Top 10 Cuisines Around the World

When planning your next vacation, the food and drinks you'll enjoy often play a major role in the decision-making process.

We love celebrating the best of what’s out there and critiquing the rest.

While everyone’s tastes differ, this is Dinogo Travel’s guide to some of the finest food cultures and culinary destinations across the globe.

So, as you daydream about your next trip, which of the world’s top 10 cuisines stand out?

10. United States

Many of America’s beloved foods actually have their roots in other cultures. For example, pizza is Italian, fries are Belgian or Dutch, and hamburgers and hot dogs are thought to have originated in Germany. Yet, in the U.S., these dishes have been perfected and transformed into global icons.

Let’s not forget about homegrown American classics, either. Think clam chowder, key lime pie, and Cobb salad – all staples of American cuisine.

Delicious!

The cheeseburger: a prime example of how to take something good and make it even better.

Chocolate chip cookie: This beloved American classic, invented in the 1930s, makes the world a little sweeter.

Unappetizing

Overly processed snacks like Twinkies, Hostess cakes, and KFC.

9. Mexico

If you could only eat one country's food for the rest of your life, Mexican cuisine would be an excellent choice. It has a little bit of everything, so you’ll never tire of it.

From enchiladas to tacos, helados to quesadillas, Mexican food blends the zest of Greek salads, the richness of Indian curries, the spice of Thai food, and the casual, hands-on vibe of tapas.

Mexican cuisine is also a powerhouse of nutritional superfoods. With ingredients like avocado, tomato, lime, garlic, beans, chocolate, and chilies, it's packed with antioxidants and health-boosting properties. But it doesn’t taste like health food—it’s a flavor explosion that feels like a fiesta in your mouth.

Delicious!

Mole: an ancient sauce crafted from chili peppers, spices, chocolate, and a dash of culinary magic.

Tacos al pastor: the iconic spit-roasted pork taco that blends both pre- and post-Columbian influences.

Tamales: a traditional Mayan dish made of masa wrapped in a leaf, offering a taste of history.

Unappealing

Tostadas: essentially the same as tacos or burritos, but served on a crispy fried tortilla that shatters the moment you bite into it. Impossible to eat without making a mess.

8. Thailand

Street food is a major highlight in Thailand. A glance through a Thai cookbook and you’ll find ingredient lists that seem never-ending.

Each Thai dish brings together an orchestra of flavors, blending spicy, sour, salty, sweet, chewy, crunchy, and slippery into one harmonious experience.

With influences from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and a rich royal culinary tradition, Thai cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors. But the real charm of dining in Thailand is the warmth of its people. Sun, beach, friendly service, and a plastic bag full of som tam – that’s the epitome of happiness.

Delicious!

Tom yam kung: a party for your taste buds. The delicate aroma of lemongrass, the earthy flavor of galangal, the refreshing zest of kaffir lime leaves, and the fiery kick of chilies.

Massaman curry: a flavorful Thai curry with roots in Islamic cuisine.

Som tam: A spicy, tangy, sweet, and salty green papaya salad that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.

Not recommended.

Pla som: A fermented fish dish, eaten raw, popular in northeastern Thailand. It has been linked to bile duct cancer in some cases.

7. Greece

Eating in Greece is like stepping into a living postcard, where the natural beauty of blue seas, white buildings, and fresh, vibrant dishes of kalamata olives, feta, and roasted meats are always camera-ready.

What's the secret behind Greek cuisine? A generous pour of rich, golden olive oil.

Olive oil, a gift from the gods, is Greece’s culinary crown jewel. It’s not just an export; it’s a key ingredient that’s shaped global tastes and our understanding of healthy eating. Each bite of Greek food is a small dive into history, connecting us to ancient traditions through every dish.

Delicious.

Olive oil: whether drizzled over a dish or soaked up with warm bread, its variety in flavor rivals that of fine wine.

Spanakopita: A delicious twist on spinach, wrapped in flaky pastry with a savory feta cheese filling.

Gyros: The ultimate late-night indulgence, this pita sandwich packed with roasted meat and cool tzatziki is a classic after-party must.

Silly.

Lachanorizo: A simple dish of cabbage and onions simmered to the point of soft submission, then mixed with rice. Hearty, but lacking in complexity.

India

When spices are used with such creativity that they overshadow the main ingredients, you know you’re in the hands of chefs who live for flavor.

In Indian cooking, there are no strict rules for spice combinations—only one rule: it must taste amazing. The same spice can spice up both sweet and savory dishes, or stand alone. For example, fennel seeds are often enjoyed as a digestive aid and breath-freshener after a meal.

A country that can make vegetarian dishes as irresistible as India definitely deserves some sort of culinary Nobel. The regional variety is astonishing, from Goa's seafood to the rich wazwan of Kashmir to Kerala’s coconut-infused delicacies.

Yum!

Dal: India has turned simple boiled lentils into a flavorful delight.

Dosa: A savory pancake stuffed with everything from cheese to spicy veggies, making for the perfect meal any time of the day.

Chai: While not everyone’s a coffee lover and plain tea can be a bit too basic, chai is a drink that’s hard to resist.

Dumb

Balti chicken: A dish tailored to British tastes, it likely should have faded away with colonialism.

5. Japan

The Japanese bring the same meticulous attention to their food as they do to their engineering. This is the land where sushi masters rule with an iron fist and ramen chefs demand respect with nothing but a glare.

