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Birsalma sajt is a traditional Hungarian dessert, also known as quince cheese. It is a dense, sweet, and firm jelly-like confection made from quince fruit. The name "sajt" means cheese in Hungarian, but in this context, it refers to the texture and shape of the quince-based product, which resembles a firm, sliceable cheese. The primary ingredient is quince, a fruit that is similar to a cross between an apple and a pear. The quince is cooked with sugar until it becomes a thick, jelly-like consistency. Additional ingredients like lemon juice, cloves, or cinnamon may be added to enhance the flavor. To make birsalma sajt, the fruit is peeled, cored, and boiled with sugar until it reaches a thick, sticky consistency. Once the mixture is prepared, it is poured into molds and left to cool and harden over time. At this point, nuts like toasted walnuts and almonds can be added to to the mass. As it sets, it becomes firm enough to slice, giving it the "cheese" aspect of its name. Once the birsalma sajt solidifies, it is typically sliced and served. It can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat or paired with nuts, cheese, or savory dishes. This quince cheese can be stored for long periods, which makes it a popular treat during the colder months, particularly in autumn when quince is in season. Birsalma sajt is a cherished Hungarian confection with a sweet, slightly tart flavor and a chewy texture, making it a unique dessert that holds a special place in Hungarian cuisine. It is also enjoyed in other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, where quince is used in traditional cooking.

Hitlerszalonna (literally "Hitler's bacon") is a type of dense fruit jam that originated in Hungary during World War II. Despite its provocative name, it has nothing to do with bacon or meat. The name is a darkly humorous reference to the hardships of wartime, when food shortages were common and people had to make do with what was available. The name implies that this fruit preserve was a substitute for real bacon during times of scarcity. Hitlerszalonna is essentially a dense, thick fruit paste made from a variety of fruits such as apples, pears, plums, or quinces. It is boiled down with sugar until it forms a solid, jelly-like consistency, much like a fruit leather or fruit cheese. The mixture is cooked until it is very firm and can be sliced, similar to quince cheese or birsalma sajt. This compact block of fruit preserve could be easily stored and sliced, making it a practical food item during wartime. The product was often wrapped in paper or wax and eaten in small portions, typically spread on bread or eaten as a snack. Its high sugar content and long shelf life made it valuable during times of rationing and limited access to fresh fruit or other foods. Nowadys, it goes by the name sütésálló lekvár (lit. ovenproof jam).    

Bradj, also known as mbardja, mteqba, or mbarja, is a traditional Algerian diamond-shaped pastry from the northeast, traditional consumed in Constantinois, Jijel, Bibans, and Kabylie region. This diamond-shaped delicacy consists of two layers of semolina dough (kesra) filled with a date paste (ghers). The preparation starts with a dough of semolina mixed with oil, water, and salt, which is then shaped, filled, and cooked on a griddle or heavy pan. It is often flavored with cinnamon and sometimes cloves. Bradj is typically prepared in spring and served with leben, rayeb, or mint tea. 

La bomba is a popular tapa originating from Barcelona, particularly from the neighborhood of Barceloneta. This delicious and hearty dish consists of a large, round potato croquette stuffed with seasoned ground meat. The croquette is deep-fried until golden and crispy, and it is typically served with two distinctive sauces: a spicy red sauce, often a brava sauce, and a garlicky white aioli. The preparation of la bomba begins with boiling and mashing potatoes to form a smooth mixture. The filling usually consists of ground meat, such as beef or pork, seasoned with spices, onions, garlic, and sometimes peppers. The seasoned meat is cooked and then formed into small balls. The mashed potatoes are shaped around the meat filling to form a ball, resembling a small bomb. Each ball is then breaded by dipping it in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs before being deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. La bomba is traditionally served hot, topped with the spicy red sauce and aioli, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This tapa is a favorite in many tapas bars across Barcelona and has gained popularity throughout Spain.  

