Top 10 Best Recipes From Each Continent (2024)

The world is filled with amazing foods, flavors, and recipes. Each and every country has its own distinctive dishes and preparation techniques, and sometimes it changes region by region, or even a single recipe can differ within households from the same region. The cuisine of every continent and country is influenced by its history and travelers, traders, migrants, and invaders passing through the region. Often the roots of a culinary style and traditions can be traced back to ancient times, to antiquity.

We have selected ten fantastic recipes fromeach continent – except for Antarctica for obvious reasons – to help you spice up your cooking. It is so much fun to try the culinary delights of other countries in your own kitchen! No more dull food; here are 60 amazing recipes from all over the world.

#1 Africa

Africa is the second-largest landmass on Earth and is home to 54 countries as well ashundreds of different cultural and ethnic groups. African recipes are known for their intenseflavor as the African cuisine isheavily influenced by imported spices. Choose any of the following recipes to bring aromatic flavors into your own home.

1. West African Chicken and Peanut Stew

Recipe viabeyondmeresustenance.com

If you like peanut butter, this is definitely a recipe for you! A simple and healthy dishwith delicious West African flavors. Perfectly tender chicken with fresh okra, sweet potato, and peanut butter in a savory sauce.

2. Spicy Peri Peri Prawns

Recipe viawww.yummymedley.com

Peri-Peri (also known as piri piri) sauce is a pepper sauce that is popular mostly in the southern part of Africa. It iscommonly used as a marinade for meat, butit also can be used asa hot sauce. You can adjust the level of heat depending on how much you like spicy food. Serve your peri peri prawns with plain rice or fresh salad.

3. Chakalaka

Recipe viaafricanbites.com

The next recipe is Chakalaka. Already the name sounds cool! It is a South African spicy vegetable relish made with tomatoes and beans. It is traditionally served with bread, and it is also great with barbecues. Try this great recipe and make it suitable for your taste bud or palate.

4. East African Braised Chicken

Recipe viawww.jocooks.com

Lot’s of Indian spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and chili powder; plump golden raisins, and dates; thisbeautiful chicken dish should be on top of your list next time you have a dinner party.As this chicken cooks in the oven, it will fill your house with amazing aromas.

5. GroundnutStew with Shrimps

Recipe viawww.mybelledonfull.com

This dish is quite popular in Northern Nigeria and many other neighbouring countries as well. It can be prepared as either a soup or a stew. You will need somelarge shrimps, peanut butter, and fresh okra. Perfect with plain rice!

6. Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Recipe viarelishingit.com

Tagineisa North African stew that is simmered in a special pot. In fact, the pot itself is called a tagine. However, you can prepare this delicious dish even if you don’t have a tagine. The stew itself consists of meat, paired with fruits and nuts. Serve with couscous.

7. South African Curried Meat Pie

Recipe viabijouxs.com

Bobotie is a popularSouth African dish made with spiced minced meat and egg-based topping. This savory pie is great for entertaining the crowd; everyone will love it. This savory-sweet meat pie incorporates spices such as ginger, lemon rind, curry, mango chutney, raisins, and lemon leaf.

8. Red Lentil Soup

Recipe viathetealtadjine.blogspot.com

Legumes and vegetables are widely used in Egyptian cuisine. This red lentil soup is a really simple rustic dish packed with minerals and vitamins. This Egyptian version is simmered with tomatoes, and fiery red pepper blended to make it ultra-silky.

9. Senegalese Fish Balls with Spicy Sauce

Recipe via www.196flavors.com

Boulettes de poisson or fish balls are made in Senegal when fish is plentiful. The small fish cakes are flavored with garlic, parsley, and chilis, browned in a pan and served with spicy tomato sauce. This recipe reflects a warm and spicy cuisine perfectly.

