From street eats to gourmet delights, we'll embark on a mouthwatering journey around the globe, exploring the rich tapestry of international cuisine. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast cooking at home or a savvy traveller exploring local eateries, our guide unveils the must-try flavours from every corner of the world.

Get ready to crave and explore! Dive into our top 10 food recommendations for your travels abroad, igniting curiosity and tantalising your taste buds across different countries.

1. Paella, Spain

Originating from the rice-growing regions of Valencia and Barcelona, paella is a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, paella boasts a rich history rooted in the humble origins of peasant fare. In Valencia, the authentic paella often features a medley of ingredients such as rabbit, chicken, sausage, and occasionally, snails. However, in Barcelona, the coastal influence gives rise to seafood paella, abundant with squid, mussels, shrimp, and langoustines. 

2. Haggis, Scotland

Haggis, often hailed as Scotland's national dish, embodies the essence of Scottish cuisine with its bold flavours and hearty texture. Despite its reputation for unconventional ingredients, including sheep's heart, liver, and lungs encased in a sheep's stomach, haggis remains a beloved delicacy among locals and adventurous food enthusiasts alike. Sampled alongside a dram of whisky or incorporated into a full Scottish breakfast, haggis offers a true taste of Scotland's culinary heritage.

3. Couscous, Morocco

Derived from the Amazigh (Berber) word "k'seksu", couscous has been a dietary mainstay for centuries, cherished for its versatility and cultural significance. Typically made from semolina flour, couscous serves as the centerpiece of festive gatherings, where it is lovingly prepared and shared among family and friends. Accompanied by a flavourful medley of meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices, couscous transcends mere sustenance to become a culinary experience steeped in tradition and hospitality.

4. Pho, Vietnam

Vietnam's beloved noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (chicken, beef or pork), is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the country's rich culinary heritage. Originating in the northern city of Nam Dinh, Pho has evolved into a national obsession, enjoyed in homes, street stalls, and restaurants across Vietnam. Pho's allure lies in its rejuvenating essence - the savoury broth offers a comforting richness yet maintains a clean and refreshing quality, providing a truly revitalising dining experience.

5. Moussaka, Greece

Originating in the 1920s, Moussaka is credited to Nikolaos Tselementes, a French-trained Greek chef who created the iconic recipe featuring layers of eggplant, potatoes, seasoned meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. Baked to golden perfection, Moussaka epitomises Greek comfort food, offering a tantalising blend of savoury, sweet, and aromatic flavours.

6. Ragu Alla Bolognese, Italy

Italy's famed meat sauce, is a culinary treasure that embodies the soul of Italian cuisine. Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region, Ragu Alla Bolognese features a blend of ground beef, pancetta, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato sauce. Simmered to perfection, this savoury sauce is traditionally served with tagliatelle or thicker pastas. Whether enjoyed in a cozy trattoria or prepared at home using time-honoured techniques, Ragu Alla Bolognese offers a taste of Italy's culinary heritage and regional diversity.

7. German Schnitzel, Germany

Picture tender pork chops, lovingly pounded thin, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. It's a dance of textures and flavours, especially when paired with classic sides like potato salad or tangy sauerkraut. Each bite whispers tales of Germany's rich culinary heritage, inviting you to experience comfort like never before.

8. Pad Thai, Thailand

Thailand's iconic noodle dish is a culinary masterpiece that epitomises the country's vibrant street food culture. Featuring a tantalising blend of stir-fried rice noodles, succulent shrimp or chicken, tangy tamarind sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables, Pad Thai offers a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours. Whether from a street vendor's cart or a cozy eatery, Pad Thai promises a delicious journey through Thailand's culinary landscape.

9. Sushi Rolls, Japan

This beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, are a culinary delight that showcases the artistry and precision of Japanese culinary tradition. While seafood steals the spotlight - think squid, eel, yellowtail, salmon, tuna, or even imitation crab meat - vegetarian options abound. Sushi's versatility extends to its rice, traditionally medium-grain white but adaptable to brown or short-grain varieties. Complemented by pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce, and popular garnishes like daikon radish, each bite of sushi is a symphony of flavours and textures, inviting you to savour the essence of Japanese culinary tradition.

10. Chiles En Nogada, Mexico

While not officially Mexico's national dish, Chiles en Nogada reigns as one of its most cherished culinary treasures. Hailing from Puebla, this dish holds a special place in the heart of Mexican cuisine, revered for its unique flavours, seasonal significance, and historical legacy. Limited to the months of July through September due to the availability of dried fruits, Chiles en Nogada is a labour of love, requiring meticulous preparation and costly ingredients. Enveloped in a creamy white sauce infused with nuts, each pepper is adorned with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, a true feast for the senses. It's not just a dish - it's a culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

If you're dreaming of exploring these amazing destinations and indulging in their delectable cuisines, e-travel.ie has you covered with a diverse selection of flight options tailored to your preferences.