Kangaroo steak is a cut of meat taken from the kangaroo. It is lean and has a distinct flavor, often described as gamey. It is commonly consumed in Australia and is considered a healthier alternative to traditional meats like beef and lamb because it's low in fat and has high amounts of protein. Kangaroo meat is typically harvested from wild kangaroos, which are managed under strict regulations in Australia to ensure sustainability and conservation. The meat is obtained from the muscular parts of the kangaroo, such as the loin or fillet. Due to its leanness, kangaroo meat should be cooked carefully to prevent it from becoming tough and dry. It is often recommended to cook kangaroo steaks to medium-rare or medium doneness to retain their tenderness and juiciness. The meat can be seasoned with herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance its flavor. It is usually served with salads, vegetables, rice, or potatoes and pairs well with red wine.

Testi kebab is a traditional Turkish kebab variety made by filling a clay pot with a mixture of meat (usually lamb, but sometimes beef or chicken), vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic), and various spices. This dish is particularly popular in the Cappadocia region of Türkiye and is often considered a specialty of that area. The ingredients are placed in the clay pot, which is then sealed with dough to keep the steam inside. The sealed pot is placed in a wood-fired oven or over hot coals to cook slowly. This method allows the flavors to meld together while the meat becomes tender and succulent. When the testi kebab is ready, the pot is brought to the table and cracked open, either by the chef or the diner, using a small hammer or knife. The dramatic presentation and the delicious aroma that escapes when the pot is broken open make it a memorable dining experience. While the basic ingredients remain consistent, there can be regional variations in the spices and vegetables used. Some versions might include additional ingredients like potatoes or different types of meat. The cooking method can also vary slightly, with some recipes calling for the pot to be buried in hot ashes for several hours.  

Pane e olio is an Italian phrase meaning bread and oil, referring to a simple yet classic Italian dish that highlights the quality of its basic ingredients: bread and olive oil. Traditional Italian bread such as ciabatta, focaccia, or a rustic country loaf is typically used, while extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the oil of choice due to its superior flavor and health benefits. High-quality, cold-pressed olive oil from regions like Tuscany or Puglia is ideal. The bread is usually sliced and may be served fresh or lightly toasted, with toasting enhancing its texture and providing a warm base for the olive oil. The olive oil is typically poured into a small dish or bowl for dipping, though some variations may include a drizzle of olive oil directly on the bread slices. The olive oil can be seasoned with a pinch of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for added flavor, and some might add a sprinkle of dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Rubbing a clove of garlic on the toasted bread before adding the olive oil can infuse the dish with a subtle garlic flavor, and additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, olives, or anchovies can be added for more complexity. Pane e olio is often served as an appetizer or a starter in Italian meals but can also be enjoyed as a light snack or part of an antipasto platter. This dish emphasizes the Italian culinary philosophy of using simple, high-quality ingredients to create delicious food and is a common practice in Italian households, showcasing the country's rich tradition of olive oil production and bread-making. But apart from Italy, the same dishes exist in other countries as well, such as Spain's pan con aceite, France's pain et huile d'olive, Lebanese khebez w zeit zaytoun, Turkish ekmek ve zeytinyağı, and many more.

Pataniscas are traditional Portuguese fritters made primarily from salted cod (bacalhau). The dish is characterized by its simple batter, which typically includes flour, eggs, and finely chopped onions and garlic, mixed with flaked cod. The batter is then spooned into hot oil and fried until golden brown and crispy. Pataniscas are commonly served as appetizers or snacks, often accompanied by a side of rice, salad, or beans. They are a popular choice in Portuguese cuisine for their flavorful and satisfying taste. These fritters are especially connected with the city of Lisbon and the Estremadura province.      

Empire biscuit is a traditional Scottish treat consisting of two shortbread-style biscuits sandwiched together with a layer of raspberry jam. The top biscuit is coated with a smooth layer of white icing and typically decorated with a small piece of candied cherry or a jelly sweet. The combination of buttery, crumbly shortbread, sweet jam, and sugary icing makes Empire biscuits a popular bakery item, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Originally known as the "Linzer biscuit" or "Deutsch biscuit," the treat was renamed "Empire biscuit" around the time of World War I, reflecting the patriotic sentiment of the era and the British Empire's influence. This renaming was part of a broader trend during the war where many items with German-sounding names were rebranded to sound more British.