10. Malva Pudding

Recipe viaafricanbites.com

Chocolate Malva Puddingis a decadent traditional South African dessert you must try. Rich, moist, chocolaty, and so easy to make. You will love thecaramelized exterior and spongy interior, soaked in warm butter sauce. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

#2 Asia

Asia, being the largest and most populous continent,is home to many cultures, many of which have their own characteristic cuisine.Asian cuisine is widely popular across the globe. You can find Chinese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean restaurants in just about every big city across the globe. Asian cooking is known and loved for its remarkable flavours and vibrant colours. The most common ingredients are rice, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, coconut milk, chillies, and soy. Cooking methods can vary from deep frying, stir-frying or steaming. Scroll down for ten mouth-watering Asian recipes.

1. Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala

Recipe viawww.thegourmetgourmand.com

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that is guaranteed to be on every Indian restaurant’s menu. This widely popular Indian dish consists of grilled chicken chunks cooked in a creamy spiced tomato sauce. The meat is marinated first with lemon juice and salt, and then second in a yogurt-spice combo, which makes the chicken chunks perfectly tender and tasty.

2. Chinese Braised Oxtail

Recipe viathewoksoflife.com

The Chinese Braised Oxtail might take a longer time to prepare, but it is incredibly rewarding. After 4 hours of preparation and cooking, you will have a beautifully tender, aromatic meaty dish. Perfect for entertaining as well! Serve it with plain steamed rice.

3. Rainbow Vegetarian Pad Thai Noodles

Recipe viapinchofyum.com

Pad Thai is a deliciousstir-fried rice noodle dish. In its home country Thailand, it can be found in casual local eateries, and it’s also common street food. This recipe includes a super tangy and delicious Pad Thai sauce that you just shake up in a jar and peanuts to soak up the sauce, plus a gently scrambled egg that makes the whole dish creamy.

4. Vietnamese Pho with Pork Meatballs

Recipe viawww.alittlespoonfulof.com

Pho is one of thesignature dishes of Vietnam, where it is served primarily at breakfast time. For us, it might sound weird, but the early-rising Vietnamese population often starts the day with this hearty broth. Broths contain valuable minerals, they are rich in protein and collagen, which is good for your skin, hair, and nails, and they boost your immune system.

5. Korean Barbecue Beef (Bulgogi)

Recipe viawww.anediblemosaic.com

Bulgogi is one of Korea’s most popular beef dishes besides the spicy kimchi. Thinlysliced sirloinmarinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, garlic, onions, ginger, and sugar for two to four hours to enhance flavor and make to meat more tender. Bulgogi is traditionally grilled, but broiling or pan-cooking is common as well.

6. Prawn Laksa

Recipe viawww.aforkandapencil.com

Laksa is a Malaysian noodle dish in coconut milk and curry soup base. In fact, there are many different types of laksa. This one is a coconut milk-based curry laksa with prawns and glass noodles. Enjoy the contrasting flavours (lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar) and garnish with fresh coriander, spring onion, tofu puffs, and dried chilli flakes.

7. Borscht

Recipe viawww.melangery.com

Borscht is a well-known soup originating from Russia but also popular inCentral Asian countries as well as some Eastern European nations. There are several different Borscht recipes in the world, served hot or cold, often with sour cream. This one is made with chicken broth and soft boil egg served with a lot of fresh herbs and toasts.

8. Japanese Chicken Meatballs (Tsukune)

Recipe viawww.manusmenu.com

Japanese cuisine is so much more than just sushi!Tsukune, for instance, is Japanese chicken meatballs, skewered and typically grilled over charcoal. They are often served in yakitori restaurants in Japan. It is seasoned with salt and sweet soy sauce that gets caramelized and charred over the grill while the chicken remains moist.

9. Lamb Shanks with Herbed Basmati Rice

Recipe viatheunmanlychef.com

Persia (present Iran) has a rich history and unique geography. The country had a diverse mix of cultural influences on the cuisine resulting in a colorful and exciting repertoire of dishes. This is one of the most traditional dishes in Iranian/Persian Cuisine.Braised lamb shanks with fresh basmati rice with herbs, fava beans, and saffron are beautifully colorful and aromatic!

