The best regional dishes around the world that everyone should try at least once
One of the best things about travelling is trying new food.
From fresh gelato in Italy to spicy noodles from the night markets in Thailand, every country has its own food rituals to experience.
Read through to see some of the best local foods from regions, cities, and countries around the world that are an absolute must-try.
Tacos Al Pastor, Mexico
You can't beat tacos in Mexico. But for a really authentic experience, go for Al Pastor.
It's made with pork that's been marinated in spices and pineapple juice, then roasted on a vertical rotisserie until caramelised.
The cooked meat is shaved off the spit and served on small corn tortillas with diced onions, coriander, pineapple chunks, and a squeeze of lime.
They actually originated from Lebanese immigrants to Mexico in the early 1900s, who brought their shawarma-style methods to local food.
Chicago Dog, Chicago
If you think you know what a hot dog is, think again.
The Chicago Dog is a whole thing of its own.
An all-beef hot dog served on a poppyseed bun, it is topped with tomatoes, onions, green relish, pickles, and mustard.
Momo, Nepal
It feels like every culture has their own form of dumplings. In Nepal, they have momo.
Typically filled with meat or vegetables they can be steamed or fried.
They are often served with a spicy dipping sauce or tomato-based chutneys and are a staple street food in Kathmandu.
Ćevapi, Balkans
Ćevapi is a traditional Balkan dish consisting of grilled minced meat sausages seasoned with various spices.
They're served in flatbread with chopped onions and ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread.
You can find them in countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosovo.
Poutine, Quebec
Poutine originated in the French Canadian province of Quebec.
It's made of hot chips covered with cheese curds and gravy, and is the perfect way to warm up on cold Canadian nights.
Pierogies, Poland
More dumplings!
Pierogies are filled with various savoury fillings, like mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or ground meat.
They're either boiled or pan-fried in butter and served with toppings like sour cream, onions, and bacon bits.
They also can be filled with sweet fruit as a dessert.
Chicken Rice, Singapore
Chicken Rice is a signature dish in Singaporean cuisine, featuring poached chicken served atop rice cooked in chicken broth and flavoured with garlic and ginger.
It's typically accompanied by chilli sauce and sometimes a light soy-based dipping sauce - best enjoyed from the hawker markets.
Bolognese, Bologna
Ragù alla bolognese is a meat-based sauce originating from Bologna, Italy.
Again, it's one found all over the world but tastes so much better when you try it in its birthplace.
Don't look for 'bolognese' on the menu though - it's called Tagliatelle al Ragù.
Khao Soi, Chiang Mai
In the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, Khao Soi is a local noodle delicacy.
It's a rich, creamy coconut curry broth served over egg noodles, with chicken or beef.
The dish is then garnished with crispy fired noodles, pickled greens, lime, and chili.
