ExploFood around the world
Vegetarian dishes from around the world
401 vegetarian dishes from 187 countries, grouped by continent.
Africa
- KarantikaAlgeriaBaked chickpea-flour flan, cut into squares
- MahdjoubaAlgeriaFolded semolina flatbread stuffed with a tomato and onion sauce
- FungeAngolaSmooth, sticky porridge of cassava or maize flour
- Cocada amarelaAngolaYellow coconut pudding made with egg yolks, sugar and cinnamon
- CucaAngolaPale lager brewed in Luanda, the country's best-known beer
- WagasiBeninSoft cow's-milk cheese made by Fulani herders, rind dyed red with sorghum
- AkaraBeninDeep-fried fritters of black-eyed pea batter
- Kuli-kuliBeninCrunchy fried sticks of pressed peanut paste
- SodabiBeninStrong spirit distilled from palm wine
- BogobeBotswanaStiff porridge of maize or sorghum meal
- MagwinyaBotswanaDeep-fried dough balls, plain or filled
- MorogoBotswanaWild leafy greens cooked down with onion and tomato
- DikgobeBotswanaSamp or sorghum cooked with beans until soft and creamy
- TôBurkina FasoFirm paste of millet, sorghum or maize flour
- AttiékéBurkina FasoFermented grated cassava steamed like couscous
- DéguéBurkina FasoMillet balls stirred into sweetened yoghurt
- DoloBurkina FasoHome-brewed sorghum or millet beer, cloudy and slightly sour
- UgaliBurundiStiff dough of cassava flour, the everyday starch
- IsombeBurundiPounded cassava leaves stewed with palm oil, onion and peanuts
- MandaziBurundiLightly sweet fried dough, similar to a doughnut
- Banana beerBurundiHome-brewed beer of fermented bananas and sorghum
- KokiCameroonBlack-eyed bean paste with palm oil, steamed in banana leaves
- Puff-puffCameroonFried balls of sweet yeasted dough
- GrogueCape VerdeStrong sugarcane spirit distilled on the islands
- GozoCentral African RepublicStiff cassava dough eaten as the starch with every sauce
- MakaraCentral African RepublicFried balls of sweet yeasted dough
- Palm wineCentral African RepublicMildly alcoholic, cloudy drink tapped from palm trees
- BouleChadThick ball of millet or sorghum porridge served with a sauce
- KissarChadThin fermented sorghum crepe
- KarkanjiChadSweet hibiscus drink, sometimes spiced with ginger
- Coconut riceComorosRice cooked in coconut milk
- MkatraComorosLightly sweet fried dough, often flavoured with coconut and cardamom
- LahohDjiboutiThin, spongy fermented flatbread
- XalwoDjiboutiSticky, spiced sweet of sugar, butter, cardamom and nutmeg
- FufuDR CongoStiff dough of cassava or maize flour
- ChikwangueDR CongoFermented cassava paste steamed in leaves into firm loaves
- Palm wineDR CongoMildly alcoholic, cloudy drink tapped from palm trees
- KosharyEgyptRice, lentils and macaroni with spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas and fried onions
- Ful medamesEgyptSlow-cooked fava beans mashed with olive oil, cumin and lemon
- Ta'ameyaEgyptEgyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, green with herbs
- Om AliEgyptBaked pudding of pastry soaked in sweet milk with nuts and raisins
- Fried plantainEquatorial GuineaRipe plantain slices fried until golden
- FufuEquatorial GuineaPounded cassava or plantain dough, eaten with soups and stews
- InjeraEritreaSpongy, sour flatbread that serves as plate and cutlery
- ShiroEritreaStew of ground chickpeas or broad beans simmered with onion and berbere
- Kitcha fit-fitEritreaTorn flatbread tossed with spiced butter and berbere, served with yogurt
- FulEritreaMashed fava beans topped with onion, tomato, chilli, oil and yogurt
- SishwalaEswatiniThick maize porridge, the everyday staple
- EmasiEswatiniThick, tangy fermented milk
- ChakalakaEswatiniSpicy relish of beans, tomatoes, onion and peppers
- UmcombotsiEswatiniThick, sour home-brewed beer from maize and sorghum
- InjeraEthiopiaSpongy, sour teff flatbread served under and alongside every stew
- ShiroEthiopiaThick stew of ground chickpeas or broad beans with onion and berbere
- BeyaynetuEthiopiaPlatter of several vegan stews and vegetables arranged on injera
- Bâton de maniocGabonFermented cassava paste wrapped in leaves and steamed into firm sticks
- Fried plantainGabonRipe plantain slices fried until caramelised
