Food is a big part of our lives, and it shapes how we think about other people. There are many different types of cuisines globally, and you might be surprised to find out how much they vary. Here are six types of cuisines to try if you’re looking for new tastes:
Mexican
Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in America, and it’s easy to understand why. It has many flavor-rich sauces, hearty beans, rice dishes, meaty mains – but balancing those heavy flavors with fresh cilantro makes for fascinating eating experiences that won’t overwhelm your palate. In addition, Mexican cuisine is known for its use of corn, which has been a staple in most cultures that live close to the equator. Corn tortillas are often just as common as bread, and you’ll notice the presence of this ingredient not only on tacos but also throughout various desserts. If you have had Mexican foods like enchiladas and tacos before, branch out of your regular orders. There are so many other Mexican dishes and flavors to try.
Russian
Russian cuisine is another popular option for foodies who are looking to try something new. It heavily emphasizes potatoes, which makes it hearty and filling – perfect as the cold winter months approach. Potatoes also have an interesting history in Russia- they were introduced by traders from central Asia trading goods with the Tatars of Kazan, and the community was so impressed with their versatility that they soon became a staple. One thing to keep in mind is Russian cuisine has heavy use of dairy, which might not be for everyone as many people are sensitive or allergic to it. Find some Russian food recipes online to try out. You might discover some new favorite dishes!
Japanese
Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular globally, and it’s easy to see why. It takes many influences from other cultures- Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese – because Japan had minimal resources for cultivating food domestically. The diet also has an emphasis on seafood like sushi and sashimi. An interesting thing about Japanese cuisine is that it’s served family-style, which means the table will be filled with various dishes. You might not know what everything is or how to eat them all at first, but don’t worry- there are always chopsticks as well. There is something for everyone’s taste buds when it comes to Japanese cuisine. If you like chicken and rice, try a katsu curry. If you like to keep it simple with vegetables, tempura vegetables with broth can be a great option. Try a variety of dishes and discover what you like best.
French
French cuisine is trendy and also one of the most difficult to master. It takes a lot of culinary expertise, which means you’ll need someone who knows what they’re doing when cooking for the first time. One interesting thing about French food is how much it varies from region to region- some dishes are heavy in butter and cream, some are very meaty, and others lean more towards vegetables. The only consistent thing is the use of butter for cooking.
African
African food involves a lot of different spices and flavors. Many African cuisines use lentils, lamb, and rice in their dishes. Find an African restaurant near you to discover some of the different flavors. You can even make a visit to an African store to find unique spices you can’t find in your typical grocery store. If you are someone who loves food with depth and flavor, this could be the perfect cuisine for you.
Thai
If you are a fan of different types of curries, Thai food is a great option for you. There are many different flavors to try. Thai food includes yellow and red curry bases, which gives variety to the dishes. There are many different noodle dishes with meat or tofu as well. Find a Thai restaurant to try with your family and friends. Everyone can order something different to share so you get to try a taste of every dish.
If you are a foodie, there are plenty of dishes to try that you might not have eaten yet. Discover all the different ethnic restaurants around you. Compile a list of them to try out over the next year. You might just find a new dish you’ve never even heard of before that can become your new all time favorite!
