Comfort Foods From Around The World

1. Ramen noodles- Japan

(Image/ Source: delicious.com.au)What could be better than a big comforting bowl of ramen noodles? This delicious dish might have been created in Japan, but it’s become hugely popular in the US and Western Europe too. Whether you’re a hungry meat eater, pescatarian, veggie or vegan, the humble bowl of broth and noodles will keep you satisfied.

2. Poutine- Canada

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We have Montreal to thank for this one. This filthy Canadian dish is often referred to as “Canada salad”, and has become popular all over the world. And it’s not too difficult to see why! Crispy golden fries, drenched in gravy and topped with indulgent cheese curds,  it has cemented its status as one of the most iconic dishes around.

3. French onion soup- France

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This might be one of our all-time favorites. Sweet, and sticky caramelized onion soup, decadently topped with fresh crusty bread. It’s covered in a warm blanket of stringy melted cheese, which basically makes it one of the tastiest things known to man. No wonder it’s the number one comfort food in France.

4. Fish and chips- UK

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We get why the Brits get so excited about this one. A generous portion of crispy. lightly battered fish, paired with fat, golden, super fluffy chips. Sometimes this is paired with tartar sauce, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Try it out for yourself if you’re testing it out at home with family and friends!

5. Pierogies- Poland

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Hands up- who’s experienced the joy of a pierogi? These beautiful, super light dumpings are from Poland, and are usually boiled. The most traditional types of Perogies are filled with potatoes and cheese curds, but you can also get meat versions if you’re feeling a little more carnivorous. Add some crispy onions on top, with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side.

6. Matzo ball soup- Israel

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This is Israel’s ultimate comfort food. Matzo balls are made from a combination of matzo meal and eggs, and form super tasty dumplings that soak up all the deep, rich flavors of the chicken broth. This is a Jewish dish that’s typically eaten during Passover- one of the most important Jewish festivals of the year.

7. Sausage rolls- UK and Australia

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It seems like the Brits and the Aussies have a bit of a competition over who loves these dainty little sausage rolls the most. Like a beautifully crispy, flaky pastry version of a pig in a blanket, but a little bit heartier and naughtier. Make sure you give them a try, as they really are a complete gamechanger!

8. Schnitzel- Austria and Germany

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Authentic Weiner Schnitzel consists of a piece of boneless meat (usually veal or pork), which is hammered down into a thin slice. It’s then breaded and deep fried until it reaches the perfect golden brown color. It’s typically served with a potato side like fries, mashed potatoes or baked potatoes- although some Germans opt for a potato salad instead.

9. Spaghetti Carbonara- Italy

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We’ve probably all had one of these beauties at some point. Spaghetti Carbonara is originally from the region of Lazio in Italy (which is right near Rome), and is truly a decadent, super creamy mix of crispy bacon, velvety olive oil, fatty egg yolk, and sweet, nutty Parmesan cheese. Who could ever say no?

10. Grilled cheese- US

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Safe to say we absolutely LOVE a grilled cheese over in the USA. While many other countries have their own version (the UK simply calls it ‘cheese on toast’), our super melty, super crispy sandwich is far superior in every way. Fried or grilled for that extra hit of texture, it’s the ultimate comfort snack that can be made any time of the day.

11. Paella- Spain

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As crowd-pleasing dishes go, this is definitely one of the more opulent options! The most famous of Spanish exports combines smoky, vibrant rice with deliciously cooked seafood- think prawns, mussels and calamari. It’s really easy to make a veggie or meat version though if seafood isn’t really your thing.

12. Goulash- Hungary

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Authentic Hungarian Goulash is a hearty, paprika-flavored stew with cubes of seared beef, paired with parsnips, carrots, and potatoes. There are a lot of recipes out there that use pasta instead of potatoes, but if you want the real thing, ditch the pasta and go for the potatoes. They soak up the stew really nicely!

13. Ackee and saltfish- Jamaica

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If you haven’t had this one before, make sure you give it a go. While ackee (Jamaica’s national fruit) is banned in its raw form in the US, you can still get hold of it in a can, or in a frozen packet. Paired with delicious saltfish, it’s a gorgeous combination that’s great with crispy plantains and morish rice and peas.

14. Khichuri- India

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Khichuri, also known as Khichdi, is a hugely popular comfort food in India. It’s an ancient, Northern Indian dish made from rice and lentils, which means it’s very filling! Prepared in one pot, it’s usually one of the first dishes that babies eat in India because it’s so soft and easy to consume. It’s popular with people of all ages though!

15. Moussaka- Greece

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We don’t know about you, but we’re HUGE fans of moussaka. A little bit like a lasagna, it’s a beautifully rich dish of minced/ground meat, eggplant, potatoes and spices, all topped off with a thick, creamy layer of bechamel sauce and grated cheese. Pop it under the grill for a few minutes to get a nice crisp top on that delicious cheese.