- AtangaGabonPurple bush-pear fruit, softened in hot water and eaten with cassava
- WonjoGambiaSweet chilled drink of steeped hibiscus flowers
- Red redGhanaBlack-eyed pea stew in red palm oil, served with fried plantain
- FonioGuineaTiny ancient grain, steamed like couscous and served with sauce
- GnamakoudjiGuineaSweet, fiery fresh ginger juice, often mixed with pineapple or lemon
- BissapGuinea-BissauSweet chilled drink of steeped hibiscus flowers
- AllocoIvory CoastRipe plantain cubes fried in palm oil, with chilli and onion
- FoutouIvory CoastPounded plantain or yam dough eaten with sauces
- UgaliKenyaFirm maize-flour porridge, the everyday staple
- GitheriKenyaMaize and beans boiled together, often fried with onion and tomato
- ChapatiKenyaSoft, layered pan-fried flatbread
- MandaziKenyaLightly sweet fried dough, sometimes flavoured with coconut and cardamom
- PapaLesothoStiff white maize porridge eaten by hand as the base of nearly every meal
- MorohoLesothoWild or garden greens such as spinach and cabbage, cooked down with onion and tomato
- SampLesothoCrushed dried maize kernels boiled slowly, often with beans, until soft
- ChakalakaLesothoSpicy relish of beans, carrots, peppers and onions, served with maize porridge
- JoalaLesothoThick, sour home-brewed beer made from sorghum and maize
- FufuLiberiaFermented cassava dough, soft and sticky, eaten with soups
- Ginger beerLiberiaHomemade fiery ginger drink, sweetened and served cold
- AsidaLibyaThick wheat flour dough served with date syrup and melted butter
- Mofo gasyMadagascarSmall, lightly sweet rice-flour cakes cooked in round moulds
- LasaryMadagascarSpicy pickled relish of vegetables or green mango
- KobaMadagascarSweet paste of peanuts, banana and rice flour, steamed in banana leaves
- NsimaMalawiStiff maize porridge, the base of almost every meal
- KondowoleMalawiStiff porridge made from cassava flour
- MandasiMalawiLightly sweet fried dough buns
- ThobwaMalawiSweet, thick non-alcoholic drink of fermented maize and millet
- DéguéMaliSweet millet couscous mixed with yogurt or curdled milk
- DabileniMaliCold sweet drink of dried hibiscus flowers, often flavoured with mint or ginger
- Mauritanian teaMauritaniaStrong green tea with mint and sugar, poured high to make a foam
- Dholl puriMauritiusThin flatbread stuffed with ground split peas, rolled around bean curry and chutney
- Gateau pimentMauritiusSmall fried balls of split peas, chilli and herbs
- AloudaMauritiusSweet cold milk drink with basil seeds, agar jelly and vanilla
- Mint teaMoroccoSweet green tea brewed with fresh spearmint and poured from a height
- XimaMozambiqueStiff maize-meal porridge eaten as the base of most meals
- LaurentinaMozambiqueLong-established Mozambican lager, in pale and dark versions
- OshifimaNamibiaStiff porridge of pearl millet (mahangu) or maize, eaten by hand
- VetkoekNamibiaDeep-fried dough bun, split and filled with mince or eaten with jam
- DambouNigerSteamed couscous-like grains of millet or rice with moringa leaves and peanuts
- TuwoNigerSoft balls of pounded millet or rice served with okra or baobab-leaf sauce
- FuraNigerMillet dough balls mashed into milk or yoghurt as a thick, cool drink
- Pounded yamNigeriaSmooth, stretchy dough of pounded boiled yam, eaten with soup
- Puff-puffNigeriaSoft, slightly sweet balls of fried yeast dough
- ChikwangueRepublic of the CongoFermented cassava paste steamed in leaves into firm loaves
- Palm wineRepublic of the CongoMildly alcoholic, cloudy drink tapped from palm trees
- UgaliRwandaStiff porridge of maize or cassava flour served as the base of a meal
- MatokeRwandaGreen cooking bananas steamed or stewed, often with tomato and onion
- MandaziRwandaLightly sweet fried dough, puffy and slightly dense
- UrwagwaRwandaHome-brewed beer of fermented banana juice and sorghum, cloudy and mildly sour
- Fried bananaSão Tomé and PríncipeSlices of ripe or green plantain fried in oil
- CocadaSão Tomé and PríncipeChewy sweet of grated coconut cooked with sugar
- Palm wineSão Tomé and PríncipeMildly alcoholic, cloudy drink tapped from palm trees
- ThiakrySenegalMillet couscous mixed with sweetened yogurt or curdled milk
