This is a surprisingly good article. Countries covered include Argentina, Brazil, China, India (“Word of advice: Avoid street food.”), Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Russia, and Spain. With photos.
Safe is the usual choice for global travelers when faced with a menu of unknown dishes. Paani-puri? Anago-meshi? Uova con tartufi? “Um, I’ll take a burger.”
But a great meal transcends all cultural boundaries, and sharing the food of your host country is the best way to connect with its people, culture and the land. Still, short of a personal chaperone, what to order? Even if you don’t speak the language, take a cue from the locals when looking for the perfect dish to try. Look around. Smile. Point. To get the best quality, especially if you’re indulging in a local delicacy, always head to the same restaurants or street vendors as the locals.
Here, a prejudicial list of the wonderful and curious dishes, with a bias toward uncovering hidden regional or national food gems. Bold and brave taste buds are essential; in some cases, an iron stomach is encouraged. One thing’s for certain–take our advice and you’ll come home with a whole new palate.
“Must-Try Foods Of The World,” by Ruchika Tulshyan, Forbes, May 11, 2010
