One of the most exciting aspects of traveling the world is trying the food in the countries you visit. Often, the food in international restaurants in the U.S. is adapted to suit the American palate, but there's no substitute for tasting the traditional cuisine in the country it originates from. Here, we look at countries that could claim to have the best food ever.
Mexico
Not to be confused with the Tex-Mex food found all over America, real Mexican food is as varied and flavorsome as any European cuisine. It blends traditional Central American native cuisine with the Spanish influences brought by the conquistadors, along with the subtle African influence as a result of the slave trade. Mexican cuisine is one of only two cuisines that are on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Italy
Loved throughout the world, Italian food brings you a taste of the Mediterranean. While offering an abundance of flavors, many Italian dishes are simple and depend on the quality of fresh, local ingredients for their complexity. Italian cuisine can have regional variations, and many chefs closely guard their secret sauce recipes.
Thailand
Thai cuisine features many complex dishes with strong aromatic ingredients and rich, spicy flavors. Over the centuries, Thai food has been influenced by the cuisine of India, China, and Thailand's Southeast Asian neighbors. Since the 16th century, even Portuguese dishes have been incorporated into Thai cuisine.
Japan
Think of Japanese food and sushi and sashimi are most likely to come to mind. But Japanese cuisine has so much more depth. In Japan, every meal is like a ritual, and it must be served in a certain way with each component in a separate bowl. Japanese cuisine is also on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Greece
With its Mediterranean influence, Greek cuisine makes you think of sunshine. It's based on the three essential ingredients of wheat, olive oil, and wine. From the light flavors of feta cheese salad and tzatziki to the nourishing moussaka and baklava dishes, and filling snacks like gyros and souvlaki, Greek food is so satisfying.
Spain
In Spain, meals are usually sociable occasions. This is embodied in the culture of tapas, small dishes of tasty food which are perfect for sharing. The country's main meals vary greatly from the northern areas on the Atlantic coast to the sun-drenched Mediterranean in the south. Spain is the world's largest producer of olives, so olives and olive oil are abundant in Spanish cuisine.
India
Indian cuisine offers many regional variations. Some areas are predominantly vegetarian, coastal regions use more fish and seafood, while in inland areas meat is more readily available. The diverse flavors are dependent on the location's availability of herbs, spices, fruit, and vegetables. From elaborate spicy meals to simple vegetable dishes, you have an almost endless choice.
France
If you're looking for fine dining, you probably think of French cuisine. The French have long shunned foreign influences and developed their own distinctive style of cooking. French food has influenced the cuisine of many Western countries and is seen as the benchmark of fine dining. In France, even the peasant food found in rural areas is tasty and satisfying, with many dishes using wine as an essential ingredient. This is why many people consider France to be the country that has the best food ever.
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