- Café ToubaSenegalCoffee roasted with grains of Selim and sometimes clove, peppery and sweet
- LadobSeychellesRipe plantain or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk, sugar and spices
- AkaraSierra LeoneFried fritters of black-eyed peas or rice flour and banana
- Ginger beerSierra LeoneHomemade fiery ginger drink, sweet and very spicy
- CanjeeroSomaliaSpongy fermented pancake, a bit like a thin crumpet
- XalwoSomaliaChewy sweet of sugar, butter and cardamom, served in small pieces
- Malva puddingSouth AfricaSpongy baked apricot pudding soaked in a sweet cream sauce
- KisraSouth SudanThin fermented sorghum flatbread, soft and slightly sour
- AsidaSouth SudanThick sorghum or maize porridge eaten with a meat or vegetable stew
- Ful medamesSouth SudanStewed fava beans mashed with oil, onion and spices
- UgaliSouth SudanStiff maize or sorghum porridge served with greens or meat
- MandaziSouth SudanLightly sweet fried dough buns
- Ful medamesSudanStewed fava beans mashed with oil, cumin and toppings like cheese or egg
- KisraSudanThin fermented sorghum flatbread, soft and slightly sour
- AsidaSudanFirm dome of cooked sorghum or wheat dough served with a stew poured around it
- TamiaSudanDeep-fried chickpea fritters seasoned with herbs and spices
- KarkadehSudanDeep red infusion of dried hibiscus flowers, served hot or iced
- UgaliTanzaniaStiff maize porridge eaten by hand with stews, greens or fish
- Chipsi mayaiTanzaniaFrench fries cooked into an omelette, served with ketchup and chilli
- MandaziTanzaniaLightly sweet fried dough, often flavoured with coconut and cardamom
- FufuTogoPounded yam or cassava dough, served with a soup
- AkouméTogoFirm maize dough, slightly fermented, served with sauce
- AyimolouTogoRice and beans cooked together, served with pepper sauce
- KomTogoSour fermented maize dumpling wrapped in corn husks
- LablabiTunisiaChickpea broth poured over torn bread with harissa, cumin, olive oil and a raw egg
- ShakshoukaTunisiaEggs poached in a peppery tomato and pepper sauce
- MakroudhTunisiaDiamond-shaped semolina pastry filled with dates, fried and soaked in syrup
- RolexUgandaOmelette with cabbage, tomato and onion rolled up in a chapati
- MatokeUgandaGreen cooking bananas steamed in banana leaves and mashed
- KikomandoUgandaChopped chapati mixed with stewed beans
- PoshoUgandaFirm white maize porridge, the everyday starch
- NshimaZambiaThick white maize porridge, the base of nearly every Zambian meal
- IfisashiZambiaLeafy greens cooked in a ground peanut sauce
- ChikandaZambiaFirm 'African polony' made from wild orchid tubers, peanuts and chilli
- MunkoyoZambiaLightly fermented maize drink flavoured with munkoyo root
- SadzaZimbabweThick maize porridge eaten with stews, greens or meat
- MahewuZimbabweThick, lightly fermented non-alcoholic maize drink
Asia
- BolaniAfghanistanThin flatbread stuffed with potato, leek or pumpkin and pan-fried
- LavashArmeniaThin, soft flatbread baked against the walls of a tonir clay oven
- GataArmeniaSweet layered pastry with a buttery sugar filling
- MuhammarBahrainSweet rice cooked with date syrup or sugar, cardamom and saffron
- BalaleetBahrainSweet saffron vermicelli topped with a thin omelette
- Bahraini halwaBahrainGlossy jelly-like sweet of starch, sugar, saffron, rosewater and nuts
- FuchkaBangladeshCrisp hollow puris filled with spiced potato, chickpeas and tamarind water
- Mishti doiBangladeshSweet caramelised yoghurt set in clay pots
- Ema datshiBhutanHot green or red chillies stewed in a soft cheese sauce
- Bhutanese red riceBhutanNutty, slightly sticky medium-grain red rice grown in the Paro valley
- SujaBhutanSalty tea churned with butter
- HoentayBhutanBuckwheat dumplings filled with turnip greens, cheese and spices
- KelupisBruneiGlutinous rice steamed in a long leaf wrapper
- KhachapuriGeorgiaCheese-filled bread; the Adjarian version is boat-shaped with egg and butter
- PkhaliGeorgiaMinced spinach, beet or other vegetables blended with walnut paste
- LobioGeorgiaKidney beans stewed with herbs and spices, served in a clay pot
- ChurchkhelaGeorgiaStrings of walnuts dipped in thickened grape juice and dried