With Japanese food, you can enjoy an elegant kaiseki meal that showcases the seasons in both flavor and art. Or you can indulge in sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant for a quick, satisfying solo meal. Or perhaps discover an unexpected delight from the chilled shelves of a convenience store. In Japan, it's impossible to eat poorly.

Yum!

Miso soup: A quintessential Japanese dish that brings together the essential flavors of simplicity and nourishment.

Sushi and sashimi: Who would have guessed that raw fish on rice could become a global phenomenon?

Tempura: The art of deep-frying perfected. Crispy and light, never greasy—like a delicate, airy shell.

Dumb

Fugu: Is any dish worth risking your life for? The deadly blowfish, while a delicacy, can be fatally poisonous if not prepared correctly.

4. Spain

Eat, drink, nap. Work for a couple of hours. Then repeat the cycle of eating and drinking.

Viva España! A nation with a food culture so joyful, we all secretly wish it were our own. Tapas hopping, late-night meals, and endless wine challenges – Spain’s way of life revolves around food.

Spanish cuisine is as fiery and passionate as the flamenco dance itself. The Spanish snack all day long, followed by larger meals. From the bounty of the Mediterranean to the treasures of the Pyrenees, and with flavors influenced by the Moors’ saffron and cumin, Spanish food is both timeless and shockingly modern, thanks to innovators like Ferran Adria.

Yum

Jamon Iberico: A whole ham leg, expertly cured and carved with the precision of a medieval ceremony, often secured in a wooden stand.

Churros: The ultimate sweet fried dough, perfected by Spain into a delightful treat.

Dumb

Gazpacho: Refreshing, yes, but in essence, it's just liquid salad in a bowl.

3. France

If you’re one of those who doesn’t care much for food because ‘life’s about more than eating,’ Paris will make you rethink that. The city’s notorious for its tough crowd, but they all value food above all else, and long, leisurely lunches are a must.

Two-week vacations in France often revolve around the indulgence of pairing wines with cheeses across the country. It's not just about fine dining – even the most casual meals might surprise those who expect the French to be all food elitists. After all, this is where the Michelin Guide was born.

French classics like cassoulet, pot au feu, and steak frites are an entirely different experience when enjoyed in a cozy bistro setting.

Yum

Escargot: Leave it to the French to elevate slimy garden creatures into a gastronomic masterpiece. And they somehow manage to make them taste absolutely divine.

Macarons: These delicate treats are like something out of a fairy tale, as if they were crafted from sugar, fairy dust, and childhood dreams. Anything from a French patisserie feels like a little piece of edible magic.

Baguette: The perfect introduction and farewell to France. The first bite is pure magic, and the last one leaves you yearning for more.

Dumb

Foie gras: Imagine the rich essence of 10,000 ducks bathed in butter, reduced to a smooth, velvety indulgence. Though some animal rights advocates argue against the inhumane practice of force-feeding, the taste is undeniably luxurious.

2. China

In China, asking 'Have you eaten yet?' is a greeting that reveals just how food-obsessed the culture is. Throughout its tumultuous history, food has served as both a source of comfort and a way to escape.

The Chinese spirit of entrepreneurship, coupled with a deep respect for thriftiness, produces some of the most daring eaters in the world. But it's not just about selling food – it's about making it taste extraordinary.

In China, prepare for a daily dose of culinary surprises. 'You can eat that?' will be the phrase you find yourself saying more often than you'd expect.

China’s regional cuisines are so diverse, it’s hard to believe they all hail from the same country. Summarizing it is nearly impossible, but one thing is certain – you'll always be hungry for more.

Yum

Sweet and sour pork: a timeless indulgence, constantly reinvented in countless variations.

Dim sum: a beloved culinary tradition, celebrated from Hong Kong to New York.

Roast suckling pig and Peking duck: masterpieces cooked using a variety of unique Chinese roasting techniques.

Xiaolongbao: delicate dumplings bursting with hot, savory broth. How do they manage to seal in all that liquid magic?

Dumb

Shark's fin soup: In recent years, environmental activists have been urging Chinese restaurants and markets to cease serving this controversial dish.

1. Italy

Italian cuisine has won hearts worldwide for centuries, with its bold tomato-based sauces, inventive pasta dishes, and desserts that are essentially just creamy indulgences.

It’s incredibly straightforward. Grab some pasta, olive oil, garlic, maybe a tomato or bacon slice. Boom! You've got a celebration on your plate. And the best part? It’s so simple to prepare and enjoy.

From cheesy risottos to golden, crispy fried meats, Italian cuisine is the epitome of comfort food. It’s become a go-to favorite in homes everywhere, especially among beginner cooks. That’s the brilliance of it – Italian food is the food of the people.

Yum

Ragu alla bolognese (spaghetti bolognese): the ultimate ‘I can’t decide what to eat’ dish that never fails.

Pizza: a deceptively simple yet utterly satisfying meal. The go-to comfort food for bachelors and college students alike.

Italian-style salami: only rivaled by cigarettes when it comes to sheer addictive quality.

Coffee: Cappuccino for breakfast? Absolutely not. We’re in it for the long haul – coffee all day, every day.

Dumb

Buffalo mozzarella: soft, slightly tangy balls of cheese made from water buffalo milk. The flavor is so delicate, you have to really savor it.