The Ultimate Dish Bucket List: 15 Must Have Dishes and Where To Try Them

Life is too short for bad food. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who appreciates a good meal, there are certain dishes that deserve a spot on your culinary bucket list. From street food sensations to fine dining delicacies, these 15 must try dishes will take you on a gastronomic journey across continents. Buckle up your taste buds this is going to be delicious!

1. Sushi (Japan)

Delicate, fresh, and expertly crafted, sushi is more than just raw fish and rice—it’s an edible art form. Whether you’re savoring buttery toro or perfectly balanced tamago, each bite showcases the harmony of flavor and texture. A true sushi experience, preferably at a top-notch omakase bar in Tokyo, includes nigiri, sashimi, and maki prepared right before your eyes. The attention to detail is incredible, from the cut of the fish to the precise temperature of the rice. It’s simple, elegant, and unforgettable.

2. Peking Duck (China)

This Beijing specialty is a showstopper, with glistening, lacquered skin and succulent duck meat served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The dish dates back to imperial China and remains a feast fit for royalty. Watching the duck carved tableside is a performance in itself. Each crispy bite paired with soft pancake and rich sauce is a flavor explosion. It’s one of China’s most iconic dishes—and you’ll immediately taste why.

3. Neapolitan Pizza (Italy)

Forget your average pizza delivery—authentic Neapolitan pizza is a whole different level of culinary excellence. Baked in a wood-fired oven at scorching temperatures, the dough develops a blistered, chewy crust that’s impossible to replicate. Topped simply with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and a few basil leaves, this pizza celebrates simplicity done right. It’s soft, slightly smoky, and packed with rustic flavor. Eating one in Naples is a spiritual experience for food lovers.

4. Biryani (India)

Fragrant, spiced rice cooked with tender meat or vegetables, biryani is a dish that speaks of heritage and tradition. Each region in India brings its own twist, from the rich, saffron-laced Hyderabad version to the subtle, aromatic Kolkata style. The slow-cooking process infuses every grain with deep, layered flavors. Often served with cooling raita or spicy curry, it’s a complete meal in itself. One bite, and you’ll understand why biryani is celebrated across South Asia.

5. Lobster Roll (USA – Maine)

A buttery, toasted bun filled with sweet, succulent lobster meat—what’s not to love? Best enjoyed along the rocky coast of Maine, this dish is summer in sandwich form. Some prefer it warm with butter; others, chilled with mayo—either way, it’s indulgent and delicious. The freshness of the seafood is the star, complemented by minimal ingredients. Pair it with fries and a sea breeze, and you’ve got a coastal classic.

6. Foie Gras (France)

A luxurious French delicacy made from fattened duck or goose liver, foie gras is smooth, rich, and undeniably decadent. Whether served as a seared medallion or whipped into a silky pâté, it’s a dish that defines haute cuisine. The flavor is deep and buttery, best enjoyed with toast points and a sweet wine like Sauternes. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who love indulgent flavors, foie gras is an experience worth savoring. In France, it’s often a celebratory treat.

7. Jollof Rice (West Africa – Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal)

This iconic West African dish sparks friendly rivalry among countries claiming the best version. Made with rice cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, it’s hearty, fiery, and bursting with flavor. Each version has its nuances—some smoky, some slightly sweet—but all are undeniably comforting. Served with fried plantains, grilled meats, or spicy stew, it’s a party on a plate. Jollof rice isn’t just food—it’s culture, pride, and joy.

8. Dim Sum (China – Hong Kong)

Dim sum is more than a meal—it’s a tradition of small bites and big flavors. Served from rolling carts in bustling teahouses, these Cantonese delicacies range from steamed dumplings and pork buns to egg tarts and sticky rice. Sharing is part of the joy, as you sample a little of everything with family or friends. Each dish is handcrafted and often beautifully presented. Paired with endless pots of tea, it’s a slow, joyful way to dine.

9. Pad Thai (Thailand)

A global street food favorite, Pad Thai is a vibrant stir-fried noodle dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Tossed with tamarind, fish sauce, peanuts, lime, and often shrimp or tofu, every bite is dynamic. The chewy rice noodles soak up the sauce while crunchy bean sprouts and peanuts add texture. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Find the best versions sizzling on Bangkok’s night market grills.

10. Paella (Spain – Valencia)

Paella is a symphony of saffron-scented rice, seafood, or meats cooked in a wide, shallow pan. Originating from Valencia, it’s a dish meant to be shared, often enjoyed during long, lazy lunches with friends and family. Whether you prefer the seafood-loaded version or the original with rabbit and snails, the crispy bottom layer—called “socarrat”—is pure gold. The colors, smells, and flavors make it a celebration of Spanish cuisine. For true authenticity, eat it straight from the pan.

11. Tacos al Pastor (Mexico)

Born from Lebanese shawarma traditions, tacos al pastor are Mexico’s flavorful fusion at its finest. Marinated pork is sliced from a vertical spit, tucked into a soft tortilla, and topped with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. The result is juicy, smoky, and sweet all at once. These tacos are best enjoyed standing up at a busy street stall, elbow to elbow with locals. Add a dash of salsa, and it’s pure taco bliss.

12. Beef Wellington (United Kingdom)

Beef Wellington is a show-stopping British dish that oozes elegance. A tender beef filet is coated with mushroom duxelles and pâté, then wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. Cutting into it reveals layers of richness and flavor. Often reserved for special occasions, it pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. This dish is comfort food dressed in a tuxedo.

13. Kimchi (Korea)

Fermented, spicy, and packed with umami, kimchi is Korea’s signature side dish with serious attitude. Made primarily from napa cabbage and radishes, it’s seasoned with garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, then left to ferment for days or even weeks. The result is a punchy, tangy bite that livens up any meal. Kimchi is more than a condiment—it’s a national treasure, often eaten with rice, soup, or grilled meats. It’s also probiotic-rich, making it as healthy as it is delicious.

14. Churrasco (Brazil/Argentina)

Churrasco is South American barbecue elevated to an art form. At a Brazilian rodízio or Argentine parrilla, skewered meats are grilled over open flames and carved tableside in a never-ending feast. Expect juicy cuts of beef, lamb, and sausage, often served with chimichurri sauce and crispy yucca. The smoky, charred flavor is irresistible. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience of abundance and community.

15. Baklava (Middle East – Turkey, Greece, Lebanon)

Baklava is a flaky, golden pastry layered with crushed nuts and soaked in syrup or honey. This beloved dessert is rich, sweet, and surprisingly delicate, with every bite offering a perfect crunch and melt-in-your-mouth finish. Common across the Middle East and Mediterranean, each country has its own twist on the classic. It’s best enjoyed with a strong cup of Turkish or Arabic coffee. One piece is never enough.