- Egg tartHong KongCustard tart in shortcrust or flaky pastry
- Milk teaHong KongStrong black tea strained through cloth and mixed with evaporated milk
- Masala dosaIndiaCrisp fermented rice and lentil crêpe filled with spiced potato
- Pani puriIndiaHollow fried shells filled with potato, chickpeas and tangy spiced water
- Masala chaiIndiaBlack tea boiled with milk, sugar, ginger and cardamom
- Gado-gadoIndonesiaBlanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh and egg in a thick peanut sauce
- Ash reshtehIranThick soup of noodles, beans and herbs topped with whey, fried mint and onion
- KleichaIraqCardamom-scented cookies filled with dates or walnuts
- FalafelIsraelDeep-fried chickpea balls served in pita with salads, tahini and pickles
- HummusIsraelWarm chickpea purée with tahini, olive oil and whole chickpeas, scooped with pita
- SabichIsraelPita stuffed with fried aubergine, hard-boiled egg, salad, tahini and amba
- ShakshukaIsraelEggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, served in the pan
- FalafelJordanFried chickpea balls served in bread with hummus, tomatoes and pickles
- KnafehJordanHot melted white cheese under semolina or shredded pastry, soaked in syrup
- BaursakKazakhstanPuffy fried dough pieces served with tea and at every celebration
- KumysKazakhstanFermented mare's milk, sour, fizzy and mildly alcoholic
- BalaleetKuwaitSweet vermicelli with saffron and cardamom, topped with a thin omelette
- GaimatKuwaitCrunchy fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or saffron syrup
- KymyzKyrgyzstanFermented mare's milk, sour and lightly fizzy
- TabboulehLebanonFinely chopped parsley salad with tomato, mint, bulgur, lemon and olive oil
- ManakishLebanonFlatbread baked with za'atar and olive oil or melted cheese
- FattoushLebanonMixed salad of vegetables, herbs and toasted bread with sumac and pomegranate molasses
- Egg tartMacauFlaky pastry cup filled with a caramelised egg custard
- Roti canaiMalaysiaFlaky griddled flatbread served with dhal and curry for dipping
- AiragMongoliaLightly alcoholic fermented mare's milk, slightly sour and fizzy
- Tea leaf saladMyanmarFermented tea leaves tossed with crunchy beans, peanuts, tomato, garlic and chilli
- Shan tofuMyanmarYellow chickpea-flour tofu, served fried, in salad or as a warm porridge
- Dal bhatNepalRice with lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles and greens
- Sel rotiNepalRing-shaped, slightly sweet fried rice-flour bread
- YomariNepalNewari rice-flour dumpling filled with molasses and sesame
- Injo-gogi-bapNorth KoreaRice wrapped in sheets of soybean 'artificial meat' with chilli sauce
- Taedonggang beerNorth KoreaPale lager brewed in Pyongyang with equipment bought from an English brewery
- Omani halwaOmanSticky, jelly-like sweet of sugar, ghee, rosewater, saffron and nuts
- KahwaOmanLight coffee spiced with cardamom, served in small cups with dates
- FalafelPalestineFried balls of ground chickpeas and herbs, stuffed in bread with salad
- Ka'ak al-QudsPalestineLong oval sesame bread ring
- KnafehPalestineHot, soft white cheese under shredded pastry, soaked in syrup
- Halo-haloPhilippinesShaved ice with sweet beans, jellies, fruit, leche flan and ube, topped with milk
- BalaleetQatarSweet saffron vermicelli topped with a thin omelette
- KarakQatarStrong black tea boiled with evaporated milk, sugar and cardamom
- Arabic coffeeSaudi ArabiaLightly roasted coffee spiced with cardamom, served in tiny cups
- Kaya toastSingaporeToast filled with coconut-egg jam and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs
- HoppersSri LankaBowl-shaped pancakes of fermented rice and coconut milk, crisp at the edges
- String hoppersSri LankaNests of steamed rice-flour noodles served with dhal, coconut sambol and curry
- MuhammaraSyriaDip of roasted red peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses
- Halawet el jibnSyriaSweet cheese dough rolled around cream, with syrup and pistachios
- Stinky tofuTaiwanFermented tofu, deep-fried or stewed, with a pungent smell and mild taste
- Bubble teaTaiwanSweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls, served cold
