International Food Dishes People Miss the Most

There are many reasons to travel: history, culture, landscapes and people. But if we’re honest, our main motivation for traveling is food. 

We’re not alone. Many people love specific dishes from a destination. So much so, that they intensely crave them once they’ve gone back home.

These are the international foods people miss the most after traveling. What dish do you constantly long for?

The ultimate comfort food, ramen is beloved around the world. And while the hot noodle soup dish is available in restaurants in every major city, no one has managed to replicate what it’s like to have it in Japan itself. 

This dish is one hundred percent worth booking a flight to Japan for. You’ll have a choice of a million and one ramens that can range from hole-in-the-wall fare to a Michelin-worthy meal.

But we promise you one thing (based on our personal experience): You will never eat a bowl of ramen in Japan that isn’t heavenly delicious. 

*Rankings are based on Unforgettable Travel’s “Most Missed Foods in the World” report.

We’re sorry to have to be the ones to tell you, but your idea of gyros is probably wrong. Outside of Greece, this tasty dish is served as a sort of wrap that contains meat, vegetables, French fries and sauces. It’s often connected to street food. 

In reality, however, gyros are not served as a wrap, but as a sit-down meal and can be found in restaurants. All the elements of the globalized version of the meal are the same, but they’re served on a plate along with pita bread. You can then choose to eat them separately or combine them on top of the bread.

Either way, gyros are filling and absolutely delectable. We definitely see why people miss their juicy goodness so much.

Though South Africa BBQ, or braai, is more easily available internationally, the food people miss the most from the country is potjiekos. 

The dish showcases the culinary mix of native South African and Dutch traditions and features a hodgepodge of carrots, peanut sauce, okra, pumpkin, potatoes, rice, meat, cabbage, fruits and pasta.

To give it its signature fragrance, Dutch-Malay spices are added, and the entire meal is slow-cooked together. From the first spoonful, you’ll be invaded by a comforting warmth that is highly addictive. 

Ahh, good, reliable, mouthwatering chaat. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting India, then you’ve probably spent about 80 percent of the day either eating or thinking about chaat.

The name is used to describe a variety of fried dough street foods that are often found on the road. Chaat can include a wide variety of ingredients and, therefore, a variety of flavors. From spicy to tangy to sweet, chaat could make up your breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert if you so wished. 

Also popular in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, chaat is a must-try while in the Indian subcontinent.