Trying different foods is a great way to introduce children to other countries and cultures. To keep things simple, you can sample foods at restaurants. Or if you're more adventurous, try finding recipes and cooking together with your children. You'll have an exciting time both cooking and eating your dishes!
Below we've listed some dishes that are typically associated with specific countries. Some dishes are officially designated as "national" dishes by countries while other dishes are unofficial national dishes. Bon appetit!
Meat Pie
A meat-filled pie that's sized to fit in your hand for easy eating. Pies can also contain potatos, onions, and mushrooms. On average, each person in Australia eats more than 10 pies a year! Harry's Cafe de Wheels is a meat-pie "truck" that's an institution in Sydney.
Feijoada
A stew consisting of beans, beef, and pork. Feijoada was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese. The stew is eaten with many other side dishes including rice.
Dim Sum
Literally translated, "dim sum" means a little part of the heart! Dim sum consists of small dishes of delicious food such as dumplings, steamed buns filled with meat or sweet pastes, meatballs, and spareribs. Going to dim sum is called "yum cha" or "drinking tea" since tea is always served at dim sum meals.
Kushari
Made up of rice, lentils, and macaroni topped with a sauce consisting of garlic, vinegar and tomatos.
Crêpe
A very thin pancake filled with either sweet or savory fillings and then rolled together. Sweet fillings include fruits, spreads and syrup. Savory fillings include eggs, ham, mushrooms, cheese, and various meats.
Sauerbraten
A pot roast consisting of meat (typically beef) stewed in a liquid mixture of water, vinegar and spices. Often served with potatos, red cabbage, and noodles.
Moussaka
A layered and baked dish that usually consists of eggplant, ground lamb, cheese and a white sauce.
Masala Dosa
A variation of dosa which is a thin pancake made of rice and lentils. A masala dosa is stuffed with potatos, onions, and spices. A very popular dish in South India!
Chelow Kabab
A very popular dish consisting of steamed rice (chelow) and a variety of different types of grilled, roasted or stewed meats.
Pasta
Need we say anything else? Many countries have developed their own versions of Italian pasta including China, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, and the Philippines!
Sushi
Raw slices of fish placed on top of a bed of rice vinegar-flavored rice. Typically dipped in soy sauce mixed with a spicy green horseradish paste called wasabi.
Kimchi
A traditional Korean vegetable side dish. There are over 100 different types of kimchi available in Korean cuisine. The different types are characterized by the main vegetable (often napa cabbage), condiments, and the amount of salt and spices used.
Mole Poblano
One of many different types of moles or sauces used in Mexican cooking. Ingredients include: chili peppers, ground nuts, spices, Mexican chocolate, and salt.
Bobotie
Spicy ground meat baked with a topping made with eggs. Sometimes, bobotie can include a curry flavoring, dried fruit, and nuts.