- QurutobTajikistanTorn flatbread soaked in salty yogurt sauce, topped with onions and herbs
- NonTajikistanRound flatbread baked in a clay tandoor with patterned centre
- Mango sticky riceThailandSweet sticky rice with ripe mango and salted coconut cream
- KatupaTimor-LesteRice cooked in a woven palm leaf pouch with coconut milk
- Ezogelin soupTürkiyeRed lentil and bulgur soup with tomato, mint and red pepper
- MenemenTürkiyeEggs scrambled into soft tomatoes, green peppers and spices
- BaklavaTürkiyeLayers of filo pastry with pistachios or walnuts, soaked in syrup
- ÇalTurkmenistanFermented camel milk, fizzy and sour
- BalaleetUnited Arab EmiratesSweet saffron vermicelli topped with a thin omelette
- LuqaimatUnited Arab EmiratesFried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame
- NonUzbekistanRound tandoor-baked flatbread with a stamped centre
- Iced coffeeVietnamStrong drip coffee over ice with sweetened condensed milk
- Bint al-sahnYemenLayered buttery pastry baked and drizzled with honey and black seed
Europe
- ByrekAlbaniaFlaky filo pie usually filled with cheese, spinach or leeks
- FërgesëAlbaniaPeppers and tomatoes baked with salty cottage cheese
- QifqiAlbaniaRice balls with egg, mint and spices, fried in a special pan
- RakiAlbaniaClear grape or plum brandy, often homemade
- Pa amb tomàquetAndorraBread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil and salt
- Crema catalanaAndorraCustard flavoured with lemon and cinnamon under a burnt sugar crust
- SachertorteAustriaDense chocolate cake with apricot jam under a dark chocolate glaze
- DranikiBelarusFried pancakes of grated potato
- KholodnikBelarusCold pink beetroot soup with kefir, cucumber, dill and egg
- KvassBelarusSlightly sour fermented drink made from rye bread
- Liège waffleBelgiumDense yeast waffle studded with caramelised pearl sugar
- TufahijaBosnia and HerzegovinaPoached apple stuffed with walnuts and topped with whipped cream
- Shopska saladBulgariaChopped tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers under grated white cheese
- BanitsaBulgariaFilo pastry layered with eggs and white brine cheese
- Bob chorbaBulgariaBean soup with dried mint, paprika and peppers
- LyutenitsaBulgariaRelish of roasted red peppers, tomatoes and aubergine
- ŠtrukliCroatiaThin pastry rolled around fresh cottage cheese, boiled or baked with cream
- SoparnikCroatiaFlat pie of Swiss chard, onion and parsley baked under embers, brushed with olive oil
- HalloumiCyprusFirm brined cheese grilled or fried until golden
- LoukoumadesCyprusSmall fried dough balls soaked in honey or syrup
- Smažený sýrCzechiaBreaded, fried slab of cheese, usually Edam
- KulajdaCzechiaCreamy dill and potato soup with mushrooms and a poached egg
- KoláčCzechiaRound yeast pastry topped with poppy seed, plum jam or sweet curd cheese
- Danish pastryDenmarkFlaky laminated pastry with custard, fruit or cinnamon
- LeibEstoniaDense, dark sourdough rye bread served with nearly every meal
- KamaEstoniaFlour of roasted barley, rye, oat and pea, stirred into kefir or buttermilk
- Karelian pastyFinlandThin rye crust filled with rice porridge, topped with egg butter
- RuisleipäFinlandSour, dense whole-grain rye bread
- KorvapuustiFinlandCardamom-spiced cinnamon bun folded into a 'slapped ear' shape
- CroissantFranceButtery, flaky crescent-shaped pastry
- CrêpeFranceThin pancake filled with sugar, chocolate, jam or other sweet fillings
- BrezelGermanySoft lye-dipped bread knot with a salted brown crust
- Black Forest cakeGermanyChocolate sponge layered with cherries, cream and kirsch
- Greek saladGreeceTomato, cucumber, onion, olives and a slab of feta with olive oil
- LángosHungaryDeep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, grated cheese and garlic
- Chimney cakeHungarySweet dough spun around a spit, roasted and rolled in sugar, cinnamon or nuts
- RúgbrauðIcelandDense, sweet dark rye bread traditionally baked slowly in hot ground
- SkyrIcelandThick, mild cultured dairy similar to strained yoghurt
- Soda breadIrelandQuick bread leavened with baking soda and buttermilk instead of yeast
