The 50 Greatest Dishes in the World

"There is no love more genuine than the love of food," said George Bernard Shaw. Considering the countless remarkable dishes around the world, his words ring true.

So, which dishes truly stand out? Which are the most exquisite foods? And which destinations offer the best of these culinary delights?

We've traveled the globe to curate what we believe are 50 of the most delicious dishes ever created. For now, indulge in these mouthwatering treats and let them inspire your next adventure:

50. Buttered Popcorn, United States

Corn – the backbone of industry – is at its finest when its sweet variety is tossed in butter, popped to perfection, and devoured by the handful during late-night Netflix binges.

49. Masala Dosa, India

A crispy crepe made from rice batter wraps around a spicy mashed potato filling, served with coconut chutney, pickles, and tangy tomato-lentil sauces. It’s the perfect breakfast to power you through to lunch, when you’ll likely crave more.

48. Potato Chips, United Kingdom

The exact origins of the potato chip remain a mystery. U.S. folklore claims they were first created in New York in 1853, but the earliest known recipe for 'Potatoes Fried in Slices or Shavings' can be found in a popular 1817 cookbook by the English author William Kitchiner.

47. Seafood Paella, Spain

Imagine the sea gently lapping at your feet, a warm breeze swirling around your table, and a steaming pan of paella before you. Shrimp, lobster, mussels, and cuttlefish come together with white rice, herbs, olive oil, and salt in this Valencian specialty, instantly transporting you into vacation mode. Though, if you're in Spain, you’re probably already in that mood.

46. Som Tam, Thailand

To make Thailand's beloved salad, crush garlic and chilies with a mortar and pestle. Add tamarind juice, fish sauce, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, lime juice, sugar cane paste, string beans, and freshly grated green papaya. Pair it with sticky rice. Variations like crab (som tam boo) and fermented fish sauce (som tam plah lah) exist, but nothing compares to the simple, perfect taste of the classic version.

45. Chicken Rice, Singapore

Often considered Singapore's 'national dish', this simple yet iconic meal features steamed or boiled chicken served on fragrant, oily rice, with slices of cucumber as the token veggie. Variations include roasted chicken or soy sauce chicken, but no matter how it's made, it's one of Singapore's most beloved dishes. The dipping sauces – rich dark soy sauce, chili with garlic, and freshly pounded ginger – add a perfect finishing touch, leaving you craving it even when you're not in Singapore.

44. Poutine, Canada

French fries drenched in cheese curds and brown gravy. It sounds unappetizing and looks even worse, but it’s a deliciously messy combination of saucy, cheesy, crispy potatoes that will have you fighting for the last bite. Our Canadian friends say it’s best enjoyed at 3 a.m. after a few drinks.

43. Tacos, Mexico

A freshly made tortilla filled with small pieces of grilled beef seasoned with oil and sea salt, topped with guacamole, salsa, onions, cilantro, or anything else you desire – perfect any time of the day. This is why no visitor to Mexico ever leaves lighter than when they arrived.

42. Buttered Toast with Marmite, UK

OK, anything with butter is bound to taste good, but there’s something about this tangy, salty, sour yeast extract that transforms a simple piece of grilled bread into a life-changing experience. For an extra kick (or cringe), add a layer of marmalade.

41. Stinky Tofu, Southeast Asia

Nothing truly prepares you for the overwhelming stench of one of the strangest foods on the planet. Like durian, smelly tofu is one of Southeast Asia's most infamous delicacies. The scent of fermenting tofu is so intense that many people can't forget it for months. But is the legendary, mouthwatering flavor worth enduring the smell? Absolutely.

40. Marzipan, Germany

Don't be deceived by cheap knock-offs that use soy paste or almond flavoring. The real deal, made with nothing but ground almonds and sugar, is so irresistible you'll devour an entire bar, feel stuffed, and still find yourself eyeing the wrapper of the second one.

