Some people have bucket lists of places to see before they die. For foodies, it’s all about meals. Here are 25 dishes you absolutely must try in this lifetime. And hey, if accessing these flavors require a little travel, all the better.
Related: 30 Strange But Surprisingly Tasty Local Foods to Try
1. Po’ Boy
New Orleans
In a city renowned for its cuisine, it’s hard to go wrong. The po’ boy is the classic New Orleans sandwich. It can come with roast beef, fried catfish, chicken, oysters or even alligator, but I recommend starting with a classic fried shrimp po’ boy. The bread is perfectly crispy on the outside and the shrimp may have a kick to them. Bring a napkin.
2. Escargot
France
Now we travel a bit further afield to France for the famous escargots. Before you turn your nose up at the idea of eating snails, take a whiff of the garlicky butter they’re cooked in. You probably will change your mind. It may take some practice to pull the meat out of the shells with a tiny fork but when you get the hang of it, you’ll be asking for more.
Related: 15 Classic, Budget-Friendly French Dishes
3. Paella
Spain
Saffron rice cooked in a giant pan and sprinkled with seafood. What could be better? Add a glass of Iberian white wine, then follow it up with an almond cookie and you’ll be in cielo.
4. Stone Crab
Miami
You’ve had crab before… but have you tried stone crab? With an extra-hard shell (thus called “stone”) it may take a little work to get to the gold but the reward is sweet, tender meat. Have some at a table by the ocean with the locals’ favorite cocktail, the mojito.
5. Ramen
Japan
You’ve probably had ramen in the United States but nothing quite compares to eating the real deal in a cozy ramen-ya in Japan (the city Ichiran is a well-known ramen destination). Order the tonkatsu and slurp up the pork broth that’s been marinating for hours, if not days.
Related: This Is the Best Sushi Restaurant in Your State
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6. BBQ
Texas
Call it BBQ or barbecue but either way, Texans take it seriously. Whether you like your sauce sweet or spicy and whether you prefer pulled pork, ribs, chicken, sausage or all of the above there are plenty of barbecue joints aiming to please your tastebuds.
Related: Bucket-List Barbecue in Every State
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7. Carbonara
Rome
Any dish you eat in Italy is going to be fantastic but some places are known for certain dishes. In Rome, cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta) and carciofi (artichokes) are popular dishes but if you want something truly indulgent, try the carbonara. It’s misleading, actually. What seems to be unctuous creamy cheese is actually egg, carefully stirred in and heated slowly with cheese to create the creamy flavor. Topped with crunchy guanciale (pork cheek), it’s a flavor bomb. Oh, and a nap will be required after.
8. Anything With Hatch Chiles
New Mexico
Sure, you can get Mexican food anywhere in the U.S., but New Mexico is special because you can get Hatch chile peppers in any dish you order. You can choose red or green, or go for “Christmas” when you order enchiladas, tacos, chilaquiles, etc.
Related: The Best Food Truck in Every State
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9. Oysters
Maine
With more than 3,500 miles of coastline, Maine is an oyster-lovers’ dream come true. Fans say the oysters are briny, crisp, buttery and sweet. Restaurants here serve them all kinds of ways, but the best way is simply with lemon and pepper, served with a crisp glass of white wine.
10. Ceviche
Chile
Unlike the ceviche served in Mexico, ceviche in Chile often includes salmon (locally caught, of course). This raw fish is marinated in lime and/or grapefruit juice, accompanied by minced garlic, chili peppers and cilantro or mint.
Lobster Rolls
The Northeast
You may know lobster rolls are popular in Maine, but they can actually be found throughout the region including in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Whether you go for a quick and casual roll slathered and toasted in butter or a more elevated version, you can’t go wrong with fresh lobster.
Related: Try These Amazing Seafood Shacks Across America
12. Fish Tacos
Baja, Mexico
When it comes to fish tacos, go straight to the source. Fish tacos were invented in Baja and while they’ve been modified (some say bastardized) around the world, there’s nothing better than lightly fried, fresh-caught fish wrapped in a bed of cabbage and white sauce inside a corn tortilla. Well, maybe a beer to accompany it!
13. Crab Cakes
Maryland
While we’re on our seafood kick, head to Chesapeake Bay for some of the best crab cakes in the world. Fresh crab mixed with egg and flour can be served as an appetizer with horseradish, lemon, ketchup, remoulade, mustard or tartar sauce depending on your preference.
14. Beignets
New Orleans
Yes, we’re back to New Orleans, this time for dessert. Beignets are the sassy cousin of donuts; deep fried dough that puffs up and leaves a hollow chamber. Sprinkle powdered sugar all over and enjoy. Just don’t wear black!
Related: 45 Copycat Recipes You Can Now Make at Home
15. Pizza
Napoli, Italy
If you haven’t had pizza in Napoli, you haven’t had pizza! Very flat and moist, this pizza may need to be folded in two (or eaten with a knife and fork) to enjoy. Margarita, four cheese, mushroom; every version is delicious.
Related: Best Hole-in-the-Wall Pizza Joints Across America
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16. Poutine
Montreal
You already love french fries; but have you tried them smothered with cheese curds and gravy? No? Then get thee to Montreal, where this snack is eaten.
17. Grilled Halloumi
Cyprus
While you can find halloumi in Greece as well, this grilled sheep or goat (or both) cheese has its origins in Cyprus. Eat it with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad or with grilled veggies.
18. Fried Green Tomatoes
Atlanta
Yes, southerners really do fry green tomatoes and they’re a fine delicacy. They are a bit tangier than fully ripe red tomatoes. Green tomatoes taste great when dipped in egg and coated with breadcrumbs and/or cornmeal, then fried.
Related: The South Has the Best Food in America. Here’s What You’re Missing
19. Shave Ice
Hawaii
This cool summer treat actually has origins in Japan. Early immigrants in the 1900s brought it to the Hawaii islands. Soft as snow, your shave ice can be topped with sweet, creamy or tangy flavors like pineapple, mango, cotton candy, tiger’s blood, wedding cake and more.
20. Pastéis de Belém
Portugal
Also known as pastel di nata, this egg custard tart pastry may be dusted with a sprinkling of cinnamon. They’re sweet, crispy and creamy all at the same time and go great with an espresso.
Related: 50 Beloved Hometown Bakeries Across America
21. Bánh Mi
Vietnam
Some sandwiches stand out above all others. The bánh mi is definitely one of those. It starts with a fresh, crunchy French baguette split to accommodate a variety of toppings. Yours might have shredded pork and pork skin, doused with fish sauce, ham, sardines or smashed pork meatballs.
22. Pierogi
Poland
These filled dumplings can be either sweet or savory. While potato and cheese may be the most popular filling, you can also get them stuffed with sweet cabbage, meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, blueberry, or sweet cheese.
Related: Must-Try Signature Dishes From Cities Across America
23. Sachertorte
Vienna
Chocolate lovers, be warned. This decadent chocolate cake is no lightweight dessert. Served in Vienna’s historic cafes, it goes great with champagne!
24. Liège Waffles
Belgium
Though these warm and sweet treats originated in Liège, you can now find the waffles throughout Belgium. You can eat them plain, top them with fresh fruit, Nutella or whipped cream.
Related: 25 Places to Find Amazing Waffles Across the Country
25. English Breakfast
England
Every country has its own special take on breakfast and in England it might be the best meal of the day. Laden with eggs (typically sunny side up), bacon, sausage, baked beans, toast, grilled tomatoes and black sausage, you’ll be fueled up for the day. And yes, black sausage is made with blood. Don’t judge it until you’ve tried it!
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