- BoxtyIrelandPotato pancake made from grated raw and mashed potato
- ColcannonIrelandMashed potato mixed with cabbage or kale, spring onion and butter
- Pizza napoletanaItalySoft, blistered thin-crust pizza baked for 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven
- GelatoItalyDense Italian ice cream, less airy and lower in fat than most ice cream
- FlijaKosovoLayered crêpe-like pastry baked slowly under a hot metal lid
- MacchiatoKosovoEspresso topped with a cap of steamed milk foam
- Rye breadLatviaDark, dense rye bread with a slightly sweet and sour taste
- SklandrausisLatviaRye-crust tart filled with mashed potato and sweet carrot
- Riga Black BalsamLatviaDark, bitter herbal liqueur sold in a black ceramic bottle
- KäsknöpfleLiechtensteinSmall egg-dough dumplings layered with sharp local cheese and topped with fried onions
- RöstiLiechtensteinCrisp pan-fried cake of grated potato, often topped with cheese or a fried egg
- BirnbrotLiechtensteinSweet bread loaf filled with dried pears, nuts and spices
- ŠaltibarščiaiLithuaniaBright pink cold soup of beetroot, kefir, cucumber, dill and egg
- ŠakotisLithuaniaTall spit-baked cake with tree-like spikes, made from eggs, butter and flour
- GromperekichelcherLuxembourgCrisp fried patties of grated potato, onion and parsley
- KachkéisLuxembourgSoft, runny cooked cheese spread, sometimes flavoured with mustard
- QuetschentaartLuxembourgOpen tart packed with halved purple plums
- PastizziMaltaFlaky diamond-shaped pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas
- FtiraMaltaRing-shaped Maltese bread, often filled with tomato, tuna, capers and olives
- ImqaretMaltaDeep-fried diamond-shaped pastries filled with spiced date paste
- KinnieMaltaBitter-orange and herb soft drink made in Malta
- MămăligăMoldovaFirm yellow cornmeal porridge served as a sliced loaf
- PlăcintăMoldovaThin pan-fried or baked pastry filled with cheese, potato, cabbage or pumpkin
- BarbagiuanMonacoFried pastry parcels filled with Swiss chard, ricotta and herbs
- SoccaMonacoThin, crisp chickpea-flour pancake baked in a hot oven and peppered
- Fougasse monégasqueMonacoSweet orange-blossom pastry topped with almonds, nuts and red and white aniseed sprinkles
- KačamakMontenegroThick porridge of cornmeal and potato mixed with cheese and kajmak
- PriganiceMontenegroFried yeast-dough balls served with honey, cheese or jam
- RakijaMontenegroStrong fruit brandy, usually from grapes (loza) or plums
- StroopwafelNetherlandsTwo thin waffles stuck together with caramel syrup
- Tavče gravčeNorth MacedoniaBaked white beans with onion, peppers and paprika, served in a clay dish
- AjvarNorth MacedoniaSmoky spread of roasted red peppers, sometimes with aubergine
- Shopska saladNorth MacedoniaChopped tomato, cucumber, onion and peppers under a heap of grated white cheese
- BrunostNorwaySweet, caramel-coloured brown cheese made from whey
- SkolebrødNorwaySweet cardamom bun filled with custard and topped with icing and coconut
- PierogiPolandBoiled dumplings, classically filled with potato and farmer's cheese
- Pastel de nataPortugalFlaky custard tart with a caramelised top
- MămăligăRomaniaFirm cornmeal porridge, Romania's traditional bread substitute
- PapanașiRomaniaFried cheese doughnuts topped with sour cream and berry jam
- BliniRussiaThin pancakes served with sour cream, jam, caviar or fillings
- KvassRussiaLightly fermented, slightly sour drink made from rye bread
- Torta Tre MontiSan MarinoLayered wafer cake with hazelnut and chocolate cream, coated in chocolate
- PiadinaSan MarinoThin flatbread filled with ham, soft cheese and greens
- StrozzapretiSan MarinoHand-rolled twisted pasta, often with tomato or sausage sauce
- GibanicaSerbiaBaked layers of filo pastry with cheese and eggs
- Vyprážaný syrSlovakiaThick slice of cheese breaded and deep-fried
- KofolaSlovakiaHerbal cola soft drink, less sweet than standard colas
- ŠtrukljiSloveniaRolled dumplings with fillings like cottage cheese, tarragon or walnut
- PoticaSloveniaRolled yeast cake with a spiral of walnut, tarragon or poppy-seed filling
- Tortilla españolaSpainThick omelette of potatoes and eggs, often with onion
