National Dishes From Around The World

Our team at Remitly has created a series that celebrates the cuisine and traditions of our customers around the world. These national dishes from various countries represent many of our global customers. Use this guide as a starting point to learn more about the national dishes enjoyed by some of our global customers. You’ll find a complete list of all the featured national dishes at the end of this post, or you can use the table of contents to navigate.

Popular National Dishes From Around The World

Explore foods from the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Meet Kibbeh: The National Dish of Lebanon

This exquisite dish, made with finely ground meat and bulgur wheat, is a staple of Lebanese cuisine, showcasing the country’s love for bold flavours and meticulous preparation. Kibbeh can be enjoyed in various forms, each reflecting Lebanon’s culinary evolution and the blending of diverse cultural influences.

Fondue: The Warm Embrace of Switzerland

In the heart of Europe lies Switzerland, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes and the warm, communal tradition of fondue. This dish, often shared with friends and family, embodies the Swiss spirit of unity and hospitality.

Ugali: The Staple of Kenya

Journey to the vibrant nation of Kenya, where ugali, a simple yet deeply cherished dish, holds a special place in every Kenyan’s heart. Made from maize flour and water, this versatile staple complements a range of dishes, from vegetables to meats, symbolising the resilience and spirit of the Kenyan people.

Ackee and Saltfish: The Flavor of Jamaica

Jamaica, an island nation bursting with life and colour, offers a national dish as vibrant as its culture: ackee and saltfish. This savoury combination of the local ackee fruit and salted cod, often served with dumplings or breadfruit, is a true celebration of Jamaica’s rich history and diversity.

Dholl Puri: The Comfort Food of Mauritius

This delicious wheat flatbread, filled with ground yellow split peas, is the epitome of Mauritian comfort food. Served with bean curry or chutney, dholl puri reflects the island’s vibrant multicultural heritage.

Shuwa: The Delicacy of Oman

In Oman, the tradition of shuwa is a testament to the country’s hospitality and communal spirit. This dish involves marinating meat in a blend of spices before slow-cooking it in an underground pit for up to two days.

Romazava: The Heart of Madagascar

Madagascar, an island renowned for its unique biodiversity, presents romazava as its national dish. This hearty stew, made with beef and an assortment of greens, captures the essence of Malagasy cuisine.

Jollof Rice: The Pride of Nigeria

This bold and flavourful dish, made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, is a source of national pride and friendly rivalry among West African countries. Jollof rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Nigerian creativity, community, and the joy of sharing food.

Pho: Vietnam’s Bowl of Comfort

Pho offers a comforting embrace with its fragrant broth and tender noodles. This beloved dish, a harmonious combination of spices, herbs, and meats, captures the essence of Vietnamese culinary tradition.

Paella: Spain’s Coastal Symphony

From the sun-drenched shores of Spain comes paella, a dish as vibrant and diverse as the country itself. This culinary masterpiece, featuring saffron-hued rice, succulent seafood, and bold flavours, embodies the spirit of Spanish celebrations.

Sushi: Japan’s Artful Delight

Japan, a country where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation, brings the world sushi—a testament to minimalist beauty and precision. This exquisite pairing of vinegared rice and fresh seafood, often enhanced with a touch of wasabi and soy sauce, reflects the Japanese dedication to perfection and harmony.

Empanadas: The National Dish of Chile

These delicious pastries, traditionally filled with a savoury mixture of minced meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, encased in buttery, flaky pastry, are a staple at family gatherings and festive celebrations in Chile.

Meet Feijoada from Brazil

This hearty Brazilian dish is a symphony of black beans and assorted meats, slow-cooked to perfection and often served with rice, collard greens, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and a slice of orange to balance the richness.

Pupusas: The Heart of El Salvador

These thick, handmade corn tortillas are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beans, pork, or loroco (a native flower), and then griddled to golden perfection. Originating from the Pipil tribes of El Salvador, pupusas have endured through the centuries, becoming a symbol of national pride and unity.

Fish and Chips in the U.K.

Fish and chips is a quintessential British classic, a dish that has come to symbolise the comfort of English cuisine. This beloved meal features battered and deep-fried fish, traditionally cod or haddock, served with a generous portion of hot, crispy chips.

South Korean Bibimbap: Your Guide to the Iconic Dish

This visually striking dish consists of a bed of warm rice topped with a selection of meticulously arranged ingredients: julienned vegetables, a variety of meats (often beef), a sunny-side-up egg, and gochujang (Korean chilli paste) for a spicy kick. The ingredients are mixed together just before eating, creating a delightful medley of flavours and textures that excite the senses.

List of National Dishes by Country

 

FAQs About National Dishes

What is a National Dish?

A national dish is a food that represents a country’s cultural identity, traditions, and culinary heritage. It often holds deep historical and cultural significance.

What are Some Examples of National Dishes?

Examples include bibimbap from Korea, paella from Spain, fish and chips from the UK, jollof rice from West Africa, and shuwa from Oman. Each dish reflects its country’s unique ingredients and traditions.

Why is Fish and Chips a National Dish of the UK?

Fish and chips is a quintessential British meal that dates back to the 19th century. It symbolises comfort food and British tradition, enjoyed by people across the country for generations.

What Makes Bibimbap Korea’s National Dish?

Bibimbap showcases Korea’s culinary precision and balance. With warm rice, assorted vegetables, meat, and gochujang (chilli paste), it reflects the harmony and artistry central to Korean cuisine.