16. Mofong0- Porto Rico

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Have you ever had mofongo before? This classic Porto Rican, ball-shaped dish is made up of pickled, fried and smashed plantains, all flavored with good stuff like garlic and salt. Oil is also added while the plantains sit in a wooden pilón (like a pestle and mortar). Mofongo is usually served alongside a hearty stew or broth.

17. Bratwurst- Germany

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Let’s face it- sausages are hugely popular around the world. However, Germany goes one step further with it’s most famous culinary contribution! These sausages are enormous and are usually served with stewed sauerkraut (fermented, finely cut cabbage) and a large, cool glass of crisp beer. Lovely stuff.

18. Congee- China

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This one’s for the rice pudding fans. Congee is a comforting rice dish that is cooked so extensively that the rice grains completely break down, and turn into a lovely soft mixture. While it can be sweet, it’s typically served savory, and is often served with an egg on top. You can add whatever ingredients or garnishes you like though!

19. Meatballs- Sweden

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While meatballs are pretty popular in a lot of countries, Sweden has a pretty cool twist on theirs. Served during the holidays, special occasions and in traditional restaurants, these gorgeous meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef and pork. They’re cooked in a delicious gravy of meat juices, flour, and butter.

20. Picadillo- Cuba

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Picadillo is like a hash, but a spicy, distinctly Cuban version. The core ingredients are ground beef and tomatoes, but you’ll find that the rest of it can differ from region to region. Some places opt for a salty kick of olives, while other places like to add carrots and potatoes for a filling, crowd-pleasing dish.

21. Borscht- Ukraine, Russia and Poland

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Have you ever tried this one? This delicious, sour soup is a vibrant red color, and is very popular across North Eastern Europe. The color comes from the beets, and is traditionally added to meat or bone stock, sauteed vegetables and fermented beet juice. There are tons of variations of this dish though!

22. Chilaquiles- Mexico

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This translates to "in a sauce of chiles"- and boy does it pack a punch! Originating in Nahuatl, this is an amazing breakfast dish consisting of heaps of crispy tortilla triangles, tossed around in a pan with spicy salsa, and then piled into a bowl with salty crumbled cheese and cream. It sounds like heaven!

23. Kare-kare- Philippines

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The ultimate Philippine comfort dish! This rich, nutty and sweet stew has an amazingly thick peanut sauce that keeps you coming back for more. It’s made with a huge variety of meats, including stewed oxtail, beef tripe, pork hocks, calves' feet, pig's trotters or feet, different cuts of pork, beef stew meat, and even offal.

24. Caldo Verde- Portugal

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Soups are one of the most common comfort foods in the world- and Portugal has its own very special version too! Caldo Verde is also known as green soup, and is made from Portuguese cabbage, potatoes, olive oil and tons of seasoning. There are also delicious flavors of onion and garlic thrown in for good measure.

25. Shakshuka- Morroco

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Proper Moroccan Shakshuka really is a beautiful thing. A spicy, vibrant stew of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions flavored with cumin and topped with poached eggs, it’s fantastic for breakfast or brunch. While this dish originated in Northern Africa, it’s actually super popular across the Middle East too.

26. Ash Reshteh- Iran

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If you’ve tried this one before, you’ll know it’s up there with the best soups around. Iran actually has over fifty different types of soups to its name, but this is the most popular by a mile. A thick and comforting noodle soup made up of beans, aromatic herbs and yogurt, it really does fill you up. It's vegan too!

27. Chaat- India

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Make sure you add this to your comfort food list! This super popular Indian dish describes an entire scene of street food, and is typically made up of fried pieces of seasoned potato, which are then topped with raw onion, and chutney. There are hundreds, if not thousands of variations though! Many regions and street food stalls experiment with their chutneys and add extra veggies.

28. Burgers- US

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We know burgers are a global hit- and the US can claim credit for it! Our burgers are the biggest, the best, and the most outrageous. Thick, juicy beef patties (one, two, or even three depending on how hungry you are) can be smothered with everything from cheese and bacon to salsa, and topped with pickles, gherkins, tomatoes and salad.

29. Shepherd's pie- UK

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This British classic takes comfort to a whole new level. Ground beef (or lamb if you fancy it) sits in a rich gravy with carrots and onion. It’s then topped with a thick layer of buttery, thick mashed potato, and topped with lashings of grated cheese. It comes out of the oven crispy, golden and delicious!

30. Pho- Vietnam

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We don’t know about you, but we can’t resist a warm, comforting noodle soup. This classic Vietnamese dish consists of a deep, rich broth, meat, delicate rice noodles and herbs. It’s served absolutely everywhere- in households, restaurants, and street food stalls. And it’s fast becoming a global phenomenon!

