Whether it’s indulging in a few more gelatos than usual or making sure you taste something you can’t find back home, food is often one of the most exciting parts of going on holiday. To unveil the world’s current culinary sensations, the travel insurance experts at InsureandGo analysed TikTok data to discover the must-try local dishes, snacks and drinks in every country around the world.
Every Country’s Must-Try Local Delicacy
After analysing the TikTok hashtags of over 2,600 different delicacies, InsureandGo’s study reveals that Ramen is the must-try dish of all time, with videos of steaming bowls of noodles and broth clocking up over 16 billion views on TikTok.
The mighty hot dog reigns supreme as the USA’s must-try food with over 10 billion views on TikTok, while in Taiwan the trending sensation is none other than bubble tea, a globally adored tea-based beverage featuring chewy tapioca pearls. Taiwan crafted the refreshing drink in the early ‘80s, and since then it has reigned supreme as a must-try delicacy in the country.
Completing the top three must-try dishes worldwide is Churrasco, a Brazilian barbecue dish that consists of a mixture of meats all cooked on a rotisserie.
Other notable dishes in the rankings include chicharron, a Spanish snack of fried pork belly, and fufu, a beloved Ghanaian must-try food which is made from cassava and plantains.
The Top 15 Dishes Worldwide
- Ramen, Japan– 16.5 billion views
- Hot Dogs, USA– 10.2 billion views
- Churrasco, Brazil– 8.3 billion views
- Bubble Tea, Taiwan– 8.1 billion views
- Bakso, Indonesia– 5.6 billion views
- Kimchi, South Korea– 5 billion views
- Döner, Turkey– 4.9 billion views
- Asado, Argentina – 4.3 billion views
- Chicharron, Spain – 3.2 billion views
- Tamales, Mexico– 2.9 billion views
- Sinigang, Philippines– 2.7 billion views
- Fufu, Ghana– 2.6 billion views
- Caviar, Russia– 2.6 billion views
- Pho, Vietnam– 2.3 billion views
- Ceviche, Peru– 2.2 billion views
While many of the most popular main dishes across the globe are meat-centric, there are still tantalising vegetarian options worldwide, such as Malaysia’s nasi lemak, a rice dish cooked in coconut milk, and pad Thai, which reigns supreme as the quintessential Thai street food, often served vegetarian.
Globally, it’s savoury dishes that dominate the list of must-try foods in each country, with sweet treats only coming out on top in 38 locations. The dessert selections that do make the rankings, however, offer a gastronomic paradise for those with a sweet tooth. From crema catalana in Andorra, a silky custard dessert with a crystalised sugar topping, to paneer balls soaked in a thickened sweetened milk known as rasmalai in Pakistan, there are plenty of options for travellers seeking sweet indulgences.
The USA’s Most Popular Delicacies
For the USA, it’s the quintessential hot dog that takes the lead as the must-try dish for anyone visiting the country. But with such diverse geography and culture all over the states, the researchers also looked at each state’s must-try delicacy.
In Kentucky, it’s world-famous bourbon that takes the lead with a staggering 2.4 billion TikTok views. Meanwhile, in Missouri, burnt ends are the state’s number one delicacy, delicious crispy smoked brisket tips that delight locals and visitors alike.
Moving north, kuchen shines with 1.5 billion TikTok views, making the sweet, custard-filled pie the must-eat dessert in both South and North Dakota, while in Wisconsin, cheese curds are the state’s gastronomic gem, offering bite-sized nuggets of cheesy heaven. Also sharing a love for all things cheese, Illinois has deep dish pizza as the must-eat iconic and indulgent creation, loved for its thick crust and savoury toppings.
Chris Rolland, CEO at InsureandGo adds: “As TikTok continues to shape both global travel and food trends, it’s fascinating to see how dishes from across the world have captured the hearts and appetites of people everywhere. From tamales in Mexico to stroopwafels in the Netherlands, every trip abroad is a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
“While exploring new cuisines and flavours is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of any trip, it’s important to be wise when it comes to what you consume while travelling. Contaminated food or drinks are the most common cause of travel-related illness, so being knowledgeable about food safety before you jet off is incredibly important.
“Check if you can drink the tap water in the country you are visiting, be mindful of general food hygiene and be sure to always wash your hands before handling or consuming food. Make sure you have travel insurance, so you can indulge in those unique flavours and dishes with the peace of mind that you’re protected in case of any unexpected situations.”
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