We are all fans of our universal favorites Chinese, Italian and Thai. However, when it comes to world cuisines, we still haven’t figured out the wonders of more than half the earth. Each country has a specialty and cuisines tend to vary even from lane to lane. If you’re a true foodie, you must definitely try out these specific underrated cuisines from these not-so-famous countries. These foods deserve more glory!
- Filipino
This cuisine revolves around a combination of salty, sweet and sour flavors. This technique is known as ‘Counterpoint’, which somehow results in a very pleasant taste. Vinegar is used commonly in the food here. Filipino cuisine is a product of the mix of several cultures that thrive there. Widely used ingredients in cooking are fish, rice, beef, pork, and chicken.
Famous dishes: sinangang, champorado, adobo
- Ethiopian
This cuisine comprises of very spicy meat dishes and veggies. They have a typical way of serving, which is atop injera (large sourdough flatbread). Portions of the gravy are kept on top of it, which one eats by tearing off pieces of injera. They have a number of dishes which are vegan. They use a variety of mixed spice powders along with ginger and garlic.
Famous dishes: wat, tibs, kinche
- Laotian
This cuisine is significantly different from its South Asian counterparts. Their main dish is sticky rice, it is what they consider the binding factor of their culture. The ingredients that make up the cuisine of Laos are rice and noodles, vegetables, herbs and spices along with meat. They prefer longer grilling at lower heat. An interesting fact is that some of their dishes are deliberately bitter for better taste.
Famous dishes: larb, paeng pet, jaew
- Afghan
This cuisine revolves around crops like wheat, barley, rice and maize. Accompanying them are dairy products like milk, yogurt, and whey. Afghanistan is known for its high-quality summer fruits. Rice dishes are in abundance. Afghani dishes consist of several types of pulav and korma. It is divided into two parts community-wise, that is the Pashtun and the Hazara cuisine.
Famous dishes: doogh, quroot, mantu
- Sri Lankan
This cuisine is closely shaped by the countries it is surrounded with. The central feature is boiled, or steamed rice served with a meat or veggie curry. A lot of Sri Lankan cuisine is also inspired by South India due to the proximity. They have a concept of ‘short eats’ which is basically fast food or snacks that can be eaten on the go.
Famous dishes: kiribath, kottu, hoppers
- Bolivian
This cuisine stems from the combination of Spanish cuisine with indigenous ingredients and traditions. The traditional staples used are corn, potatoes, beans, and quinoa. An interesting fact about the food habits of the Bolivians is that they don’t have breakfast but long, leisurely lunches with several courses, which explains their heavy meals.
Famous dishes: arroz con queso, charque, silpancho
- Iranian
Also known as Persian cuisine, Iranian dishes are usually a combination of rice, meat, vegetables and nuts. There are certain flavors that are characteristically Iranian such as dried lime, saffron, cinnamon, parsley, turmeric and other sour flavors. Rice and bread are both very important. Iran is one of the world’s major tea producers and thus is it crucial to the cuisine.
Famous dishes: kebab, khoresh, ash
- Indonesian
This cuisine varies greatly by region and has a lot of different influences. Indonesian cuisine is said to have complex flavors due to the extensive use of spices; borrowed and their own. Savory, spicy and hot; Indonesia loves setting your mouth on fire. This cuisine is eclectic, vibrant and colorful. The staple is steamed rice surrounded by veggies and meat, mostly seafood.
Famous dishes: nasi uduk, kupat tahu, ayam goreng