TOP 10 · FOOD

The 10 Most Famous Dishes in the World

The 10 most famous dishes in the world: pizza, sushi, paella, tacos, ramen and more. Their origins and why they won the world over. Your favourite?

By the Editorial TeamPublished

Ranking: The 10 Most Famous Dishes in the World

In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Pizza, followed by Sushi and Paella.

The most famous dishes in the world have left their home countries to conquer menus on every continent. We weighed their international popularity, their history and their cultural value.

Which is the best for you? Vote below or add the one we missed.

1. Pizza

Naples, Italy

Born as street food in Naples, it is now eaten in almost every country on Earth. The art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo has been on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2017.

2. Sushi

Japan

Vinegared rice with fish and other ingredients, prepared with a technique that takes years to master. Traditional Japanese cuisine, washoku, is UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

3. Paella

Valencia, Spain

Born in the rice fields of Valencia, it is the best-known Spanish dish abroad. The traditional Valencian recipe uses chicken, rabbit and green beans.

4. Tacos

Mexico

A corn tortilla with endless fillings, from al pastor to cochinita pibil. Traditional Mexican cuisine has been UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2010.

5. Ramen

Japan (of Chinese origin)

Noodles in a broth simmered for hours, with regional variations all over Japan. In recent decades it has become a global phenomenon.

6. The hamburger

United States

It is the great symbol of fast food, but also a chef's dish. Few foods are as recognisable around the planet.

7. Spaghetti carbonara

Rome, Italy

The Roman recipe uses only egg, pecorino cheese, guanciale and pepper, with no cream. It is one of the most ordered pasta dishes in the world.

8. Pad thai

Thailand

Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, peanuts, tamarind and prawns or tofu. It is the best-known Thai dish internationally.

9. Ceviche

Peru

Raw fish marinated in lime juice, with onion and chilli. It is Peru's flagship dish, and its preparation is UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

10. Chicken tikka masala

Indian and British cuisine

Marinated, grilled chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Its exact origin is disputed, but it is one of the most popular curries in the world.

It counts as your vote. Our editors review every suggestion before it appears on the site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous dish in the world?

In our ranking, pizza, for its presence in almost every country. Sushi and paella complete the podium.

Which dishes on the list are UNESCO heritage?

The art of the Neapolitan pizzaiuolo, Japanese washoku, traditional Mexican cuisine and the preparation of Peruvian ceviche.

Would you change the order?

Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.

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