Seafood (21st Century) by RustourismFederal Agency for Tourism
The food we eat, both as individuals and as a culture, is a big part of who we are. In different parts of the world, and even in neighboring countries, dishes and cuisines have developed over the generations, often according to what ingredients are available, the time of year or even to mark special events.
A place’s food is as much a part of its identity as the flag, the anthem or even the landmarks. With this in mind, see if you can name these iconic dishes from around the world using just a list of ingredients and a brief description of how the dish came to be.
Onomichi Ramen (2019)Original Source: Shinyokohama ramen museum
Dish 1
This Japanese noodle soup is made using Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish broth, which is usually flavored with soy or miso. Toppings generally include sliced pork, dried seaweed and scallions.
It is generally served in a porcelain bowl and eaten with a combination of chopsticks and broad ceramic spoon. it is believed that the first shop dedicated to selling the dish opened in Tokyo in 1910. However, the dish’s origins date back to the 17th century.
Do you know what it is?
It's ramen!
This delicious dish is now an international favorite.
Pizza by RustourismFederal Agency for Tourism
Dish 2
This Italian dish consists of a base of flattened leavened dough, usually wheat based, formed into a round shape. The dough is topped with tomatoes, cheese and a choice of other ingredients according to taste – including olives, anchovies, mushrooms, meats, and more.
The dish is cooked at very high temperatures for a short period, traditionally in a wood-fired oven. It can be eaten either with a knife and fork or with the hands, having been cut into segments.
So, have you identified this internationally popular dish?
It is, of course, pizza
That's amore!
Too Good to Go sushiThe Index Project
Dish 3
This is another traditional Japanese dish consisting of prepared vinegar rice seasoned with sugar and salt, served with a range of ingredients such as seafood and vegetables.
Like pizza, the popularity of this dish has spread around the world, with local ingredients often being added to the rice, such as egg, avocado and more. It's often served with shredded ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi.
But what is it?
Sushi
Hearty, healthy, and even once depicted by Hiroshige, the famous woodcut artist, sushi is a Japanese favorite enjoyed around the world.
Dish 4
This traditional Mexican dish consists of small corn or wheat tortillas topped with various fillings. The tortilla is then folded or rolled and eaten with the hands.
Popular fillings include beef, pork, chicken, beans, cheese and vegetables. These are usually topped with a choice of spicy salsas, guacamole, or sour cream.
What's the name of this tasty dish?
Tacos
Extremely popular as a street food in Mexico, tacos have spread throughout the Americas and even across the world.
Kimchi (21st Century) by RustourismFederal Agency for Tourism
Dish 5
One of the most popular dishes in Korean cuisine, this traditional side consists of various vegetables salted and fermented. Common choices include napa cabbage and radish, mixed with a range of seasoning such as gochugaru, which is a Korean chili powder.
As well as being served as a side, this dish can also be added to soups and stews, with various types of the dish being made according to the seasonal produce at various times of year.
Can you name this exquisite Korean cuisine?
Kimchi
People have been fermenting and eating vegetables in Korea in this way for more than 2000 years and it is said to have numerous health benefits, as well as being a great way of preserving food.
Ceviche (21st Century) by RustourismFederal Agency for Tourism
Dish 6
This South American seafood dish is said to originate from Peru. It is typically made from raw fish cured in citrus juice, such as lemon, lime or orange. The dish is then spiced with chili peppers and various seasonings added including salt, coriander and chopped onion.
The dish needs to be prepared and eaten quickly in order to get the best from the raw ingredients, so it is often served as a starter rather than a main.
But what's this delicious fish dish called?
It's Ceviche!
The dish, thought to have been brought to the region by Spanish settlers in the colonial period, is incredibly popular in Peru and several surrounding countries.
Route of Mexican gastronomy (2021) by HIDROCK (Diego Santamaría)
Like the sound of tacos?
If you're intrigued by Mexican cuisine and want to find out more, you can do just that here.
