21 Must-Eat Dishes American Foodies Crave

American foodies are known for their adventurous palates, always eager to try new and exotic dishes from around the world. Here are 21 international culinary experiences that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of American food enthusiasts, including some that are wonderfully weird!

1. Sushi in Japan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marcelo_Krelling

Dining on sushi in Tokyo offers an authentic taste of Japan’s culinary artistry, from hand-pressed nigiri to inventive fusion rolls.

2. Pizza in Naples, Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / V. Matthiesen

Tasting true Neapolitan pizza, with its charred crust and fresh toppings, right where it was invented is a pilgrimage for pizza lovers.

3. Street Tacos in Mexico City

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tatjana Baibakova

Exploring the bustling streets of Mexico City for authentic tacos al pastor, topped with pineapple and served on handmade tortillas, is a must-do.

4. Tapas in Barcelona, Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Visionsi

Sampling a variety of tapas, from patatas bravas to gambas al ajillo, in a lively Barcelona bar reflects the social and savory delights of Spanish cuisine.

5. Poutine in Montreal, Canada

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Foodio

Indulging in poutine, a comforting dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, offers a taste of Quebec’s famed culinary invention.

6. Durian in Southeast Asia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Photoongraphy

Braving the notorious smell to try durian, the ‘King of Fruits’, in countries like Thailand or Malaysia, is a challenge eagerly accepted by adventurous foodies.

7. Dim Sum in Hong Kong

Image Credit: Pexels / Jasmijn Van der Maaten

Enjoying dim sum in Hong Kong, where you can savor a myriad of bite-sized dishes from steamed buns to dumplings, is a cultural and culinary feast.

8. Haggis in Scotland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / stockcreations

Sampling haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), mixed with oats and spices, offers a taste of Scotland’s rustic cuisine.

9. Snail Porridge in the UK

Image Credit: Pexels / Rene Terp

Trying snail porridge, a unique creation by chef Heston Blumenthal, mixes haute cuisine with an unconventional twist, intriguing curious palates.

10. Pho in Vietnam

Image Credit: Pexels / Quang Nguyen Vinh

Slurping a bowl of pho in Vietnam, where this aromatic noodle soup is made with a clear broth, herbs, and meat, is essential for understanding Vietnamese flavors.

11. Kangaroo in Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iryna Melnyk

Grilling kangaroo meat, known for being lean and rich in flavor, offers a glimpse into Australia’s diverse and game-heavy culinary practices.

12. Bunny Chow in South Africa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Paul_Brighton

Eating bunny chow, a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, is a hearty exploration of Indian influence on South African cuisine.

13. Ceviche in Peru

Image Credit: Pexels / Valeria Boltneva

Tasting ceviche in Lima, where fresh fish is marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers, is a refreshing and quintessential Peruvian experience.

14. Smalahove in Norway

Image Credit: Pexels / cottonbro studio

Sampling smalahove, a traditional Norwegian dish made from a sheep’s head, is a culinary adventure not for the faint of heart.

15. Stinky Tofu in Taiwan

Image Credit: Pexels / cottonbro studio

Venturing to try stinky tofu, famous for its pungent odor but beloved for its taste, is a staple street food experience in Taiwan.

16. Balut in the Philippines

Image Credit: Shutterstock / 5House

Eating balut, a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside, is one of the most challenging yet popular street foods in the Philippines.

17. Frog Legs in France

Image Credit: Pexels / Kampus Production

Dining on frog legs, prepared with garlic and parsley butter in France, offers a delicacy that is as traditional as it is exotic to many Americans.

18. Anticuchos in Peru

Image Credit: Pexels / Samer Daboul

Trying anticuchos, skewered beef hearts marinated in spices and grilled, is a beloved street food in Peru known for its bold flavors.

19. Fugu in Japan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / funny face

Experiencing fugu, or pufferfish, which must be expertly prepared to avoid its lethal poison, is a daring culinary venture popular among thrill-seeking foodies.

20. Chicha de Jora in Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Joshua Resnick

Drinking chicha de jora, a traditional corn beer from Peru, provides a taste of ancient Incan brewing practices.

21. Sannakji in South Korea

Image Credit: Pexels / RDNE Stock project

Sampling sannakji, live octopus that is cut into small pieces and served immediately, is a slippery and sensory dining experience unique to Korean cuisine.

Open Your Mind and Mouth

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gulcin Ragiboglu

These international culinary experiences offer American foodies not just a meal, but a doorway into the diverse cultures and traditions of the world, some of which may be a bit out of the ordinary but all are definitely memorable.

More From The Green Voyage

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

The post 21 Must-Eat Dishes American Foodies Crave first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Santorines.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.