8 Delectable National Dishes To Tickle Your Tastebuds

Food has always been a major part of our culture.

Its flavors are an amazing means to know a national history and heritage. Be it the colonizers or the migrants, be it trade or travel, the food that people carried has left eternal impressions and has beautifully enriched the native flavors.

The biryani, for example, acquired different flavors and tastes as it traveled the world and transferred from one generation to the other, or, the simple toast acquired different forms as it transcended the boundaries.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well” ~ Virginia Woolf,

Owing to the food culture of a place, the concept of a National Dish emerged. Even though India has never had a national dish but lately, Khichdi has drawn the limelight and is often quoted as the one. But, surprisingly, most countries have one national dish which stands synonymous or closely connects to its identity.

Happy Gourmandizing! 

Let’s walk through the article to discover 5 of the most scrumptious national delicacies and dive into their rich flavors, vivid colors, and enchanting aroma.

Ackee and Saltfish, Jamaica

Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee has a history of its own – it was used as slave food, and probably that’s the reason why it has been reclaimed as an important part of the national dish of Jamaica.  A bit of boiled ackee sautéed with saltfish (salt-cured cod), onion, and tomatoes, and served atop bammy (deep-fried cassava cakes), and voila, a delectable dish’s there. When in Jamaica, do not forget to try this simple but amazing dish.

Irish Stew, Ireland

Irish Stew

One of the stews which are quite famous across the world. Be it mood swings or ill-health, be it the me-time or snobbish afternoons, the Irish stew is the perfect companion of all. A thick broth of slow-boiled mutton with onions, potatoes, and parsley is what a conventional recipe of this stew looks like. However, nowadays, a more exotic variety with vegetables like carrots and radishes,  or with well-sautéed mutton is also quite common. A staple of Irish pubs around the world, this is a must-try for every foodie out there.

Bulgogi, Korea

Bulgogi

Often known as fire meat, Bulgogi, especially the Beef bulgogi, is one of the most popular dishes as well as the national dish of Korea. With sirloin, rib eye, or brisket being used most frequently, this has thinly sliced meat well-marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onions, ginger, sugar, and wine and then grilled a barbecue or on a stove-top griddle or, may even be stir-fried.  Often served in wraps of lettuce and spinach leaves, any of the Bulgogi variants- be it beef or squid, is sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting for more.

Kibbeh, Lebanon/Syria

Kibbeh

Those acquainted with the Levantine cuisine need so separate introduction for this amazing and flavorsome dish. Quite a versatile confection of bulgur, ground lamb, and seasonings, Kibbeh is considered as the national dish of many Middle-Eastern countries, including Lebanon and Syria. Not only this, but this dish also has many varieties owing to different cooking styles and flavors of the country in which it is prepared, like Egypt, Turkey, Iran, etc… Often flavored with cherry juice, this juicy and delectable is surely a gormandizer’s delight.

Goulash, Hungary

Goulash

With its origin dating back to the 9th century, this was a stew commonly slurped by the shepherds of medieval Hungary. A pretty simple soup, Gulyás, or Goulash as it is known, has chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and some red onions along with a bit of seasoning.

This filling stew, also the national dish of Hungary, gets its main flavors from the beef cooked slowly and the paprika added and is definitely synonymous to “food for the soul.” So next time when you visit Hungary or rather any country in central Europe, do try this relishing soup to satiate your mid-day hunger pangs.