If you're anything like me, one of the most prominent statements on your internet dating profile is "I love to eat." And I do. I love to try new foods from all over the world, and to experience things that I've never had. When it comes to food, my motto is "I'll try anything once." And if I like it, I'll have it again and again and again.
As a true foodie, I believe that every culinary culture in the world has something incredible to offer. Whether it be a new spice or a cut of meat or a way of cooking, I don't believe any country or culture is truly bereft of some culinary wonder. But that doesn't mean that some world cuisines aren't better than others-- because they are. Below, you'll find a list of the top seven world cuisines... that is, the top seven according to yours truly.
7. Lebanese
Lebanese cuisine is wonderful because it's fresh, healthy, and ultra flavorful. Most meals eaten here don't contain much meat --which is great for your health-- but what meat is there is wonderfully spiced and tender. And when it's not there, you don't miss it. With wonderful dips, salads, and breads (called mezze), lots of fresh fish, fresh fruit, and fresh veggies, you can't get healthier or more Mediterranean with your diet. Or more full of flavor.
6. Korean
I love Asian cuisine-- so you'll see a ton of it on this list. And I often think of Korean as the unsung Asian cuisine-- one that most people haven't had a chance to try. But one taste of my favorite Korean specialty, dolsot bibimbap, and you'll be hooked. With rice fried crisp in a bowl of sesame oil and served with wonderful seasoned vegetables, meat, an egg, and a flavorful chili sauce called gochujang, it may well become the only thing you ever want to eat.
5. French
Of course, you can't make a list of the best foods in the world without talking about French food (though when composing this list, it was a tossup for me between French and Spanish). French food is so wonderful because it ranges from the deliciously simple, such as creamy fresh cheeses and wine or a big bowl of flavorful ratatouille, to the ultra-elegant haute cuisine that the country has become famous for. French cooking is the basis for some of the best foods --and the best restaurants-- in the world. It belongs in a class all its own.
4. Italian
Italian cuisine is incredibly old, and the kinds of foods eaten in Italy can be traced all the way back to 4 BC or so. Like French cuisine, what makes Italian cuisine so interesting is the sheer variety of it. From traditional pastas and risottos and pizzas to simple meat and potatoes, Italian cuisine has everything. Add to that plenty of olive oil, wonderful wine, great sausages, and some of the best cheeses in the world, and you have something that will never bore, and never get old.
3. Mexican
Unless you're an American (or, of course, a Mexican) Mexican food probably doesn't show up on your favorite foods list. But growing up in Arizona in the U.S., I've had a love of Mexican food that's lasted my whole life. Whether it's Tex-Mex style food, covered in mounds of cheese and spicy red sauce, or more traditional Mexican food made with fresh meats and veggies and a sprinkling of cilantro and hot sauce, Mexican food is all about flavor and impact. Unless you're in some silly restaurant in Milwaukee, it's impossible for Mexican food to be boring.
2. Japanese
For me, Japanese food is all about quality. Most Japanese dishes are simple and healthful-- but because they're made carefully and with wonderful ingredients, they taste amazing. When made well, the simplest sushi roll can be the best-tasting thing you've ever eaten-- even if there are only four or five ingredients involved in its preparation. Even for those who don't like sushi, Japanese cuisine has a ton to offer, with wonderful flavors, lots of vegetables, and delicious meats and fish.
1. Indian
Can you tell from my list I like strong flavors and spicy foods? Well, Indian cuisine probably has the most of both those things. A huge country with an incredibly varied cuisine, India is generally agreed to have some of the best food in the world. With fresh ingredients (most Indian food is vegetarian), amazing spices, and knock-you-out flavor, Indian food is the one cuisine I know I could never get tired of. Even if I wasn't allowed to eat anything else.
You might notice some omissions on my list, such as Thai food or Vietnamese. But food is a very personal thing. What you like may be a 180-degree turn from what somebody else likes. Which makes this article almost as controversial as, say, an article about gun control or abortion. I don't doubt that many of you Datepadders will be up in arms over not seeing your favorites included here. So please comment and let us know why your favorite should show up on this list. But don't expect to change my mind about my favorites!
Posted on June 3, 2009, 1:57 pm
I can't believe you didn't give Spain a spot all by itself especially given that you live there. Great list though! While these lists are always very personal your description of each was great. Gotta go eat now!
Posted on June 6, 2009, 8:59 am
If this were a wine list Spain would be at the very top! (mmm, wine.) But though the food is good, they don't know about spices here, and there's not much variety. At least, not in Catalan cuisine. I'm all about bold flavors, and Spanish cooking is a lot more... subtle. They think black pepper is spicy here! 'Nuff said. :)
