International cuisine offers many unique dishes that might not be familiar to everyone. Some foods are beloved in their countries but can seem strange or off-putting to those unfamiliar with them. In this collection, we’ll introduce you to 33 such international foods. These recipes provide a glimpse into diverse culinary traditions, challenging your palate with new flavors and textures.
Fish with Pomegranate Sauce
This dish features fish cooked with a rich pomegranate molasses sauce, a combination that’s unusual and might be off-putting to some. It takes about 30 minutes to make and blends sweet, tart, and savory flavors. The fish is tender, while the sauce adds a delightful tangy taste. Many might find this pairing unconventional, but it’s a unique flavor experience.
Get the Recipe: Fish with Pomegranate Sauce
Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts
This dip mixes baked feta with honey, dates, and hazelnuts, creating a sweet and savory treat that might be considered odd by some. Ready in 20 minutes, it features creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. Try it with bread or crackers and explore a different taste sensation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Dip with Honey, Dates, and Hazelnuts
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
These kebabs are made from a blend of vegetables and spices, offering a taste that might be unfamiliar to many. They take about 40 minutes to prepare and have a satisfying, savory flavor. Ideal for a healthy meal, they’re perfect with a side of salad or rice. While some might hesitate, these are worth a try for a new experience.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
This moussaka layers vegetables with a creamy béchamel sauce for a dish that might be seen as strange by some. It takes around 1 hour to make and offers a hearty, comforting taste. Enjoy the rich flavors of eggplant and potatoes in every bite. This Greek classic can surprise those not used to its ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Orange Vegetable Tagine with Peaches
This tagine combines vegetables and peaches with aromatic spices, a mix that might seem unusual to some. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and results in a fragrant, colorful dish. Enjoy the tender vegetables and juicy peaches together. The blend of sweet and savory can be an unexpected delight.
Get the Recipe: Orange Vegetable Tagine with Peaches
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
This casserole features roasted cauliflower mixed with tomatoes and capers, which some might find an odd combination. Ready in 45 minutes, it offers a savory and slightly tangy taste. The cauliflower is tender, and the capers add a nice zing. Despite its unfamiliar mix, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Greek Chickpea Soup
This soup is a hearty mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, creating a flavor profile that might not appeal to everyone. It takes about 1 hour to make and has a warm, savory flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is both nutritious and filling. Its unique taste might surprise you in a pleasant way.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup
Mujadara
Mujadara combines rice, lentils, and caramelized onions for a dish that’s not commonly seen outside its region. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and offers a rich, comforting flavor. Perfect as a main or side dish, it pairs well with yogurt or salad. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a hidden gem.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Quinoa with Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas in Green Tahini Sauce
This dish features quinoa mixed with kabocha squash and chickpeas, topped with a green tahini sauce, an unusual combination for many. It takes about 40 minutes to make and offers a fresh, nutty taste. Perfect for a healthy, filling meal. Give this nutrient-packed dish a chance to surprise your palate.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa with Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas in Green Tahini Sauce
Homemade Labneh Cheese Balls
Labneh cheese balls are made from strained yogurt, resulting in a creamy, tangy treat that might seem strange to some. It takes about 24 hours to prepare due to the straining process. Enjoy these with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs. This Middle Eastern specialty is a unique culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Labneh Cheese Balls
Eggplant & Eggs (Shakshuka)
This shakshuka combines eggplant with eggs in a rich tomato sauce, which might not be to everyone’s taste. It takes about 30 minutes to make and has a savory, slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it pairs well with crusty bread. This unconventional mix is a delightful morning treat.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant & Eggs (Shakshuka)
Classic Mushroom Bourekas
These bourekas feature a filling of mushrooms wrapped in flaky pastry, a combination that some might find peculiar. They take about 1 hour to make and offer a savory, buttery taste. Enjoy these as an appetizer or snack. These savory pastries are a taste worth exploring.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas
Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens
This dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with garlic beet greens for a flavor that might be unfamiliar to many. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and offers a savory, garlicky taste. Perfect as a side dish for any meal. The blend of creamy and fresh flavors is uniquely satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens
Baked Feta Pasta
This pasta dish features baked feta mixed with tomatoes and herbs, creating a creamy, savory sauce that might seem odd to some. It takes about 30 minutes to make and offers a rich, tangy taste. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is an interesting twist on pasta.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
This cake is made with layers of chocolate and pistachios, offering a rich, nutty flavor that might not be to everyone’s liking. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and requires no baking. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert. Despite its simplicity, it’s a decadent treat with a twist.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
This dish features chicken cooked with pomegranate and walnuts, creating a sweet and savory flavor combination that might seem odd to some. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and offers a tender, juicy texture. Perfect for a special dinner, this dish is both flavorful and unique. The mix of flavors is a surprising delight.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus
