Food is a universal language that brings people together and allows us to experience different cultures and traditions. From spicy Mexican cuisine to savory Japanese sushi, the variety of flavors and ingredients used in dishes around the world is truly staggering.
But food is not just about the flavors and ingredients – it also plays a significant role in shaping social and cultural traditions. In many parts of the world, food is an integral part of celebrations and gatherings, with special dishes being prepared for holidays and other special occasions.
Food remains a source of joy and comfort for people all around the world. From the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal to the excitement of trying a new dish at a restaurant, food brings people together and helps us to appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our world.
To introduce you to new dishes, we decided to create a place where all dishes of the world come together: the World Food Wiki.
A selection of the most popular dishes.
As the Italian saying goes: "Il panino è una cosa buona" - The sandwich is a good thing. And indeed it is very good! Panino, or sandwiches as we English-speaking folks would call them, are one of the most wildly popular and delectable dishes adored across numerous cultures.
PaninoLasagna is a glorious dish that embraces the spirit of Italian cuisine as a whole. From its humble roots to its modern incarnations, it has become a staple in kitchens during times of celebration, hardship, and everything in-between. Its ingredience are simple, yet when combined create a flavourful harmony.
LasagnaGnocchi is a beloved Italian delicacy that's been around for centuries, and even today it remains an absolute treat. Gnocchi is dumplings or small pieces of dough, often made from potatoes, flour, semolina, or other ingredients. Though gnocchi is usually served as a side dish, it can also act as the main course and has been known to grace Italian dinner tables since at least the 14th century.
GnocchiThe tomato is an enigmatic dish, its luscious viscosity and alluring texture ensconcing it in gastronomic lore and legend. Infinitely adaptable and surprisingly versatile, this delicious little friend has been on countless tables across the centuries, offering delectation to all who dare sample its succulence.
TomatoBurrata is one of the most delectable dishes you will ever try. It is a cheese that is native to the Apulia region of Italy and is known for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. The cheese is made by taking soft, fresh mozzarella and wrapping it around a center of cream and curd. The taste is both subtle and complex, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate subtlety in their dishes.
BurrataOur most popular categories of food around the world.
Pizza has been a staple of countless dinner tables across the world for decades. It's easily one of the most scrumptious and beloved dishes that continues to delight both old and young alike. But few people realize just how fascinating the historicity of pizza is, and what its ubiquitous presence says about our culture and how we relate to food.
Ah, bread. The staple of meals everywhere, and an essential part of many diets. For some, it simply serves as a necessary side to a dinner. For others, bread is the end-all-be-all of their meal, with every flavor, texture, and level of crunchiness being savored and enjoyed. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your dining experience, perhaps it’s time to look beyond basic white loafs and explore the world of artisan breads and bakers.
When it comes to seafood, there is no denying the sheer plethora of options available. Not only are there a myriad of delectable fish dishes to choose from, but there is also an incredible variety of species waiting to be discovered. From the exotically flavored tilapia to the succulent salmon, the seafood industry is booming with delicious options.
Ah, meat. The most tantalizing and controversial of alimentary delights. For centuries, people of all cultures have been enthralled by the savory flavors of succulent cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and more. Whether grilled, roasted, or fried, these savory morsels of protein-rich sustenance offer an unparalleled culinary experience.
Cheese is a true culinary delight, one that can be divisive in its complexity and depth of flavor. Often dubbed 'the king of dairy', cheese has been adored and enjoyed for centuries, with a history stretching back to at least 7000 BC. The word 'cheese' is derived from the Latin word 'caseus', which means 'to ferment'.
When it comes to desserts, nothing tops the satisfaction of indulging in a sweet, creamy treat. Nothing quite says sugary bliss like a slice of warm chocolate cake or a rich scoop of ice cream. Over the ages, desserts have been a beloved way to end a meal and bring comfort and joy to the table.
Ah, pastries – sweet, delicious and altogether marvelously indulgent. They are a timeless treat, with recipes passed down through countless generations and improvements over the years. From decadent doughnuts to classic croissants and everything in between, exploring the wide range of pastries can be a delightful endeavour.
