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.
Every country’s must-try local delicacy
After analysing the TikTok hashtags of over 2600 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 more than 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
Oceania’s most popular delicacies
Ignore the controversy over who created pavlovas, in Australia, it’s the must-try local delicacy.
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 and golden 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: “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.
Food for thought
“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.”
InsureandGo compiled a list of over 2600 delicacies from 177 countries around the world by using desk research. The number of views on each delicacy’s hashtag on TikTok was then analysed, to reveal which delicacy in each country has the most views. The top results were then crowned the ‘must-try delicacy’ for any countries in which the dish originated or is popular.
What’s been your favourite dish while travelling? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
Also read: How to improve your fried rice game?