10. Kung Pao Chicken

Recipe viaburpappetit.com

Kung Pao chicken is a classic Chinese dish from the Sichuan Provincein southwestern China. The cuisine of this region is characterized by itsbold flavours, liberal use of chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and garlic. Sichuan peppercorn is actually not a pepper, but the berries from prickly ash tree. If you like spicy food this one is definitely a must try!

#3Australia

Australiathe largeisland continent had many influence on its cuisine over the centuries. For example thenative Aboriginal and “bushfood” style of cooking, the European settlers in the secondhalf of the 18th century or later the multicultural immigration had all influenced the Australian cooking. Modern Australian cuisine is a mixture and interesting blend of different cuisines. Also, barbecuing is very popular given theamazing choice of meats and the sunny climate throughout the continent. World-standard restaurant, organic foods and imaginative chefs also add to the colorful Aussie cuisine.

1. Australian Breakfast with Vegemite

Recipe viawww.everydaydelicious.com.au

Vegemite is a paste, used as a spread for sandwiches and biscuits. It is similar to Marmite,salty, dark spread made from brewer’s yeast, packaged in jars with yellow lids and labels. Australian breakfast is the perfect way to start your day with be it a lazy Sunday brunch or a regular weekday morning.

2. Sausage Rolls

Recipe viawww.theowlwiththegoblet.com

This simple food is a big all time favorite amongst Aussies. The classic sausage roll has many modern adaptations. This recipe features a delicious spiced sausage mix wrapped in puff pastry. Great party food or lunch choice just like for manyAustralians.

3. Baked Chicken Parmigiana

Recipe viawww.fussfreecooking.com

Chicken Parmigiana or Chicken Parma is a popularpub food in Australia. It started as an eggplant dish in Italyandhas since evolved into achicken schnitzel topped with an Italian-inspired tomato sauce and melted cheese. Try this fantastic recipe, it requires no frying!

4. Aussie Meat Pies with Slow Roasted Lamb

Recipe viawww.whatkatieate.com

Meat pies are widely popular in Australia. They are on the menu at every house party and also a great comfort food in the morning after a big night. You must try these flaky pies filled with slow roasted lamb. It is up to you whether you makealarge family pie, 6-8 individual pies or 2 trays (24) cupcake sized party pies.

5. Barramundi with Pesto

Recipe viaalexandrastable.blogspot.au

Barramundi is a very popular fish, served in restaurants across the country. The name originates from the Aboriginal language meaning “large-scaled river fish.” If you haven’t cooked Barramundi yet, this is a great recipe to start with. Tender fish filletstopped with the vegetables capsicum, eggplant and sweet potato.

6. Lamb Chop and Bush Tomato Curry

Recipe viaseasonwithsaltbush.blogspot.com

Asian cuisine includingIndian food is very popular in Australia just like in many other parts of the world. Thanks to increased immigration, Indian food is found all across Australia. This mild lamb curry is an interesting combination of ingredients such asscent of cinnamon and subtle smokiness of bush tomato.

7. Burger with Beetroot

Recipe viawww.manusmenu.com

You can get burgers anywhere in the world but nothing is like the Aussie version that includes a piece ofbeetroot on top of a pattie made with Aussie beef. Sliced pickled beet is thefinishing touch to a perfect Australian burger. This recipe includeslettuce, tomato, beef patty, cheese, ketchup, beetroot, fried onions, bacon, pineapple andeven a fried egg on the top.

8. BBQ Prawns

Recipe viawww.whatkatieate.com

Australia is blessed with a sunnyclimate and miles of shoreline so fresh seafood and barbecue is kind of given almost all year around. Prawns and mangoare each very authentic Australian ingredients and they pair together beautifully. Delicioussweet, succulent prawns on bbq is definitely a healthy choice.