Tuna, an enigmatic saltwater dweller that has tantalized tastebuds worldwide for generations, is a mysterious and curious creature with a unique environmental history. Endowed with a remarkable combination of vitality and adaptability, tuna have been able to persevere through multiple calamities, from historical commercial overfishing to dwindling habitats caused by climate change.
Salmon is a fish of many faces. It's used for innumerable culinary possibilities, celebrated for its unique flavor and texture, admired for its versatility, and lauded for its impressive nutritional value. But beneath the bright scales and glossy hue, there is so much more to admire about this dynamic creature.
The world of oysters, with it's mysterious and sublime depths, is one that continues to astound and captivate. From the salty brine of a freshly shucked specimen to the most luxurious versions smoked, grilled, steamed, or served raw, these bivalves are a delicious delicacy for food lovers around the world.
Humans have been aware of squid since ancient times, and records from as far back as Aristotle’s time mention this interesting creature. Squid have captivated our imaginations ever since, appearing in literature, movies, and even artwork. With their eight long appendages and mesmerizing motions underwater, squid have an undeniable allure.
When it comes to seafood, shrimp is arguably one of the most popular options. Part of this is due to its diverse availability, with shrimp found in a range of sizes, colors, and flavors that can be used in various dishes. Moreover, shrimp is relatively affordable and quite easy to cook, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring the taste of the sea to their meal.
The humble crab has long been a celebrated creature, with its nimble agility and remarkable resilience of body and spirit. As one of the oldest species on earth, it has long been a source of fascination throughout human history. Scientists have studied the unique biology of these creatures, from their symbiotic relationships with other marine life to their unmistakable habit of shedding and regenerating their shells as a part of their natural lifecycle.
Ah cheese soup, there is nothing quite like it in the culinary world. This delicious and comforting bowl of warmth has been around for centuries, offering an unbeatable combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and a hearty, savory broth. In its traditional form, cheese soup is made with a flavorful base typically made from butter, onions, celery, and garlic, to which cheese, either shredded or cubed, is added. This mixture is then simmered until thick and velvety and served with a side of crusty bread - one mouthful and you can already taste the umami deliciousness.
The Spanish language has been a part of the human experience for centuries, and has had a profound influence on cultures across the globe. Its widespread reach stems from the fact that it was the language of the Spanish Empire, which at its peak encompassed much of the Americas and parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. For many people today, it is still seen as a lingua franca of sorts within many countries, and its reach continues to expand on a global scale.
At first glance, Stew is just another one of the many dishes available in home-style restaurants around the world. Although it has a long tradition in many cultures, some might think of it as a simple, mundane food. But scratch beneath the surface, and Stew reveals its potential to become something quite extraordinary.
Sauces are an integral part of gastronomy; they enhance flavor, make dishes more inviting, and provide interesting texture combinations. But there is a lot more nuance to sauces than meets the eye; an artful mix of ingredients that subtly alter the flavor palette, or an intricate process of combining ingredients to achieve a desired result.
When one thinks of hams, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the rich and succulent flavor of cured pork. Yet, for food enthusiasts around the world, the sheer variety of hams is captivating. From its French guise as a jambon de Bayonne to its Spanish status as jamón serrano, hams provide a wealth of culinary delights.
Ah, alcoholic beverages; the source of a brilliant night out, but of course also many a headache in the morning. These age-old fermented sources of merriment, or inebriants as they are often known, have been enjoyed around the world for centuries, and there is still so much to learn about them.
Ah, the bliss of a cool and refreshing beverage on a sunny day; there's nothing quite like it. But how to enjoy that bliss without alcohol? Thankfully, there is an array of delightful non-alcoholic beverages available. Be it a glass of cool, crisp water, hot and soothing herbal tea, or something more exotic and delightful, there are plenty of ways to quench your thirst without the use of alcohol.
Duck is one of the avian wonders of the world. From its compact and dynamic form to its diverse ways of being, this iconic species has captivated human eyes for generations. Ducks are renowned for their balance in water, a skill honed by generations of adaptation and evolution, as well as their insatiable appetite for aquatic prey. Few species have managed to excel both on land and in water quite like ducks.
Cooking a steak can be an intimidating affair for even the most experienced of chefs. Different cuts, varying temps, and preparation techniques can all make the difference between a mouthwatering masterpiece and a disappointing flop. We've broken down this daunting task into three manageable steps, so your next steak turns out tender, juicy, and succulent.
