As a home-cook and foodie I love taking inspiration from as many cultures as I can when I cook. One of my personal goals is to make at least 1 dish from every country and every major city around the world, and I’ve been compiling a list of my favorite dishes from each country to research and create versions of my own. I have tried and created many dishes from well-known countries, but I would love to know more about the culture and cuisine of places that are less talked about or less well represented.

So what are your favorite dishes and cuisines from your local city or country? Or local dishes you know of from other places? Or maybe you have your own list of your favorites?

My addition: Garbage Plates from Rochester NY. They sound strange at first but have become one of my comfort foods. When they are done well, they hit the spot like no other. As for a lesser known dish I absolutely love Roti Canai which is a type of curry and bread from Malaysia.

My list so far:

Japan: Spicy Miso Ramen

South Korea: Curry Tteokbokki

China : Lo Mein

Taiwan: Mongolian Beef

Thailand: Pad Thai

Malaysia: Roti Canai

Singapore: Singapore Street Noodles

India: Lamb Marsala

Syria: Maqluba

Libya: Couscous Bil-bosla

Turkey: Gozleme

Greece: Lamb over Rice

Russia: Stroganoff

Italy: Carbonara

Germany: Rahmshnitzel

Belgium: Liege Waffle

France: Croque Monsieur

UK: Lamb Tikka Masala

Sweden: Kottbullar

Iceland: Pylsur

Canada: Poutine

US: Garbage Plate

Mexico: Carne Asada Tacos

El Savador: Charamuscas

Trinidad: Dahl

Jamaca: Peanut Punch

Guyana: Pepper Pot