This hummus is made with garlic, creating a smooth and savory dip that might be too strong for some. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and offers a creamy, rich flavor. Perfect for snacking or as a spread. This Middle Eastern staple is a flavorful dip worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Irresistibly Smooth Garlic Hummus
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
This shawarma features chicken cooked with spices in an Instant Pot, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that might be new to many. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and offers a savory, slightly spicy taste. Perfect for a quick dinner. This Middle Eastern favorite is a must-try for new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
White Bean Salad with Feta
This salad combines white beans with feta cheese, creating a fresh, savory dish that might be unfamiliar to some. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and offers a tangy, creamy flavor. Perfect as a side dish or light meal. This simple, hearty salad is a unique combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad with Feta
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This salad features pearl couscous mixed with vegetables and spices, offering a fresh, flavorful taste that might seem strange to some. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is both hearty and light. Perfect for a healthy meal or side dish. This North African staple is a refreshing option to try.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
This sandwich features baked turkey kofta in a pita with vegetables and sauce, a mix that might not appeal to everyone. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and offers a savory, slightly spicy taste. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This Middle Eastern-inspired sandwich is a flavorful delight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
These scallops are grilled and topped with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce, which might be an unusual combination for some. They take about 20 minutes to prepare and are perfect for a light, elegant meal. Enjoy them with a side of vegetables or salad. This dish offers a unique, zesty flavor experience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
This dish features Swiss rainbow chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil, creating a simple and healthy side that might be off-putting to some. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and offers a fresh, slightly bitter taste. Perfect for adding greens to any meal. This dish is a nutritious addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Chunky Canned Italian Tomato Sauce
This sauce is made with chunky tomatoes and Italian herbs, creating a rich and savory flavor that might seem basic to some. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and is perfect for pasta or pizza. Enjoy the homemade taste and quality. Despite its simplicity, this sauce is a flavorful base for many dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Canned Italian Tomato Sauce
Cold Moussaka with Kalamata Feta Sauce
This moussaka is served cold with a Kalamata feta sauce, offering a unique twist on a classic dish that might seem odd to many. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and offers a refreshing, savory flavor. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer. This cold version of moussaka is a refreshing change.
Get the Recipe: Cold Moussaka with Kalamata Feta Sauce
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
This sourdough bread is flavored with rosemary, creating a fragrant and savory loaf that might not appeal to all. It takes about 24 hours to prepare due to the fermentation process. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and salads. This bread brings a unique herbal twist to traditional sourdough.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
This dish features layers of eggplant and tomato, topped with cheese and herbs, a combination that might seem strange to some. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and offers a fresh, savory flavor. Perfect as a side dish or light meal. The mix of tender vegetables and melted cheese is worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Sourdough Focaccia
This focaccia is made with sourdough, creating a fluffy, flavorful bread that might be unfamiliar to many. It takes about 24 hours to prepare due to the fermentation process. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and salads. This variation on focaccia is a delicious twist on the classic bread.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Focaccia
Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
This baba ghanoush is made without tahini, featuring a smoky and savory flavor that might be a departure from the traditional taste. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect as a dip or spread. Enjoy it with pita bread or vegetables. This version offers a unique twist on a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
Sweet Potato Hummus
This hummus is made with sweet potatoes, creating a creamy, slightly sweet dip that might seem odd to some. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for snacking or as a spread. Enjoy it with pita bread or vegetables. This hummus is a flavorful alternative to traditional versions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus
Sabich Sandwich with Eggplant and Potatoes
This sandwich features eggplant and potatoes with various toppings, creating a hearty, flavorful meal that might be unfamiliar to many. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and offers a savory, satisfying taste. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This sandwich is a delightful mix of unique ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sabich Sandwich with Eggplant and Potatoes
Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
This salad combines roasted bell peppers with herbs and spices, offering a flavor that might be considered unusual by some. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and provides a fresh, savory taste. Perfect as a side dish or light meal. This salad brings a new twist to your table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Bell Pepper Salad
Grilled and Fried Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese, when grilled or fried, offers a unique texture and flavor that might not be appealing to everyone. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and provides a salty, savory taste. Perfect as an appetizer or snack. This cheese dish is a must-try for those seeking new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled and Fried Halloumi Cheese