Have you ever pondered what popular dish would represent an entire continent? I certainly did! According to the website Upscale Living, there are seven dishes that travelers are recommended to try if they visit each continent. It can be hard to comprehend that a single food item is able to encompass a diverse continent, which increased my intrigue in the subject. Whilst reading, I urge you to determine if these food items truly represent each continent and the unique society that is built within it. Additionally, ask yourself if you would be willing to try these dishes if you are traveling! All information was gathered from the links included throughout this article.
North America – American Burger
Ingredients (can change due to preference):
- Ground beef patties
- Cheddar, sharp
- Kaiser rolls
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato
- Dill pickle chips
- Mayonnaise
South America – Argentinian Steak
Ingredients:
Steak –
- Flank stake (with fat and skiver skin removed)
- Kosher salt
- Neutral oil
Chimichurri Sauce –
- Parsley leaves
- Cilantro (long stems trimmed)
- Garlic
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Ground coriander seeds
- Extra virgin olive oil
Europe – Wiener Schnitzel
Ingredients:
- Pork cutlets/skin-less chicken/pheasant breasts
- Salt
- Flour
- Eggs (lightly beaten)
- Milk
- Breadcrumbs
- Lard/clarified butter/duck fat
Africa – African Chicken and Peanut Stew
Ingredients:
- Peanut butter
- Chicken thighs
- Sweet potato
- Fresh ginger
- Diced tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Coriander&cayenne
- Chicken broth
Asia – Korean Barbecue Beef
Ingredients:
- Asian pear
- Scallions
- Garlic cloves
- Water
- Soy sauce
- Granulated sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Flanken-style beef ribs
- Sesame seeds
Australia – Lamb Chop and Bush Tomato Curry
Ingredients:
- Olive oil spray
- Lamb Chops (6)
- Ghee
- Onions
- Garlic cloves
- Grated ginger
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Outback pride bush tomato seasoning
- Turmeric
- Outback pride tanami fire
- Cinnamon
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Chicken stock
- Natural yogurt (optional)
- Fresh coriander (optional)
Antarctica – Pemmican
Ingredients:
- Lean, grass-fed, shoulder roast
- Salt
- Grass-fed bison/beef fat, suet, or tallow
- *need a blender*
In the end my ranking from most to least willing to try is:
- Korean Barbicue Beef
- Argentinian Steak
- American Burger
- African Chicken and Peanut Stew
- Lamb Chop and Bush Tomato Curry
- Wiener Schnitzel
- Pemmican
After reading more about these food items, I have concluded that it is hard to encompass an entire continent into a single dish. However, these seven cuisines listed above are unique, and each affiliates with different cultures and countries. These dishes ultimately represent how diverse and beautiful the world is!
By Sorina Yeghian ‘26, Food and Wellness Editor