Rotkohl is a traditional German salad and side dish made from red cabbage that is finely shredded and then braised or slow-cooked with ingredients like apples, onions, vinegar, sugar, and various spices such as cloves, bay leaves, and sometimes juniper berries. The dish is known for its sweet and sour flavor, which comes from the combination of sugar and vinegar, and its deep purple color, which can be enhanced by adding a bit of acidic liquid like apple cider vinegar or red wine during cooking. Rotkohl is often served as a side dish, particularly with hearty German meals such as roast pork, sausages, duck, or goose. It's especially popular in the colder months and is a common accompaniment to festive meals during Christmas.  

Nürnberger Bratwürste are small, thin sausages originating from the city of Nürnberg in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. They are typically about 7 to 9 centimeters (2.75 to 3.5 inches) long and weigh around 20 to 25 grams each, making them much smaller and thinner compared to other types of German sausages. The sausages are made from finely ground pork, often mixed with a blend of spices that typically includes marjoram, salt, pepper, and sometimes a hint of ginger or nutmeg, with marjoram being a signature ingredient that gives them their distinctive flavor. Nürnberger Bratwürste are usually grilled over a beechwood fire, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor, but they can also be pan-fried or cooked in a skillet. Traditionally, they are served in sets of six, eight, or twelve, often accompanied by sauerkraut or potato salad, or in a bread roll with mustard, known as "Drei im Weckla" (three in a roll). These sausages are a traditional delicacy with a history that dates back centuries, and they are protected under European Union law with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), meaning they must be produced within the city of Nuremberg to be labeled as Nürnberger Bratwürste.

Tutti frutti ice cream is a popular flavor that often includes a mixture of various fruit flavors and pieces of candied or real fruit. The name tutti frutti is Italian for "all fruits" and appropriately describes the blend of fruit flavors that characterize this ice cream. The flavor was first mentioned in England in 1860, and it soon found its way to the US, where it reached a relatively big popularity. The combination of fruits can vary, but it often includes flavors or pieces of fruits like cherry, pineapple, raisin, and orange, among others. In addition to fruit, it might also contain nuts and other complementary flavors. The colorful appearance of the mixed fruit often makes tutti frutti ice cream visually appealing, and it's a flavor enjoyed by many, especially those who appreciate a fruity taste in their frozen desserts. In some parts of the world, tutti frutti ice cream might also refer to specific regional variations that include unique local fruits or flavorings. It's a versatile flavor that can be tailored to suit different tastes and preferences. 

Harcsapaprikás is a traditional fish paprikash originating from Hungary. The dish is usually made with a combination of catfish, sour cream, sweet paprika powder, flour, tomatoes, shallots, butter, green peppers, salt, and black pepper. The fish is cut into chunks, seasoned with salt and pepper, coated in paprika and flour, and then shortly fried. The shallots and green peppers are sautéed in a pot, and then covered with water and tomatoes. After a few minutes of cooking, paprika, flour, and fish are added to the pot, and sour cream is mixed in a few minutes before serving the stew. Harcsapaprikás is often served with a mixture of pasta, bacon, sour cream, and cheese on the side.

In English butchery, rump is a primal beef cut positioned at the hindquarters, directly behind the sirloin and ahead of the leg. The rump is from a muscle group that is relatively active, granting it a pronounced beefy flavor and a texture that's slightly firmer than cuts like the sirloin. Given its robust taste, the rump is particularly favored by beef connoisseurs who appreciate a meatier bite. Its texture, although less tender than some other premium cuts, offers a chewiness that many find satisfying, especially when cooked to perfection. Rump steaks, sliced from this primal cut, are a popular choice for grilling, frying, or broiling. They benefit from a high-heat, quick-cooking method that sears the exterior and retains the juicy interior. Due to its leanness, it's advisable not to cook rump steaks beyond medium to preserve their moisture and flavor. For those who prefer larger cuts, the whole rump can also be roasted, often served in traditional English pubs as part of a carvery. When aged appropriately, rump's flavors become even more profound, further enhancing its status in the beef hierarchy.