39. Ketchup, United States

If Malcolm Gladwell calls it a perfect food, then it is. Let’s be real, anything that can get toddlers to eat their carrots instead of launching them across the room deserves not just the label of 'delicious' but also the title of 'miracle of persuasion.'

38. French toast, Hong Kong

Unlike its more delicate Sunday brunch cousin, Hong Kong-style French toast is a deep-fried delight. Two slices of bread are slathered with peanut butter or kaya jam, dipped in an egg batter, fried in butter, and then topped with even more butter and syrup. It’s one of Hong Kong’s best dishes, best enjoyed before that next cholesterol test.

37. Chicken parm, Australia

Melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, topped with a zesty, garlicky tomato sauce, served over a tender chicken fillet – this dish, often thought of as Italian, has become a pub favorite in Australia. And since they do it so well, there's no arguing the point.

36. Hummus, Middle East

A simple Middle Eastern blend of chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and tahini, hummus has become a worldwide fridge essential. Whether as a dip, paired with bread, meats, veggies, beans, or – dare we say – on a Marmite rice cake, this tangy delight works with almost anything.

35. Chili crab, Singapore

A trip to Singapore wouldn't be complete without indulging in its iconic, fiery, messy chili crab. While there are plenty of variations (think black pepper, salted egg yolk, cheesy baked versions), the chili crab is the undeniable local favorite. The spicy chili-tomato sauce is so messy, it requires mini mantou buns to soak it all up.

34. Maple syrup, Canada

Have you ever had a pancake without maple syrup? It's like chewing on cardboard – the blandest kind, at that. Canada's culinary gift to parents everywhere, a drizzle of maple syrup turns even the most unlikely foods – like broccoli – into something delicious. Now pass the syrup!

33. Fish 'n' chips, United Kingdom

This classic dish, a fixture since the 1860s, has stood the test of time for a reason. The crispy batter and tender fish, paired with chunky chips, embody the simplicity and satisfying comfort that defined the working-class Brits of the Victorian era.

32. Ankimo, Japan

So, who’s up for a bite of monkfish liver paired with a touch of grated daikon? Probably not the first thing that comes to mind — but you’re missing out on one of sushi’s hidden gems: ankimo. This delicacy, taken from the monkfish (or anglerfish), is at risk of disappearing due to commercial fishing practices that harm its habitat. If you get a chance to try it, don’t pass it up; it’s one of Japan's best-kept secrets.

31. Parma ham, Italy

Whether it's wrapping up melon, draped over grissini, topping a pizza, or scattered across a salad, Parma ham is a versatile delight. These delicate, salty, paper-thin slices of air-dried ham elevate any dish they accompany, bringing an unmistakable depth of flavor.

30. Goi cuon (summer roll), Vietnam

This Vietnamese delicacy, packed with pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and other ingredients, is all wrapped up in translucent rice paper and served at room temperature. It’s a perfect balance of lightness and flavor, with the herbs offering a burst of freshness. Dunked in a sweet, tangy Vietnamese sauce topped with crushed peanuts, it's an effortlessly delicious snack that will keep you coming back for more.

29. Ohmi-gyu beef steak, Japan

This premium Japanese Wagyu beef from the renowned Takara Ranch is so exceptional that it has been hailed by the Imperial Palace of Japan as one of the finest beef breeds in over 400 years. Known as the 'Rolls-Royce' of beef, it is best enjoyed raw as sashimi, lightly seasoned with kaffir lime and green tea sea salt. The marbled fat offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, leaving behind a rich yet delicate beef flavor.

28. Pho, Vietnam

This frequently mispronounced national dish ('fuh' is the correct pronunciation) consists of a savory broth, delicate rice noodles, aromatic herbs, and usually chicken or beef. It's simple but extraordinary – a perfect harmony of fragrant, flavorful, and well-balanced elements.

