Food Around the World: 45 Famous Traditional Dishes, Their Origins and What Makes Them Special What do people eat around the world? From smoky Nigerian suya and fragrant Indian biryani to Italian pizza, Japanese sushi and Mexican tacos, the world’s food traditions reveal stories of migration, climate, agriculture and family. This in-depth guide explores 50 memorable dishes across five broad regions, explains their ingredients and cultural context, and suggests how to enjoy them. Updated October 2026 · Reading guide: descriptions are representative, not definitive recipes. Dishes often cross modern borders, and names and methods differ between communities. Food is more than fuel. A dish can tell you what grows locally, which trade routes connected a community to its neighbors, and how people celebrate weddings, harvests and everyday meals. The Food and Agriculture Organization emphasizes that traditional foods can support dietary diversity and preserve locally adapted knowle...