International Food Dishes People Miss the Most

The craving for these international foods is real.

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?

Japan: Ramen

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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.

Greece: Gyros

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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.

South Africa: Potjiekos

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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.

India: Chaat

Dabeli chaat, a popular street food in India

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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.

Peru: Ceviche

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Peru’s most famous meal wins over just about everyone who steps a foot on its soil. The dish consists of pieces of fish or shrimp marinated (i.e., cooked) with lime and nothing else. Finely chopped onions, tomatoes and peppers are usually added, as well as cooked corn kernels.

Though other countries like Ecuador and Mexico also have ceviche, the dish is mostly associated with the land of the Incas.

France: Croissants

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What? Aren’t croissants found in virtually any bakery in the world? Perhaps, but ask any French person and they will tell you that real croissants are only found in France. And we have to agree.

We have no idea what it is that French bakeries do, but biting into a freshly baked croissant while in the country is a direct ticket to a Proustian experience. You’ll be transported right to your childhood home and the feeling of warm safety, even if you never ate croissants as a child.

Is it the copious amounts of butter? Is it a secret ingredient that is closely guarded by the state? Is it actual magic? Only French bakers know.

Thailand: Khao Soi

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If you’re surprised to see that pad Thai isn’t here, we’ll remind you that the dish is easily available abroad. (Though, in our humble opinion, it’s never as good as it is in Thailand.) On the other hand, khao soi is not commonly found internationally, which is why it’s the Thai food people miss the most.

Typical of northern Thailand, khao soi resembles a soup, made with egg noodles in a coconut curry sauce. The meal includes meats and vegetables like shallots and chilies, as well as fresh herbs.

It also often includes red curry paste, and this savory addition gives it a strong, spicy flavor that is oh-so-satisfying.

Mexico: Tacos al Pastor

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Al pastor means “shepherd style” and is our favorite type of taco. The meat is marinated and seasoned pork that is incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re at an established taco joint or at a street food stall, you will always find tacos al pastor, since they’re one of the most popular variations of Mexico’s signature dish.

Order at least two — though three or four are better if you’re hungry — and top them off with salsa verde. And don’t be afraid to eat in the street.

Believe us, street tacos are the best tacos.

Morocco: Lamb Tajine

Kofta lamb tajine, popular Moroccan cuisine

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People really miss a good, authentic Moroccan tajine. And, by people, we mean ourselves.

One of the most satisfying and fragrant Moroccan dishes, tajine is good in all its versions. But we have to admit that lamb tajine simply wins the crown of flavor.

Lamb is already tender, so the steaming process of cooking a tajine leaves it ready to melt in your mouth. The meat’s somewhat bitter flavor is perfectly contrasted with the vegetables and dried nuts and fruits that are usually added to the dish.

Italy: Gelato

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Italy has some of the best food out of any country on the planet. There are many dishes one can long for: pasta, pizza, polpette. The list goes on and on and on. But the single most craved Italian food is gelato.

Hey, we get it. There really is nothing like walking around ancient Roman sites or beautiful Florence and stopping at any point to get gelato for a single euro.

Sure, the dessert has become very popular around the world, but only in Italy can you get gelato in front of the Tower of Pisa.