Salada de polvo is a traditional Portuguese dish featuring tender octopus as the main ingredient. The octopus is boiled until tender, then cut into bite-sized pieces and combined with finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, and fresh coriander. The salad is dressed with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and vinegar, seasoned with salt and pepper, and optionally enhanced with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Depending on the recipe, tomatoes, herbs like mint, bay leaves, parsley, chives, and red bell peppers can also be included. Chilled for at least an hour to meld the flavors, this dish is light, refreshing, and tangy, with a savory depth from the olive oil and garlic. Often served as an appetizer or part of a meal, it pairs well with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.

Flat iron steak is a cut of beef that comes from the shoulder (or chuck) of the cow, specifically the top blade. The name "flat iron" is believed to come from the steak's shape, which somewhat resembles an old-fashioned flat iron. It's known for its rich flavor and tenderness, making it a popular choice for grilling and other cooking methods. The flat iron steak is usually well-marbled, which contributes to its flavor and tenderness. However, it has a line of tough connective tissue running through the middle, which is typically removed by butchers to make the steak more palatable. This cut is praised for being relatively affordable compared to other premium cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. It’s often used in recipes where a rich, beefy flavor is desired, and it's versatile enough to be cooked in various ways, including grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.  

Sinigang na bangus is a popular Filipino dish known for its tangy and savory flavors. It features bangus (milkfish), which is simmered in a sour broth typically made from tamarind (sampalok), though other souring agents like green mangoes or calamansi can be used. The dish includes a variety of vegetables such as kangkong (water spinach), sitaw (string beans), labanos (radish), talong (eggplant), and tomatoes. The preparation begins with sautéing onions and tomatoes to create a flavorful base. The bangus is then simmered with water and the souring agent until the fish is tender. Vegetables are added in stages, starting with those that take longer to cook, and the dish is seasoned with fish sauce (patis), salt, and pepper. The result is a comforting and hearty soup, perfectly balancing the sourness of the broth with the rich taste of the milkfish. Sinigang na bangus is typically served with steamed white rice.

Even though sauerkraut is a German word meaning sour cabbage, Chinese sauerkraut or suan cai, sometimes also called xiān cài, is probably the very first version of sauerkraut, as it is known that the laborers who built the Great Wall of China ate it as standard fare over 2000 years ago. In fact, sauerkraut is thought to have originated in the north of China among the Mongols, and was most likely brought to Europe in the 13th century with the Mongol invasion and the migration of nomadic tribes. Traditionally, suan cai from Northern China uses shredded napa cabbage, which is shortly blanched, salted, and then fermented in its own juice with the addition of rice wine, while in the southern parts of the country Chinese mustard greens are used instead. Just like European sauerkraut, suān cài makes for a perfect accompaniment to various meats, especially pork, but it is also often used as a topping for noodle soups.

Red sobia is a traditional beverage hailing from the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia commonly consumed during the holy month of Ramadan. This refreshing drink is a variation of the more widely known white sobia but is distinguished by its deep red hue, which comes from the use of hibiscus or raspberry. The base of the drink is made from soaked and blended bread or barley, to which sugar, water, and various flavorings such as cinnamon or cardamom are added. The mixture is then allowed to ferment slightly, giving the drink its unique taste, which is both sweet and tangy with a hint of spice. Red sobia is often served chilled and is a popular choice for breaking the fast due to its cooling and hydrating properties. It is typically sold by street vendors in large jars or bottles.

The Italian cornetto is a popular crescent-shaped pastry, similar to a croissant but with key differences. The dough is less laminated than that for a croissant and enriched with sugar, eggs, and butter, resulting in a cornetto with a slightly softer and less flaky texture when compared to a croissant and a sweeter and richer flavor. It is also usually less curved and slightly larger than a croissant. Cornetti (plural for cornetto) can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet fillings like crema pasticcera (pastry cream), jam, Nutella, or almond paste, and are sometimes dusted with powdered sugar or glazed. Typically enjoyed as part of an Italian breakfast, cornetti are often paired with a cappuccino or espresso, making them a beloved staple in Italian cafés. Although it's best known as cornetto, the same pastry in North Italy is typically called brioche.