A burger is a symphony of flavors and textures, each ingredient working together in perfect harmony to create an unforgettable taste. From the juicy patty to the crunchy lettuce, the char-grilled onion to the melted cheese, and don't forget the toothsome bun to bring it all together—burgers remain one of our favorite guilty pleasures.
Meatballs are a classic Italian dish that dates back centuries, and it's easy to see why they've endured time. Meatballs are incredibly versatile, with numerous recipes utilizing different types of meat, spices, shapes, and sizes. Plus, they're endlessly customizable, easily blending and balancing sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. If you’re looking for a succulent centerpiece for your dinner table, meatballs are sure to be a hit.
Kofta is an appetizing delight for the tastebuds, a beloved dish all over the world. It is a Middle Eastern dish, often associated with Turkish and Persian-style cooking, that consists of minced meat mixed with spices and onions, then formed into balls or cylindrical shapes and fried, grilled, or baked.
At first glance, games seem like an endeavor that is more suited to children than adults. After all, there's something undeniably whimsical about getting lost in a virtual world while playing by a set of rules. Yet, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that games are much more than a childish pursuit. Indeed, they represent a powerful tool for personal growth and development.
Legumes are a boon to the culinary world; they provide an unparalleled array of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Those who are unfamiliar with legumes may be surprised by the sheer scope of legume varieties available; from split peas, lentils, beans, and peanuts, these humble plants have been consumed for centuries, providing sustenance for generations in every corner of the world.
The egg is a peculiar foodstuff in many regards, from its unassuming composition to its surprisingly varied forms of preparation. This humble oval object has been sustaining humanity for centuries, and continues to do so today. The egg is a veritable smorgasbord for the culinary canny, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals in a delectable package. But there is more to the egg than meets the eye; a complexity that comes from its veritable panoply of permutations.
Kebabs have been tantalizing taste buds around the world for centuries. Whether it's a juicy doner kebab from Turkey, a spicy shish kebab from the Middle East, or a creative Japanese Yaki-Tori kebab, these delicious morsels of cooked meat and vegetables are an indispensable part of any cuisine.
The humble potato is a dietary staple that has been providing sustenance to cultures around the world for centuries. Its versatility and affordability have made it a go-to food item for many families, yet few of us take the time to truly appreciate the wonders of this ancient and varied tuber.
The succulent, buttery texture of raw fish is utterly divine. It's almost like a piece of the ocean has been dropped onto your plate in its most unadulterated form, allowing you to enjoy all of its natural flavors and textures without alteration. But one must tread carefully when it comes to consuming raw fish, as there are many potential pitfalls.
Mushrooms, the enigmatic organisms that evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, have enchanted human beings since ancient times. These fungal wonders, belonging to the kingdom Fungi, have been shrouded in myth and folklore, owing to their elusive nature, varied appearances, and potent medicinal properties. Whether you are an avid forager, a gourmet chef, or a curious researcher, mushrooms have a unique place in our hearts and minds, and offer an endless array of culinary, medicinal, and ecological possibilities. From the delicate chanterelles that evoke the aroma of a forest in autumn, to the earthy porcini that imparts a quintessential umami flavor to any dish, mushrooms are as diverse as they are fascinating, and their symbiotic relationship with the natural world holds the promise of unlocking some of its most intriguing secrets. So, let's embark on a journey of discovery and uncover the complexities of one of nature's most intriguing creations, the humble mushroom.
Mexican cuisine is an intricate and culturally significant amalgam of flavors, spices, textures, and colors that ignite the taste buds and satiate the soul. From the spicy kick of jalapeños and the sweetness of guava to the tanginess of tomatillos and the smokiness of chipotle peppers, Mexican cuisine has a wide range of ingredients and cooking techniques that make it one of the most revered culinary traditions in the world. From hearty stews and soups to savory tacos and tamales, each dish is a vibrant celebration of Mexican history, traditions, and identity. Whether you're indulging in street food or fine dining, Mexican cuisine is sure to tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more. So, come and join us on a gastronomic journey through the heart of Mexico and savor the flavors of this exquisite culinary art.