International cuisine

Kare-Kare

International Cuisines

Nothing feels quite as cozy as a pot of Kare-Kare slowly cooking on the stove. Growing up, this iconic Filipino peanut stew was a staple at our Sunday lunches and festive gatherings. Its rich, creamy sauce clings lovingly to each tender piece of oxtail, while a medley of vibrant vegetables brings both color and balance. But the real magic? That side of sautéed bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) — salty, funky, and just the right contrast to the stew’s mellow nuttiness. Kare-Kare isn’t a dish you rush. It’s slow food in the best way: simmered patiently, thickened with toasted rice and …

Tags:

Hearty meal / International cuisine

Doro Wat

International Cuisines

If there’s one dish that captures the soul of Ethiopian cuisine, it’s Doro Wat. This hearty, spicy chicken stew is simmered slowly in a deeply flavorful berbere-spiced onion base, enriched with clarified spiced butter (niter kibbeh) and finished with hard-boiled eggs. It’s bold, comforting, and traditionally served with injera, the tangy flatbread that makes every bite a perfect balance of heat and depth. Whether you’re new to Ethiopian cooking or revisiting a favorite, this is a dish worth savoring. Ingredients For the stew: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed 3–4 large red onions, finely …

Tags:

Chicken / International cuisine

Khachapuri

International Cuisines

There’s something truly magical about the moment you tear into a freshly baked Khachapuri—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with rivers of molten cheese and a golden egg yolk beckoning from the center. It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind that warms both your stomach and your soul. I first discovered Khachapuri on a rainy afternoon at a cozy café tucked away in Tbilisi’s old town. The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh bread drifted through the air, and I knew I had to try it. One bite, and I was hooked. Since then, this Georgian staple …

Tags:

International cuisine

Egusi Soup

International Cuisines

There’s something magical about a bubbling pot of Egusi Soup simmering on the stove. It’s not just a meal—it’s a story passed down through generations, deeply rooted in Nigerian and West African tradition. Growing up, Egusi Soup was the highlight of weekends and celebrations, filling the house with the nutty aroma of ground melon seeds, rich palm oil, and well-seasoned meats. This vibrant, hearty soup is everything you want in comfort food: thick, creamy, and generously loaded with tender cuts of assorted meats, smoked fish, and bold spices. The egusi (melon seeds) add a unique texture that’s unlike any other …

Tags:

International cuisine

Spaghetti Carbonara

International Cuisines

If there’s one dish that truly captures the soul of Roman cuisine, it’s Spaghetti Carbonara. Creamy, savory, and surprisingly simple, this beloved pasta doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or fancy ingredients—just quality eggs, sharp Pecorino Romano, crispy pancetta (or guanciale), and freshly cracked black pepper. That’s it. My first encounter with real Carbonara happened in a cozy little trattoria hidden in Trastevere—it completely blew me away. No cream, no garlic-heavy overload—just a silky, golden sauce that clung to each strand of spaghetti like a warm hug. The secret? Timing and technique. This recipe stays true to that tradition, balancing rich …

Tags:

International cuisine / Italian recipe / Spaghetti

Chicken Teriyaki

International Cuisines

There’s something undeniably comforting about Chicken Teriyaki. Maybe it’s the way the sweet-savory glaze clings to every bite of tender chicken, or the nostalgic feeling of digging into a warm bowl over fluffy rice. Whatever it is, this recipe has become a regular in my kitchen—and for good reason. This is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast but still want something that feels special. The homemade teriyaki sauce is simple—just a handful of pantry staples—but it transforms the chicken into something truly crave-worthy. A little garlic, a bit of ginger, and a splash of soy sauce …

Tags:

Chicken / International cuisine / Japanese dish

Guacamole

International Cuisines

Packed with fresh ingredients, this guacamole is rich, zesty, and irresistibly smooth. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes, it’s the perfect dip for tortilla chips or a topping for tacos and grilled meats. Whether you’re entertaining or just craving a healthy snack, this quick and easy guacamole will never disappoint. Ingredients 3 ripe avocados 1 lime, juiced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup diced red onion 2 Roma tomatoes, diced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional) Execution Prep the Avocados: Cut avocados in half, remove the pits, and …

Tags:

Easy recipe / International cuisine

Pad Thai

International Cuisines

Pad Thai is a classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish known for its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. Made with rice noodles, a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables, it often includes shrimp, chicken, or tofu. This street food favorite is quick to make and packed with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Ingredients For the Pad Thai Sauce: 3 tbsp tamarind paste 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce as a vegetarian substitute) 2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste) For the Noodles: …

Tags:

International cuisine / Thai dish