31. Katsudon Pork - Japan

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Japan definitely knows how to do a hearty comfort food dish with delicious ingredients, and this one is no different. Katsudon is very much a number one comfort food in this country, which is cooked with eggs and tonkatsu (which is a deep-fried pork cutlet, yum) that's also covered in panko breadcrumbs to give it that extra something. It's then served in a dish with sweet and salty broth, paired with rich to finish it off. This is definitely a meal that will be filling and warm you up, so it's perfect for those colder weather days.

32. Tahdig - Persia

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Any dish that is made primarily of rice is going to be a winner when it comes to comfort food, because we know rice can be so simple to make, extremely filling and easily paired with many different foods and flavors. This rice dish called Tahdig from Persia is held very dear in this country, not only as a comfort food, but a key dish in general for the culture! The rice in this dish is cooked twice, with it first being steamed and then putting the rice grains together in a skillet. When turned over and out of the plan, the more crispy side of the rice will come out on top!

33. Instant Pot Adobo - Philippines

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Not only do we love any sort of comfort food, but we love one that's labelled 'instant' - because who can be bothered slaving over a hot stove when we just want to be comforted? The Instant Pot Adobo, which can be cooked with any sort of meat, with chicken being a popular option, is a favorite from the Philippines. The dish can also be cooked with fish if you'd rather that than meat, but either one is going to be paired with lots of delicious flavors like garlic, onion, soy and vinegar. You can even make it with chicken thigh to take less time!

34. Beef Bourguignon - France

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The beef bourguignon dish hailing from France is a classic, and so much so that you can usually find it on different menus in different countries in the world - especially the UK, with some households even making it themselves for a comforting weekend dish! This one is very much a hearty French food option, cooked in a stew fashion, made with beef (of course) and vegetables, paired deliciously with a red wine sauce that goes perfectly with the beef. You can then top it all off with some onions, mushrooms and some bits of bacon!

35. Hot and Sour Soup - China

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This hot and sour soup is a fantastic option if you're a vegetarian or a vegan in need of a delicious and simple comfort food - because it's perfect for either one if you don't want meat! It's a very warming meal, so it's perfect for a very cold, wintery day (because you can never go wrong with having soup to warm you up on a cold afternoon!). This meal is made easily with water chestnuts, mushrooms and bamboo shoots, to result in a tasty vegetable broth. It's not only comforting, but it's very healthy too - and easy to make!

36. Kheema Ki Khichdi - India

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India is another country we can count on for some hearty comfort foods - and most of the time, the warmth comes from the spice! There are lots of great dishes to choose from in India, but this one in particular is a favorite in this South Asian country and held very dear to a lot of people in need of a warm food hug. All you need is one pot to make it all, and you then have a lentil and rice fish topped off with delicious Indian spices. You can then pair it with some mango pickle when serving it to balance out the flavor - or raita!

37. Peanut Butter Soup - West Africa

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Have you ever even heard of peanut butter soup? What could be a more perfect comfort food than one of the best, cozy snacks combined with one of the best heat-me-up meals? The West African Peanut Butter Soup is a very creamy dish, that's also full of healthy nutrients (always better when comfort food doesn't actually make you feel guilty for it!). You can make this using pieces of chicken (or any vegetarian substitute) paired with okra and eggplant which are then cooked in the soup that contains chicken stock, ginger and of course - peanut butter!

38. Pozole - Mexico

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This delicious stew known as pozole is a very popular dish in Mexico in terms of comfort food - and with good reason! The stew has a tasty foundation of pork meat which is then cooked into a sort of warming broth, paired with a field corn called hominy corn. You can then top off the dish with some added extras that will keep up your calorie count (in a good way), which includes lettuce, avocado, lime and cilantro. It can then be served with corn tortillas for extra dipping power! This recipe is traditionally served on Christmas Eve.

39. Doro Wat - Ethiopia

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Doro Wat is definitely something you can find on pretty much every food menu in Ethiopia, because it's such a popular comfort food that everybody knows, and everybody wants! And when you've tasted those delicious ingredients, there's no surprise why. This is actually the country's national dish, which explains why they take such pride in its flavor. It's basically a spicy chicken stew, which favors thighs and drumsticks rather than breast, which is then cooked slowly on a stove, topped off with spices, ginger, garlic and onions.

40. Pad Thai Gai - Thailand

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You just know that any dish made with noodles is going to be a delicious, quick and easy comfort food dish - and this one is no exception! This Pad Thai Gai dish is actually packed full of noodles, which are made just right to be soft and chewy. The noodles are also mixed with pieces of delicious chicken and then paired with some vegetables so you don't feel too guilty about it. You'll then be able to enjoy the sweet and sour sauce that comes as a staple of this recipe, and it's great for eating on the go, or even topping off with your own extras, like herbs or nuts!