- GazpachoSpainChilled blended soup of tomato, pepper, cucumber, garlic and olive oil
- Churros con chocolateSpainFried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate
- KanelbulleSwedenCardamom-scented bun with cinnamon filling and pearl sugar
- Cheese fondueSwitzerlandMelted cheese and white wine in a shared pot, scooped up with bread cubes
- RacletteSwitzerlandMelted cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes with pickles and onions
- RöstiSwitzerlandCrisp pan-fried cake of grated potato
- ÄlplermagronenSwitzerlandAlpine pasta and potatoes baked with cream, cheese and fried onions
- VarenykyUkraineBoiled dumplings filled with potato, cheese, cabbage or cherries
- DerunyUkraineFried grated-potato pancakes, crisp outside and soft inside
- Cream teaUnited KingdomScones with clotted cream and jam, served with a pot of tea
- Cacio e pepeVatican CityPasta tossed with pecorino romano and black pepper
North America
- DucanaAntigua and BarbudaGrated sweet potato and coconut dumpling boiled in a banana leaf
- Antigua black pineappleAntigua and BarbudaSmall, very sweet pineapple grown on the island's south coast
- Baked macaroniBahamasFirm baked macaroni and cheese cut into squares
- JohnnycakeBahamasDense, slightly sweet pan bread
- Guava duffBahamasRolled dough with guava filling, boiled or steamed and topped with sweet sauce
- Macaroni pieBarbadosBaked macaroni and cheese set firm and cut into slices
- ConkiesBarbadosCornmeal, pumpkin, coconut and spice steamed in a banana leaf
- MaubyBarbadosBittersweet drink brewed from tree bark and spices
- Fry jacksBelizePuffy pieces of fried dough
- GarnachesBelizeCrisp fried tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese and cabbage
- Butter tartCanadaSmall pastry tart with a runny filling of butter, sugar and egg
- Gallo pintoCosta RicaRice and black beans fried together with onion, pepper and coriander
- Yuca con mojoCubaBoiled cassava dressed with garlic, sour orange and oil
- MojitoCubaWhite rum, lime, sugar, mint and soda water
- BakesDominicaFried flour dough, crisp outside and soft inside
- SorrelDominicaDeep red drink brewed from sorrel (hibiscus) with ginger and spice
- MamajuanaDominican RepublicRum, red wine and honey steeped with tree bark and herbs
- HorchataEl SalvadorCold drink of ground morro seeds, rice and spices with milk or water
- Rum punchGrenadaRum mixed with lime, sugar syrup and bitters, topped with grated nutmeg
- RellenitosGuatemalaMashed plantain dumplings filled with sweet black beans, fried and sugared
- Diri djon djonHaitiRice cooked black with the broth of dried djon djon mushrooms
- Bannann pezeHaitiGreen plantain slices fried, pressed flat and fried again until crisp
- AkasanHaitiThick warm drink of cornmeal, milk, cinnamon and vanilla
- HorchataHondurasSweet chilled drink made with rice and morro seeds, cinnamon and milk
- Rice and peasJamaicaRice cooked with kidney beans, coconut milk, thyme and allspice
- ChilaquilesMexicoFried tortilla pieces simmered in red or green salsa, topped with cream and cheese
- Gallo pintoNicaraguaRice fried with red beans, onion and peppers
- Tres lechesNicaraguaSponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with meringue
- PataconesPanamaGreen plantain slices fried, flattened and fried again
- Johnny cakesSaint Kitts and NevisFried dough breads, puffy and soft inside
- ConkieSaint Kitts and NevisSweet cornmeal, pumpkin and coconut steamed in banana leaves
- Cassava breadSaint LuciaBaked cassava flatbread, plain or flavoured with coconut, cherry or saltfish
- PitonSaint LuciaLight local lager brewed on the island and named after the twin Pitons
- Callaloo soupSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSoup of dasheen leaves, okra and coconut milk with dumplings
- Fried bakeSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesPuffy fried dough rounds split and filled with saltfish or cheese
- DoublesTrinidad and TobagoTwo pieces of fried flatbread filled with curried chickpeas and sauces
- Apple pieUnited StatesDouble-crust pie filled with spiced baked apples
Oceania
