food porn

Food is essential to life.

Therefore make it good.

Food, glorious food. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures which requires the participation of all your senses!

I must confess (well it’s not really a surprise) that I love to eat and quite a bit! Since I am Latin American, I have been exposed to many different types of food from an early age thus developing an adventurous palate in the process.

Learning about other cultures through food is one of the things I love when travelling. Not only it is a sensorial experience, it is also what brings people together.

Since I’ve been fortunate to travel to a few countries, I thought of sharing with you the following 10 of the most delicious and mouth-watering dishes from around the world.

My apologies in advance if it makes you hungry or drool!

1- Pupusas – El Salvador

This is THE most typical dish from my home country! Thick corn tortillas flattened by hand are filled with cheese or pork or beef, black or red beans and grilled.

Once the crust is brown, crunchy and sizzles, it is ready to be served with salsa y curtido (tomato sauce and coleslaw). Trust me, it will leave you wanting for more!

2- Burrito – Mexico

Who has not tried this Mexican delicacy? It is one of many flavorful, rich and unforgettable dishes from the Aztec country.

A flat corn tortilla filled with refried beans, chicken or beef or grilled vegetables, topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro on green tomato sauce. Hungry yet?

3- Poutine – Quebec

Poutine is special dish which originates from a small town in southern Quebec. It is said that the owner of a small roadside restaurant came up one day with an original recipe. He added cheese curds and gravy to French fries and as they say, the rest is now history.

For us it is comfort food and also a cure for hangover. Normally party goers go to for a quick snack (or refuel) in the wee hours of the morning after bars or clubs close and before heading home! It is satisfying and gives you a much-needed boost.

4- Pizza Margherita – Italy

Mamma mia! Who can resist this classic and succulent Italian signature dish?

Hand kneaded dough, tossed in the air most likely, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, aromatic basil leaves and a slight hint of extra virgin oil on top? Yes? Yes please!

No matter where on earth you order it, it is a real feast for the eye and taste buds.

5- Dol sot Bibimbap – South Korea

Bimbimbap is not just an amazing Korean meal, it’s an awesome experience. Steamed rice is topped with fresh vegetables (like carrots, coleslaw, and zucchini), beef or tofu, a sunny side egg and served in a hot stone pot. To enjoy it, you need to mix all the ingredients while the pot is still sizzling so that it cooks thoroughly.

To kick it up another notch, hot pepper sauce can be added. It will either make you shed a tear or make your brow sweat!

The best thing about eating Korean food is that many side dishes come with the main meal, from Kimchi to pickled radish to fish. It’s a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

6- Pho soup – Vietnam

This delicious Vietnamese soup can revive anyone! It is so good for the heart, mind and soul.

Chicken or beef broth is brought to a boil, then rice or egg noodles, meat or chicken and fresh bean sprouts as well as mint leaves are added.

For an extra kick, some Sri Racha or peanut sauce will enhance the already delicious bowl!

Spring rolls and small chilies are the perfect side dishes! Once you try Pho soup you will be hooked.

7- Gallo Pinto – Costa Rica

If you are ever in Costa Rica and wish to start the day on the right foot, you need to refuel and try Gallo Pinto. That’s just what the locals have for breakfast!

Talk about a power meal! It consists of rice mixed with black or red beans, fried plantains, scrambled eggs, sausages, queso fresco (cheese) a small tortilla. Of course, being in the rich coast, the choice of drink is nothing but a fresh cup of mountain grown coffee to wash it down.

It definitely is breakfast of champions and lasts the entire morning.

8- Souvlaki Platter – Greece

One of the most delicious Greek dishes is the Souvlaki platter.

Grilled marinated chicken on a skewer is served on a bed of rice, and is accompanied by a Greek salad of course as well home-made pita bread. Fries are extra and rounds things up nicely.

9- Sushi – Japan

One of the most recognized Japanese specialties around the world is Sushi. It is so versatile, fresh & healthy and simply delicious.

I personally love the veggie version however you can choose different types of fish along with the accompanying wasabi and pickled ginger that gives you a little kick!

10- Butter chicken – India

This succulent, rich, colorful and quite tasteful Indian dish is a feast for your taste buds.

Chicken is simmered in a curry sauce along with green peas, tomatoes and served with baked to perfection Naan. Side dishes include hot pepper and pickled radish. The portion will leave you wanting for seconds! It’s a classic that everyone loves and so will you.

Bonus

I couldn’t help myself, so I decided to add more of my favorite foods to the list!

Spaghetti alla carbonara