Bringing the flavors of the world into your kitchen doesn’t require a plane ticket—just a little ambition and the right recipe. These ten globally loved dishes can be recreated at home with accessible ingredients, basic kitchen tools, and guidance from trusted culinary sources. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress with international flair, each dish on this list offers a rewarding culinary adventure.
- Ramen (Japan)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tools: Deep pot, strainer, ladle
A soulful noodle soup layered with umami, ramen can be as simple or as intricate as you like. Start with a miso or shoyu base and top it with soft-boiled eggs, sliced pork, and green onions.
Recipe source: Serious Eats Ramen Guide - Shakshuka (North Africa / Middle East)
Difficulty: Easy
Tools: Skillet or sauté pan with lid
Poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, shakshuka is both nourishing and simple. Great for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food Shakshuka - Biryani (India)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Tools: Large pot with tight lid, spice grinder (optional)
This aromatic rice dish blends layers of marinated meat or vegetables with saffron-infused rice and whole spices. It’s perfect for weekend cooking.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food Biryani - Mole Poblano (Mexico)
Difficulty: Hard
Tools: Blender, heavy saucepan
A deeply complex sauce combining chiles, spices, chocolate, and seeds, mole is often served over chicken or enchiladas.
Recipe source: Serious Eats Mole Guide - Paella (Spain)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tools: Wide shallow pan or paella pan
This rice dish is all about the perfect socarrat—the crispy rice crust at the bottom. Traditionally made with seafood, chicken, or chorizo.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food Paella - Gyoza (Japan)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tools: Non-stick pan, mixing bowl, small spoon
These pan-fried dumplings have a crispy bottom and juicy filling. Make a big batch and freeze the extras for easy meals.
Recipe source: Serious Eats Gyoza - Tagine (Morocco)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tools: Tagine pot or Dutch oven
A slow-simmered stew usually made with lamb or chicken, dried fruits, and spices. No tagine pot? A Dutch oven works just as well.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food Tagine - Pho (Vietnam)
Difficulty: Hard
Tools: Stockpot, fine-mesh strainer
A beef noodle soup with a crystal-clear broth and rich aroma, pho takes time—but the results are worth it.
Recipe source: Serious Eats Pho Recipe - Bulgogi (Korea)
Difficulty: Easy
Tools: Grill or cast iron pan
This marinated beef dish is sweet, savory, and quick to cook. Serve with rice and kimchi for a complete meal.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food Bulgogi - Bobotie (South Africa)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tools: Baking dish, mixing bowl
A comforting casserole of spiced minced meat topped with an egg custard, bobotie is a South African classic with Cape Malay roots.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food Bobotie
Whether you’re new to international cooking or an experienced home chef, mastering even a few of these dishes will expand your palate and your skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment, substitute as needed, and most importantly—enjoy the process.
