20 Must-Eat Foods From Around the World

Traveling around the world this year? Make sure to try these iconic foods in their countries of origin.

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Australia: Meat Pie

Australians sure do love their meat pies — they consume millions of pies annually, taking it on the go or enjoying it at a cafe. Eat it like locals do by topping it with warm or chilled tomato sauce.

Austria: Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel or Viennese apple strudel is a close cousin to classic American apple pie. Tart apple is paired with sweet pastry dough for a delicious combination. Austrians love eating it with their afternoon coffee.

Belgium: Moules Frites

Mussels and fries are as common in Belgium as burgers and fries are in the US. Try it the simple way by ordering plain, steamed mussels or with some extra flavor like curry powder.

Brazil: Pudim

Pudim looks exactly like flan, but the Brazilian version has a softer texture. You'll find this dessert in every restaurant, cafe and home.

Canada: Poutine

Gravy, fries and cheese curds — what's not to love about poutine? Although this savory concoction is available in the US, you should try it while visiting Canada. Some restaurants have more than 100 variations to choose from, so there is something for everyone.

England: Steak and Kidney Pie

Before you write off that steak and kidney pie is in fact made with lamb or pork kidneys, give it a try. Britons love the melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory flavor. Be prepared to fork up some money for the real (not factory-made) kind.

Finland: Squeaky Cheese

It's unlikely you'll find Leipäjuusto or Finnish squeaky cheese anywhere outside of Finland. The mild cheese is most commonly pan-fried and served with cloudberry jam for dessert or alongside coffee.

France: Macarons

The best-selling pastry in France, this delicate cookie comes in a variety of flavors. Since they're so difficult to make, it's best to go the fancy route and grab a few from the world-renowned pastry shop, Ladurée.

Greece: Spanakopita

This savory spinach and feta pie is a Greek staple originating almost 400 years ago. You'll find freshly-made spanakopita at nearly every bakery in the country.

Hungary: Goulash

Goulash literally translates to "Herdsman" in Hungarian because they made the dish during cattle drives in harsh conditions. Although, the meaty stew didn't get its rich red color until Turks invaded and introduced paprika to the country during the 16th century. If you visit in September, check out the annual goulash festival held in Szolnok.

Italy: Deep-Fried Olives

Pasta and pizza are the first foods that come to mind when you think iconic Italian food. While visiting, also keep an eye out for deep-fried olives. The dish originated in the southern region in a town called Ascoli-Piceno and has since spread north. You can choose a variety, like prosciutto-stuffed to ground-beef-stuffed, from street vendors or local restaurants.

Japan: Ramen

Ramen noodles don't come out of a styrofoam cup in Japan. Japanese ramen consists of Chinese-style noodles served in a meat broth flavored with soy sauce or miso. Each region of Japan has its own variation, and toppings range from boiled egg to corn.

Morocco: B'stilla (Pastilla)

The surprising traditional ingredient in this slightly sweet pie is pigeon, but it's now mainly made with chicken, quail or Cornish game hen. It's topped with confectioner's sugar and cinnamon, which makes this dish sweet, salty, spicy and buttery all at the same time.

Poland: Chlodnik

A summer staple, Polish chlodnik is a refreshing cold beet soup with a vibrant pink color. It's flavored with cucumbers, radishes, plain yogurt and topped with hard-boiled eggs, making it a truly healthy and delicious meal.

South Africa: Biltong

Biltong is made from a variety of spiced, dried and cured meat, including beef and ostrich. It's usually eaten as a snack and tastes like a saltier version of beef jerky. Many locals dice the meat strips and add them to stews or muffins. You can also find biltong-flavored cheese spreads and potato chips in the country.

South Korea: Bulgogi

The US has several Korean barbecue joints, but make sure to try it during your visit to South Korea. Bulgogi literally translates to "fire meat" and gets its slightly sweet flavor from a sugar-and-soy sauce marinade. You can try this fresh meat — eaten within a day of butchering — at upscale restaurants or from pan-ready kits found at local markets.

Spain: Paella

This Spanish rice dish is like no other with ingredients like chicken, sausage, shrimp, saffron and potatoes. It originated in the Valencia region, where the two main ingredients — saffron and rice — grow. If you can, forgo the restaurant version and try it homemade instead.

Switzerland: Chocolate

Switzerland may not be the first to come to mind when you think of foodie countries around the world, but they have a lot to offer. Aside from delicious cheeses and wine, the Swiss know how to make good chocolate. During your visit, take the Belle Epoque Chocolate train to the Cailler factory, the birthplace of milk chocolate.

Thailand: Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum translates to "sour/spicy soup" and is the most popular soup in Thailand. You can order it two different ways: with coconut milk (tom yum goong nam khon) or without (tom yum goong nam sy).

Vietnam: Pho

Food is a prominent aspect of Vietnamese culture. You'll notice markets on every corner that offer an assortment of delicious homemade fare. Pho, a broth-based soup filled with noodles and raw meat, is offered any time of day — even for breakfast.

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20 Must-Eat Foods From Around the World

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Australia: Meat Pie

Austria: Apfelstrudel

Belgium: Moules Frites

Brazil: Pudim

Canada: Poutine

England: Steak and Kidney Pie

Finland: Squeaky Cheese

France: Macarons

Greece: Spanakopita

Hungary: Goulash

Italy: Deep-Fried Olives

Japan: Ramen

Morocco: B'stilla (Pastilla)

Poland: Chlodnik

South Africa: Biltong

South Korea: Bulgogi

Spain: Paella

Switzerland: Chocolate

Thailand: Tom Yum Soup

Vietnam: Pho