Whether it’s indulging in a few more gelatos than usual or making sure you taste something you can’t find back home, food is often one of the most exciting parts of going on holiday. To unveil the world’s current culinary sensations, the travel insurance experts at InsureandGo analysed TikTok data to discover the must-try local dishes, snacks and drinks in every country around the world.
After analysing the TikTok hashtags of over 2,600 different delicacies, InsureandGo’s study reveals that Ramen is the must-try dish of all time, with videos of steaming bowls of noodles and broth clocking up over 16 billion views on TikTok.
The mighty hot dog reigns supreme as the USA’s must-try food with over 10 billion views on TikTok, while in Taiwan the trending sensation is none other than bubble tea, a globally adored tea-based beverage featuring chewy tapioca pearls. Taiwan crafted the refreshing drink in the early ‘80s, and since then it has reigned supreme as a must-try delicacy in the country.
Other notable dishes in the rankings include chicharron, a Spanish snack of fried pork belly, and fufu, a beloved Ghanaian must-try food which is made from cassava and plantains.
The Top 15 Dishes Worldwide
- Ramen, Japan – 16.5 billion views
- Hot Dogs, USA – 10.2 billion views
- Churrasco, Brazil – 8.3 billion views
- Bubble Tea, Taiwan – 8.1 billion views
- Bakso, Indonesia – 5.6 billion views
- Kimchi, South Korea – 5 billion views
- Döner, Turkey – 4.9 billion views
- Asado, Argentina – 4.3 billion views
- Chicharron, Spain – 3.2 billion views
- Tamales, Mexico – 2.9 billion views
- Sinigang, Philippines – 2.7 billion views
- Fufu, Ghana – 2.6 billion views
- Caviar, Russia – 2.6 billion views
- Pho, Vietnam – 2.3 billion views
- Ceviche, Peru – 2.2 billion views
While many of the most popular main dishes across the globe are meat-centric, there are still tantalising vegetarian options worldwide, such as Malaysia’s nasi lemak, a rice dish cooked in coconut milk, and pad Thai, which reigns supreme as the quintessential Thai street food, often served vegetarian.
Globally, it’s savoury dishes that dominate the list of must-try foods in each country, with sweet treats only coming out on top in 38 locations. The dessert selections that do make the rankings, however, offer a gastronomic paradise for those with a sweet tooth. From crema catalana in Andorra, a silky custard dessert with a crystalised sugar topping, to paneer balls soaked in a thickened sweetened milk known as rasmalai in Pakistan, there are plenty of options for travellers seeking sweet indulgences.
Oceania’s Most Popular Delicacies
In Australia, the must-try local delicacy is pavlova, a light and airy dessert consisting of a crisp meringue shell filled with whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit. Over in Fiji, palusami is the beloved traditional dish, having amassed over 10 million TikTok views. Featuring taro leaves wrapped around a mixture of grated coconut, onions, and meat or fish, palusami is cooked in coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture.
In New Zealand, whitebait fritters are the must-eat culinary delight. This Kiwi specialty is made by mixing tiny, translucent fish with egg and seasonings, then fried until crispy andgolden brown.
Adventurous foodies seeking a taste of the Pacific Islands might want to head to Samoa, where oka, a tangy seafood salad with raw fish, has gained 408.6 million TikTok views. Also featuring raw fish is Tonga’s culinary gem: ota ‘ika. The dish is marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, and spices, resulting in a zesty and creamy seafood salad.
Chris Rolland, CEO at InsureandGo adds: “As TikTok continues to shape both global travel and food trends, it’s fascinating to see how dishes from across the world have captured the hearts and appetites of people everywhere. From tamales in Mexico to stroopwafels in the Netherlands, every trip abroad is a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
“While exploring new cuisines and flavours is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts of any trip, it’s important to be wise when it comes to what you consume while travelling. Contaminated food or drinks are the most common cause of travel-related illness, so being knowledgeable about food safety before you jet off is incredibly important.
“Check if you can drink the tap water in the country you are visiting, be mindful of general food hygiene and be sure to always wash your hands before handling or consuming food. Make sure you have travel insurance, so you can indulge in those unique flavours and dishes with the peace of mind that you’re protected in case of any unexpected situations.”
The full findings and further information on the must-try foods in each country and continent can be found here: https://www.insureandgo.com/blog/press-releases/every-countrys-must-try-local-delicacy/
