We love our American eats, but the food scene outside the US is so next level, chefs can’t stop talking about it. Chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain already gave top marks to these 10 countries that showcase true culinary greatness. Buckle up for this food adventure that will leave you craving for more!
10. Spain
Spanish cuisine is well-loved for its use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, and of course, the olive oil that elevates even the simplest dish. Gordon Ramsay is a true fan of the cuisine, declaring his love for it on his show “Road Trip with Gordon, Gino and Fred.” The tapas culture also makes Spanish cuisine a standout because who doesn’t want to sample various flavors in one meal?
9. China
When TasteAtlas dropped its list of world’s best cuisines, foodies and experts agree that China deserves a spot on the top 10. Chinese food has always made a strong impact because of their diverse flavors and textures. There’s also a strong focus on balancing tastes, so you get a little bit of everything (sweet, savory, sour, and umami) from your braised pork or peking duck.
8. India
In a Telegraph article, British chef Marco Pierre White expressed his admiration for Indian food and the way Indians use their spices. To him, there are very few countries that can create a layered, nuanced flavor profile using multiple spices (and not just adding heat). The British chef further revealed that biryani is one of the most popular Indian dishes in England.
7. France
The secret of French cuisine lies in meticulous preparation and its long history of well-developed culinary techniques (braising, sauteing, and poaching). All these add an incredible burst of flavor to the dishes. The focus on seasonal and fresh ingredients also appeal to chefs like Alice Waters who promote the farm-to-table movement and sustainable ways of cooking.
6. Thailand
A single Thai dish is hard to describe because it can combine salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavors, with crunchy, slippery, and chewy ingredients, all while keeping everything balanced. Anthony Bourdain was a passionate advocate for Thai food; he was fond of the balance of flavors and the street food culture, which he talked about at length in his travel shows.
5. Mexico
Bourdain also made the observation that Americans love Mexican food, as retold on this Reddit thread. We love the cuisine so much that we consume burritos, nachos, tacos, and anything resembling Mexican. In Los Angeles alone, you can playfully say that Mexican is the official cuisine because of the taqueria presence in every corner. Mexican food always brings fiesta to our mouths!
4. Japan
Japan made it to the lists of TasteAtlas and CNN Travel for the world’s best cuisines, which is not at all surprising because we’re talking about the land of sushi masters and ramen rulers. Chefs who value craftsmanship have deep appreciation for this cuisine, as every Japanese dish is like a visual art. It’s all about minimalism and uniqueness, with a mix of interesting colors and textures.
3. Italy
TV chef Jamie Oliver is an avid fan of Italian cuisine because of the comfort it offers. He even had a cookbook (Jamie’s Italy) and a previous restaurant (Jamie’s Italian) that revealed his love for the cuisine. With Italian dishes, there’s an emphasis on keeping them simple yet flavorful. Even the iconic Neapolitan pizza is just made with a few ingredients, emphasizing quality over quantity.
2. Greece
Fresh versus processed ingredients can make all the difference in food quality, so we have Greece for the top 2 spot, a country known for using only fresh ingredients in its dishes. The focus of this cuisine is to showcase the natural taste of the ingredients, leaving chefs a lot of room for culinary creativity. Greek food also doesn’t overcomplicate, and you’ll see that in the iconic souvlaki and moussaka.
1. Vietnam
Both Ramsay and Bourdain agree that food in Vietnam is on another level. Additionally, both chefs recognize the humble approach to eating Vietnamese food. With this cuisine, there’s no need for extra frills to make a statement; the balance of flavors, aromas, and textures speaks for the dishes. In this video, Ramsay mentioned how Vietnam set a great standard for eating—so fresh but cheap.