9. Lamington

Recipe viawww.christinamarsigliese.com

Lamington is acube shaped sponge cake, coated with chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. It is oftenreferred to as the “National Cake of Australia.” Sometimes it comes in two halves with a layer of cream or jam in the middle. This is the classic recipe of the national aussie cake.

10. Pavlova

#4 Europe

The cuisines of the European countries are incredibly diverse.Historically, European cuisine has been developed in the European royal and noble courts. The Old Continent is home to countries like Italy and France both of which had a tremendous amount of influence abroad. Italian cuisine is probably the most popular in the world and is noted for its regional diversity and abundance of taste. Thereis so muchgreat foods to choose from so it isn’t easy to select only ten. However,wehave selected ten classic dishesmade with a twist to the traditional recipe.

1. Party-Friendly Mini Pizza Bites

Recipe viathegirlsonbloor.com

No doubt about it, everyone loves pizza. The only thing that is difficult to agree own, is the topping. If you have friends over, here is a great recipe to keep everyone happy even the picky eaters. Mini Pizza bites are equally fun to kids and grown-ups as well.

2. Wiener Schnitzel with a twist

Recipe viawww.my-easy-cooking.com

Wiener Schnitzel is a typical Austrian dish, authentically made from veal. In its home country the nameis protected by law so only the slice of breaded and fried veal can be called “Wiener Schnitzel”. Try this traditional dish with a twist, and addParmesan cheese,cashew nuts and herbs to the bread crumbs.

3. Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower

Recipe viawellnessmama.com

TraditionalBritishShepherd’s Pie is made with mashed potatoes and lamb. This is tasty recipe that replaces potatoes with cauliflower. It is easy to prepare ahead and heat when you are ready to eat, and the leftovers taste better than the first night!

4. Chorizo Bolognese

Recipe viawww.halfbakedharvest.com

In this recipe Spanish meets Italian. Super tasty chorizo with Italian red sauce, green pasta and white burrata cheese.For the pasta you will need a sage kale pesto mix and for the topping buttered breadcrumbs with crispy prosciutto and burrata. You can’t go wrong with this pasta dish!

5. Salmon En Croute

Recipe viawww.lavenderandlovage.com

Salmon En Croute is an elegant recipe andis perfect for occasions when you want to lay the table with something impressive. The classic recipe is salmon wrapped insome all butter puff pastry but here it is made with a delicious twist. It uses freshwatercress as a base for the rice filling, as well as spring onions. Can be served warm or cold and freezes beautifully.

6. Greek Chicken and Lemon Soup

Recipe viacooktoria.com

Mediterranean recipes are simple to prepare and they can be made with only a few ingredients. This Greek soup is perfectly light and contains all the goodness of achicken broth with refreshing, piquant lemon. It is also thought to help with the flu!

7.Asparagus with SalsaVinagreta

Recipe viathemoveablefeasts.wordpress.com

This one is a delicious and super healthy spring salad fromCatalonia, Spain. For the salsa you will needtomatoes, red onions and capers plus a basic white wine vinaigrette. Top itwith some herbs and a hard-boiled egg and some good bread to soak up thevinaigrette.

8. Flemish Stew

Recipe viawww.angsarap.net

Belgium is famous for beer, waffles and chocolate but in the field of culinary delights they also have some amazing dishes to offer. Here is the super tasty Flemish stew which is thenational dish of Belgium. It is made out of beef and onions slowly stewed in dark Belgian beer with herbs like thyme, bay leaf and mustard to enhance aroma.

9. Hungarian Goulash with Dumplings

Recipe viawww.dinnerwithjulie.com

Hungarian goulash or gulyás as the locals call it is arich, dark, reddish broth spiked with a hearty dose of paprika. It isprobably the most well-known Hungarian dish. Try it withHungarian pinched noodles that are like tiny dumplings simmered in the finished stew.