27. Lechón, Philippines

A beloved Filipino dish, lechón is a whole young pig slow-cooked over charcoal for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat and crispy, golden skin. This dish is a staple for celebratory occasions and family gatherings throughout the year.

26. Fajitas, Mexico

This interactive dining experience is a favorite among DIY food lovers. Step 1: Watch the meat sizzle on a hot griddle. Step 2: Add your choice of vegetables, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa to a warm flour tortilla along with the meat. Step 3: Swear you'll stop after one more bite. Step 4: Repeat until the meal is gone.

25. Butter garlic crab, India

This dish doesn’t trace its origins to Chinese, Continental, or Indian cooking. It hails from Butter Land, an imaginary paradise where everything tastes better with butter. This indulgent treat features a large crab smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that seeps into every crevice, coating every morsel of meat. The benevolent sea gods of Butter Land have gifted this signature dish to the world, proving that butter makes everything better.

24. Champ, Ireland

Ireland’s beloved champ disappears faster than the first pint of Guinness on a Friday evening. A comforting dish of mashed potatoes blended with spring onions, butter, salt, and pepper, champ pairs perfectly with any meat or fish. For the ultimate creamy experience, head to a bustling pub in any Irish coastal town, where a plate of champ at noon just feels right.

23. Lasagna, Italy

Ranked just behind pizza in Italy's culinary fame, this pasta-stacked, tomato-sauced, meat-filled masterpiece has earned its status as a beloved dish for both kids and adults. There’s no mystery – it’s simply irresistible.

22. Poke, United States

This quintessential Hawaiian dish is essentially a raw fish salad, born when local fishermen needed a creative way to use the leftover cuts from their catch.

The fish is marinated in a variety of flavors, making it not only tasty but also a wholesome meal. What began as a regional specialty has now traveled across the globe.

21. Croissant, France

Buttery, flaky pastry crowned with a dollop of raspberry jam, offering a satisfying, tender bite that melts in your mouth – this indulgent, sweet morning treat is a perfect companion to a robust cup of coffee.

20. Arepas, Venezuela

A corn-dough patty that serves as a savory base, ready to be topped with a variety of tasty options: cheese, shredded chicken, crispy pork crackling, perico, beef, tomato, avocado.

19. Bunny chow, South Africa

Despite its name, no bunnies are involved in the making of one of South Africa’s beloved street foods. Bunny chow consists of hollowed-out loaves of bread, filled with spicy curry. It was born in Durban’s Indian community.

18. Shish kebab

Select your meat, skewer it, and grill away. These tasty cubes – commonly made with lamb, but also beef, swordfish, or chicken – pair perfectly with rice and vegetables, making them a must-have at any summer barbecue.

17. Lobster, global

Forget about all those over-the-top lobster creations from chefs chasing Michelin stars. When you're dealing with such naturally delicious seafood, simplicity is key. The best way to enjoy lobster is to simply boil it and serve with a side of melted butter and a slice of lemon.

16. Pastel de nata, Portugal

Pastel de natas might just be the most delicious pastry born from leftover ingredients. According to legend, Portuguese monks and nuns used egg whites to starch their habits, and used the leftover yolks to create these indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth custard tarts.

15. Pierogi, Poland

These aren’t just any dumplings; these are Polish pierogi. They’re bite-sized bundles of joy, filled with anything from mashed potatoes and sauerkraut to savory meats, cheese, or even sweet fruits. Often topped with melted butter, sour cream, or crispy fried onions, they’re traditionally boiled but fried versions have become increasingly popular.

14. Donuts, United States

These iconic American fried dough rings need little introduction, yet we’ll still add this: the indulgent pleasure of devouring these sugary, calorie-packed treats is somehow amplified by the sweet guilt of each bite.

13. Corn on the cob, global

Corn might just be a divine invention designed to pair perfectly with melted butter. There's something almost primal about biting into an ear of corn—requiring just enough focus to be careful, but also satisfying enough to make you feel like a true caveman. The best foods are the simplest, like corn on the cob.