- Vegemite on toastAustraliaSalty yeast-extract spread on buttered toast
- PavlovaAustraliaMeringue cake with a crisp shell and soft centre, topped with cream and fruit
- KavaFijiEarthy, mildly numbing drink of ground kava root mixed with water
- BabaiKiribatiGiant swamp taro grown in pits, boiled or pounded with coconut syrup
- ToddyKiribatiCoconut palm sap, drunk fresh and sweet or left to ferment
- ChukuchukMarshall IslandsBalls of rice rolled in freshly grated coconut
- BreadfruitMarshall IslandsStarchy fruit roasted, boiled or preserved by fermentation as a staple carbohydrate
- SakauMicronesiaThick, numbing kava drink pounded from pepper-plant roots
- BreadfruitMicronesiaStarchy fruit eaten roasted, boiled, pounded or fermented
- Coconut waterNauruClear, cool water from young green coconuts
- PavlovaNew ZealandCrisp-shelled meringue with a soft centre, topped with cream and fruit
- Flat whiteNew ZealandEspresso with a thin layer of velvety steamed milk
- SagoPapua New GuineaStarch from the sago palm, cooked into pancakes or a sticky jelly
- KaukauPapua New GuineaSweet potato roasted in embers or boiled, the Highlands staple
- PalusamiSamoaYoung taro leaves wrapped around coconut cream and baked in an umu
- UluSamoaBreadfruit roasted in the umu or over coals, starchy and filling
- Koko SamoaSamoaHot drink of locally grown roasted cocoa beans, often sweetened
- Cassava puddingSolomon IslandsBaked pudding of grated cassava and coconut cream
- 'OtaiTongaChilled drink of grated watermelon or mango with coconut milk and sugar
- PulakaTuvaluGiant swamp taro grown in pits, baked or boiled as the island staple
- PalusamiTuvaluTaro leaves wrapped around coconut cream and baked until soft
- KaleveTuvaluSweet sap tapped from coconut palms, drunk fresh or left to ferment
- KavaVanuatuEarthy, numbing drink made from the ground root of the kava plant
South America
- MateArgentinaBitter herbal infusion of yerba mate sipped through a metal straw
- ApiBoliviaThick hot drink of purple corn, cinnamon and clove
- Pão de queijoBrazilSmall chewy cheese bread rolls made with cassava flour
- BrigadeiroBrazilSoft chocolate fudge balls made with condensed milk and chocolate sprinkles
- ArepaColombiaGrilled corn cake, plain or topped or stuffed with cheese
- PholourieGuyanaFried split-pea dough balls served with mango or tamarind sour
- Black cakeGuyanaDark fruitcake made with rum-soaked dried fruit and burnt sugar
- Sopa paraguayaParaguayDense, savoury cornbread made with cheese, onion and milk
- ChipaParaguaySmall, chewy ring-shaped rolls of cassava starch and cheese
- MbejuParaguayPan-fried cassava starch and cheese flatbread
- TereréParaguayYerba mate infused in ice-cold water with herbs, sipped through a metal straw
- Pisco sourPeruCocktail of pisco grape brandy, lime, syrup, egg white and bitters
- ChajáUruguaySponge cake layered with meringue, cream, dulce de leche and peaches
- MateUruguayBitter yerba mate tea sipped through a metal straw from a gourd
- ArepaVenezuelaGrilled corn cake split and stuffed with cheese, meat, beans or avocado
- CachapaVenezuelaSweet fresh-corn pancake folded over soft white cheese
- TequeñosVenezuelaSticks of white cheese wrapped in dough and deep-fried
More food lists
Questions
Which countries have the most vegetarian classics on this list?
Lesotho (5), South Sudan (5) and Sudan (5). Each country has up to five dishes in the Explo app, so this counts the ones that made its shortlist, not everything it cooks.
What does vegetarian mean here?
No meat or fish in the dish as it is usually made. Some versions use meat stock, lard, fish sauce or gelatine, so ask when you order.
How reliable is this list?
The dishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app. Recipes and names vary by region and by family, so take it as a starting point.
Keep exploring
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Keep every dish you try on one map
Explo is a free app: light up the countries you have visited, keep the dishes you have tried, and check visa rules, weather and holidays before you go.
Get ExploDishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app. Recipes and names vary by region.