10.Cookie Butter and Chocolate Ganache Crêpe Cake

Recipe viawww.brighteyedbaker.com

If there is anything better than crêpes it must be theCrêpe Cake!Thin and tender, layered with rich chocolate ganache and a warm, slightly spicy cookie butter whipped cream. Follow the recipe and learn how to makethin, delicate crepes with slightly crispy edges. Seriously addictive!

#5 North America

The continent of North America is home to remarkable cuisines like American, Mexican, Canadian and also the vibrantCaribbean cuisine. The cooking has been influenced by many international cuisines especially the European andAsian cuisines. There are several iconic dishes well-known across the globe that were born in the continent of North America.

1. The American Burger

Recipe viawww.turntablekitchen.com

Since the hamburger became a culinary icon of the United States, it has been many times reinvented. Today you can get a burger any way you want; withfoiegras or chickpeas in it, topped withhot sauce or brie. However, thefoundation is simple: ground beef between a split, fluffy bun. Here is a recipe for the classic burger made with organic, grass-fed beef, a homemade bun, high-quality cheese, and a variety of condiments.

2. Mexican Pizza

Recipe viagourmetpersuasian.com

Bring authentic homemade Mexican pizzas to your dinner table with the help of this fantastic recipe. It requires the most basic Mexican dishes such as salsa, pico de gallo, tortillas, and refried beans. You just have tocombine all the basics into one epic dish.

3. Lobster Poutine

Recipe viastrandedontheisland.com

Poutine is a traditional Canadian dishoriginatingfrom rural Quebec. Itconsists of french fries topped with fresh cheese curds, slightly melted by pouring hot brown gravy over the fries. This recipe adds a unique twist byusing lobster meat and a gravy that is made withlobster stock base.

4. Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Avocado Salsa

Recipe vianaturalfitfoodie.com

This Jamaican Jerk Chicken with pineapple avocado salsa features the signature flavor of Jamaica. Jerk refers to a very spicy dry or wet rub applied to chicken or other meat.After absorbing the flavours sear the chicken on high heat, addthe orange juice and place the skillet in the oven to finish off cooking.

5. Caribbean Shrimp Tacos

Recipe viawww.feastingathome.com

Seafood is undoubtedly a Caribbean highlight.Bursting with Caribbean flavors, these Shrimp Tacos arequick and easy to make and they are also surprisingly healthy!Caribbean Spices and Cuban-Style black beans, topped with a delicious cooling tropical Cabbage Mango Slaw make theperfect combination of flavor and texture.

6. Crispy Southern Fried Chicken

Recipe viawww.crowthercafe.com

Fried chicken is a big classic in the United States. Everyone loves it for itsbeautiful brown color, the perfectly crispy coating and incredibly juicy chicken. The secret lies in the details, so you have to start with the first step: marinating, otherwise, it won’t turn out the same.

7. Cedar Plank Salmon with Pineapple Salsa

Recipe viathe-salty-tomato.com

Cedar planking is a unique way of cooking fish used by manygenerations of Indians in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Roasting wild salmon this way onaromatic cedar gives it a rich flavor. If you have a cedar plank you can prepare this delicious smoky cedar plank salmon with pineapple salsafora wonderful tropical dinner.

8. Chilaquiles

Recipe viajillhough.com

Chilaquiles is aMexican dish typically served for breakfast or brunch and it isconsidered a great hangover cure. The recipe isbasically about using up leftovers. Super simple and very tasty recipe!

9. CaribbeanPepperpot Stew

Recipe viatidymunch.co.uk

Across the Caribbean this dish is simmered in huge pots and it can containaubergine, okra, squash, potatoes and pretty much anything else that grows in the islands. This thick and rich stew is made with beef mostly and sometimes they add cornmeal dumplings as well, called fungi.

10. New York Cheesecake

Recipe viakristineskitchenblog.com

The classic New York Cheesecake is one of the most popular desserts in the world. It isincredibly light and creamy in texture and you can add some fruit topping or sauce for an extra treat. Best if you make it in advance, and leave it in the fridge for about 24-36 hours.