41. Pierogi Ruske - Poland

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What you can expect from this deliciously comforting dish from Poland is a heavy load of carbs in the form of dumplings and potatoes - but it's all worth it for that warm feeling in your belly! This is definitely one of those heavy comfort meals (so the best kind) and with the Pierogi Ruske, you're getting dumplings which are actually stuffed with potatoes, along with cheese. You can make this one from scratch if you enjoy cooking, by rolling the dough and dumplings yourself and putting in the filling. You can then boil them or pan fry them.

42. Oyakodon - Japan

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If you're a fan of Japanese soul food - or if comfort food just means 'Japan' to you - then this one is for you! The Japanese dish Oyakodon is a very popular food in this Asian country for its simplicity, making it a popular option if you're on the go or as a diner food in a bowl. It's made of a very simple recipe that nonetheless tastes delicious: onions and eggs mixed with chicken, which are then combined with dashi to simmer, and also some soy-sauce making a broth. To finish, it's paired with some hot white rice to really get you warmed up!

43. Mojo Chicken - Cuba

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If you're ever in Cuba then you'll know how much the local people love this particular dish - and it's always worth finding a recipe to repeat so you can have this comfort food in your very own home. This Cuban dish is made from their nationally treasured mojo sauce, which is made with both sweet and sour citrus juice, as well as hot peppers (which you can leave out if you don't like it too hot!), garlic and cilantro. You should then marinate a whole chicken in the mojo sauce overnight to have it tasting perfect for next day's meal!

44. Instant Pot Beef - Korea

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This is one of those meals made in a big pot that you just know is going to be super tasty and make you feel better, no matter the day you've had. Hailing from Korea, this instant pot beef dish - which is traditionally made with beef, but you could alternatively use another meat if you'd prefer (or maybe even a veggie substitute if you want to deviate from the traditional recipe!) - is both sweet and spicy. And filling! You only need to put beef chuck into your pressure cooker and pair with some white rice for a filling dinner.

45. Tortilla Espanola - Spain

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Also known as a Spanish omelette, this is something extremely simple, tasty and pretty much good no matter what meal you're having! It's ideal for a tasty, filling breakfast, a quick lunch or even paired with something else for a delicious dinner. The Spanish omelette is eaten across the country, because it's such an iconic, easy dish! It's very popular as a tapas option, or for hearty family meals in the sun. You can make the whole thing cooked in one skillet, and then add your eggs, potatoes and onion any time you get a craving!

46. Instant Pot Tagine - Morocco

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We love these 'instant pot' recipes because they're so tasty, and so easy to do! And this one is no different. The great thing about this one is you can mix and match your preferred meat for the recipe. This one is traditionally made with either Moroccan lamb or beef, and the key to this recipe is to add prunes for some extra flavor. This one is a great option for comfort food the whole family can enjoy around the table. You'll end up with very tender meat due to the way it's cooked in the pot, and you'll end up with something both sweet and savory!

47. Paprikash - Hungary

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If you much prefer succulent chicken for your meat of choice compared to beef or lamb, then you might want to try this warming comfort dish from Hungary. The Hungarian Chicken Paprikash offers something very creamy, bright and tasty. This recipe uses five staple Hungarian ingredients to make the unforgettable flavor: paprika for an added kick, green peppers, onions, tomatoes and sour cream to even out the hotter element. You then have the option to serve up with cooked rice or egg noodles - whichever you prefer!

48. Coq Au Vin - France

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Coq au vin is definitely a meal everyone has heard of, even outside of France, and that's because it's so delicious and so popular. This is another than many households might make at home in different countries, but especially so in France. Also known as chicken with wine, it's a favored dish of France. All you need is your preferred pieces of chicken and some tasty root vegetables to whip up a warming strew. Your chicken and veg should be braised in red wine for added rich flavor, and then cooked all together until everything is nice and tender.

49. Durban Chicken Curry - South Africa

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Who doesn't want a curry when they're looking for the ultimate comfort food? It's something that tastes good no matter what season you eat it - summer or winter, hot or cold weather! This Durban Chicken Curry recipe hails from its namesake, Durban in South Africa, which is known for tasty curries just like this one. It's filled with spices that will warm you right up, and it then has some ginger and garlic for something a little extra. The result is a very thick and creamy curry which is packed full of different flavors. Top off with rice!

50. Pork Enchiladas - Mexico

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And finally, enchiladas have to be one of the best easy comfort meals no matter which country you're in - but they're especially a favorite in Mexico, of course. Enchiladas are definitely a 'let's all sit round the table' comfort meal for families and friends, and the recipe can be mixed and matched for whatever you want to put in them. Traditionally, these Mexican Pork Enchiladas uses pulled pork (so as to pack more in there!), or you can use tender pork shoulder instead. You can then pack them in corn tortillas and finish off with cheese and enchilada sauce.