9 Underrated Regional Dishes You’ll Love Exploring Beyond Your Home Region

When it comes to food, every region has its own unique and delicious dishes that are often overlooked by those who don’t live there. These regional specialties are a testament to the rich culinary diversity that exists across the globe. From hearty stews to sweet pastries, these underrated regional dishes are worth exploring beyond your home region. Here are nine such dishes that you’ll love discovering.

1. Poutine – Quebec, Canada

Originating from Quebec, Poutine is a comforting dish made of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. While it may sound simple, the combination of flavors and textures makes it a must-try for any food lover.

2. Pastel de Choclo – Chile

This traditional Chilean dish is a corn casserole with a sweet and savory filling. The filling usually consists of ground beef, chicken, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

3. Goi Cuon – Vietnam

Also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, Goi Cuon are fresh, light, and packed with flavor. They are made with rice paper filled with a mix of ingredients like shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs, and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

4. Bunny Chow – South Africa

Bunny Chow is a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. It’s a flavorful and filling dish that’s perfect for those who love spicy food.

5. Haggis – Scotland

While Haggis may not sound appealing to everyone due to its ingredients (sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs), this Scottish dish is surprisingly delicious. It’s traditionally served with “neeps and tatties” (turnips and potatoes).

6. Sauerbraten – Germany

Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually of beef, marinated before being slow-cooked. It’s a staple of German cuisine and is often served with red cabbage and dumplings.

7. Tavuk Göğsü – Turkey

This Turkish dessert is a milk pudding made with shredded chicken breast. While the combination of chicken and dessert may seem odd, Tavuk Göğsü is subtly sweet and has a unique, velvety texture.

8. Acarajé – Brazil

Acarajé is a deep-fried ball of dough made from black-eyed peas, filled with vatapá (a paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and palm oil). It’s a popular street food in Brazil, particularly in the state of Bahia.

9. Khachapuri – Georgia

Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread. The bread is leavened and allowed to rise, and is shaped in various ways, usually with cheese in the middle and a crust which is ripped off and used to dip in the cheese.

These are just a few examples of the many regional dishes that are waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you’re planning a trip or just looking for new recipes to try, consider these underrated dishes from around the world.