#6 South America

South American cuisine has many influences and the most characteristic are Native American, African, Spanish, and Italian. There is a popular belief that South American food is all about meat and carbs which is not true. The coastal regions of Latin America has an abundance of seafoodand therefore there are many amazing seafood dishes as well as mouthwatering meat dishes of course.

1. Traditional Fish Stew of Bahia

Recipe viawww.kitchencorners.com

This recipe comes from Brazil, to be more exact Bahia, a statesituated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Moqueca Baiana, a traditional fish stew in Bahia, is served in almost every singlerestaurant.Fish is obviously the main ingredient for this dish, mackerel is the best if you can get fresh. Coconut milk and palm oil are essential for this dish.

2. Snapper and Pineapple Ceviche

Recipe via www.garlicandzest.com

Cevichecan be found all across the coastal regions of Latin America. It is raw seafood“cooked” in fresh citrus juices. Sounds weird but tastes amazing. It’s perfectly refreshing dish as it is acold and has a lot of zesty marinade of lime juice and chilli.Lima is considered the capital of ceviche but now that you have the recipe you can enjoy it in your home.

3. Argentinean Beef Empanadas

Recipe viaadventuresinme.wordpress.com

Meat filled savory pastries and pies are very popular in Europe and also in North America. These little South American pastriescalled empanadas are the staple street food found across the continent. Instead of making the regular finger food such as pigs in a blanket why not try something new from Argentina?

4. Argentinian Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Recipe viacuredbybacon.wordpress.com

Argentinean cuisineis world-renowned for steak and thereforehigh quality cattle, plus theubiquitous steak sauce, Chimichurri are very important. The classicArgentinian chimichurri is a sauce made with parsley, garlic, oil and red wine vinegar. Grilledmeats in Argentina are never served without a side of Chimichurri.

5. Chili Chicken Arepas with Guacamole

Recipe viawww.danceofsaucepans.com

Beingsuch a big continent, there are many regional variations of South American food. However, certain ingredientsare the same for many dishes. For example maize flour that is used in Mexico to make tortillas, in Venezuela and Colombia they make flatbreads from it. Served with cheese, avocado, egg, or jam these little corn flatbreads are healthy and nutritious.

6. Sancocho

Recipe viadavebakes.com

Sancocho is a type of soup that is believed to bea result of Spanish colonization in many Latin American countries. This version has three kinds of meats–chicken, pork, and beef. It also has plantain, corn, potatoes and yucca. Plus achiote, cumin, and a few other things. Hearty and super delicious!

7. South American Tamarind Beef Stew

Recipe viamikes-table.themulligans.org

If you are looking for a new and interesting food to try, here is theSouth American Tamarind Beef Stew! This dishhas Ecuadorian/South American roots, flavored in a big way with tamarind. Tamarind brings a great sour tanginess and combined with beer it is really a unique dish.

8. Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Recipe viawww.thegourmetgourmand.com

Peruvian cuisineisreally unique because a lot of the dishes incorporate both classic Latin American flavors and also Asian elements (primarily Chinese).Peruvian Chicken with green sauce also known as Aji Verde is a beautifullyflavorful chicken dish that you must try.

9.Chilean Corn Pie

Recipe viagringalicious.com

Try the South American version of the Shepherd’s Pie. Most of us are not too familiar with the Chilean cuisine so here is a recipe to start with. It’s very Chilean as it includes thetypical ingredients such as raisins, olives, hard boiled eggs, and oregano.

10. Churros with Chocolate &Espresso Sauce

Recipe viadrizzleanddip.com

Churros are a special South and Central Americansweets, adopted from Spain. Thesetube-shaped little doughnuts contain no yeast and after frying they are rolled in cinnamon sugar. In South America they are typically filled with something rich like Nutella or chocolate. Enjoy them at their best – freshly cooked, warm, and crispy on the outside!