12. Piri-piri chicken, Mozambique

While the global chain Nando's has popularized Mozambican-Portuguese piri-piri chicken, for the true taste of the dish, head to Maputo, Mozambique's vibrant capital. 'Galinha à Zambeziana' is a flavorful feast of chicken cooked with lime, pepper, garlic, coconut milk, and the iconic piri-piri sauce.

11. Rendang, Indonesia

Beef is slowly simmered with a rich mix of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chilies. After hours of stewing, the result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish of tender, flavorful meat. Many say it's even more delicious after a night of marinating, as the flavors intensify overnight.

10. Chicken muamba, Gabon

A Westernized version of this Gabonese delicacy drowns everything in peanut butter – which is a travesty. The authentic recipe, however, calls for chicken, fiery chili, garlic, tomatoes, pepper, salt, okra, and palm butter, a rich, artery-clogging African spread that will have you reaching for a second serving and promising to finally hit the gym.

9. Ice cream, global

You might already be stuffed to the brim, but somehow there's always space for a colossal sundae filled with ice cream, nuts, marshmallows, and a thick drizzle of chocolate sauce. Thank goodness for long spoons that let you dive into the melty, sweet chaos at the bottom of the glass.

8. Tom yum goong, Thailand

This Thai delicacy is brimming with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Typically rich with coconut milk and cream, this hearty soup balances a delightful mix of sour, salty, spicy, and sweet flavors. And the best part? It's incredibly affordable.

7. Penang assam laksa, Malaysia

Flaked poached mackerel, tamarind, chili, mint, lemongrass, onion, and pineapple – this zesty fish broth, packed with spicy-sour flavors and noodles, is one of Malaysia's most addictive dishes. The aromatic fusion, especially when paired with ginger, is sure to have your sinuses tingling long before your first bite.

9. Hamburger, Germany

5. Peking duck, China

The secret lies in the maltose-syrup glaze that coats the duck’s skin. Slow-roasted to perfection, the crispy, syrup-glazed skin is so irresistible that authentic restaurants often serve more of it than the meat itself. Paired with pancakes, onions, and hoisin or sweet bean sauce, this is the only way a duck should be prepared, short of it flying or floating.

4. Sushi, Japan

When Japan sets out to do something right, it goes all in. Iconic brands like Toyota, Nintendo, Sony, Nikon, and Yamaha were all built on the fuel of raw fish and rice – but it's the way these simple ingredients are transformed into sushi that makes it a universally adored first-date dish. The Japanese, famed for their longevity, clearly know something we don't – and they love their sushi.

3. Chocolate, Mexico

The Mayans sipped it, Lasse Hallström immortalized it on film, and the rest of us justify indulging in it by indulging even more. The story of the humble cacao bean is a true journey from jungle to civilization, becoming a symbol of culinary delight. Without chocolate’s rich, bittersweet allure, Valentine’s Day would be just another day of cards and flowers, and Easter would remain an unremarkable religious occasion.

2. Neapolitan pizza, Italy

Forget the greasy, overloaded chain pizzas and monstrosities piled high with toppings. The best pizza, as it always has been, is the simple Neapolitan – a creation so revered that it’s now protected by a trade association that insists on quality ingredients like sea salt, premium wheat flour, and only three types of fresh tomatoes. With hand-rolled dough and a wood-fired oven, these few ingredients—dough, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and basil—combine to make a pizza that’s hard to perfect, but impossible not to love.

1. Massaman curry, Thailand

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of curries, and perhaps the ultimate food experience. A perfect blend of spice, coconut richness, sweetness, and savory goodness. Even a store-bought sauce can turn any cook into a culinary genius. And thank goodness for rice, which lets you soak up every last drop of that glorious curry sauce. 'The Land of Smiles' isn't just a catchy phrase – it's what happens when you’re born in a place where some of the world’s most mouthwatering food is available at nearly every corner.