One of the best-known dishes of Austrian cuisine, the Wiener schnitzel is a thinned, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet that is traditionally served with a dollop of lingonberry jam, lemon wedges, and either buttered parsley potatoes, a simple potato salad, or french fries. The dish is protected under Austrian law, and—if it is to be called Wiener schnitzel—it must be made with veal. However, pork is often used instead of veal because it's more available and cheaper. Such a schnitzel is not considered a real Wiener schniztel and is referred to as Wiener schnitzel vom schwein (lit. Wiener schnitzel from pork) or schnitzel Wiener art (lit. Viennese style schnitzel). But sadly, these days, the schnitzel made with pork is what most people consider the real-deal Wiener schnitzel. Even Figlmüller, probably the most popular schnitzel spot in Vienna, offers both the Wiener schnitzel made with pork and the one made with veal. Despite this dish being one of Austria's most popular offerings, it has been suggested that this Austrian national dish was actually invented elsewhere. According to one legend, in the 19th century, Austrian field marshal Josef Radetzky supposedly brought the schnitzel to Vienna upon returning home from Italy, where he had enjoyed the Milanese cotoletta, a dish that bears quite a strong resemblance to the Viennese classic. Regardless of its true origins, the crispy yet tender Wiener schnitzel remains a favorite in Austria and beyond. 

Rushan is a flat Chinese cheese with a leathery texture, originating from the Chinese province of Yunnan, where it is traditionally prepared by the Bai people who refer to it as nvxseiz. It is made from cow’s milk. The cheese can be either grilled or deep-fried. When grilled, usually at street food stands, rushan is typically served on a stick, topped with fruit preserves, chocolate syrup, or condensed milk. When deep-fried, its texture changes and the cheese becomes slightly flaky.

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE CLAIMS THAT EATING SPACE CAKES CAN LEAD TO PSYCHOSIS OR PSYCHOSIS SYMPTOMS FOR SOME PEOPLE, THERE'S STILL NOT ENOUGH CONCLUSIVE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THEM. Originating from Amsterdam, space cake is a notorious delicacy that belongs to a group of cannabis-infused edibles. Variations on this specialty abound, and any baked good that contains cannabis butter may be called a space cake. This Dutch specialty is usually prepared with typical cake ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, milk, and eggs, which are combined with a certain quantity of cannabis. A great variety of ingredients can be added to the base to enrich the cake, including cocoa powder, chocolate drops, dried fruit, buttercream, vanilla, or various spices, and the baked cakes often come dusted with powdered sugar, glazed, soaked in rum, or stuffed with cream or custard. As with other cannabis intake methods, the consumption of cannabis in the form of space cakes also provides psychotropic effects upon its consumers due to the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and other compounds. In the case of space cakes, the effects are usually prolonged and much stronger, and consumers typically feel high within 3 hours from the consumption. Space cakes with different shapes, flavors, and varying strengths can be savored at nearly any coffee shop in Amsterdam and they’re typically enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or beer. When it comes to the legal status of these cakes in the Netherlands, the country’s court allows the sale only of those cakes that are made with crushed weed.

Tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese is a traditional Italian dish originating from Bologna, consisting of tagliatelle pasta and a rich ragù made with a mixture of minced beef and pork, and tomatoes as key ingredients. Even though they are often thought to be synonymous, tagliatelle al ragù—one of Bologna's signature dishes—bears little or no resemblance to the dish known as spaghetti Bolognese in the rest of the world. In fact, the world famous Italian ragù alla Bolognese meat sauce is never served with spaghetti in Bologna. Instead, when it isn't served over fresh tagliatelle, you will most often find it topping a bed of some other other ribbon-like pasta, such as fettuccine or pappardelle. Regardless of the type of pasta used, what makes or breaks this classic Emilian dish is the ragù itself. Experts nowadays tend to consider the recipe for ragù alla Bolognese registered by the Italian Academy of Cuisine in October 1982 the most authentic version. However, chances are that every restaurant and trattoria in Emilia Romagna dishes out its own version of tagliatelle al ragù, and each version is surely worth trying.

Jabukovača is a traditional Bosnian apple pie originating from the city of Sarajevo. It is made just like baklava, with the addition of chopped apples. The thin dough is spread with a combination of chopped apples, sugar, vanilla sugar, walnuts, and lemon juice. It is then rolled and arranged in the baking tray. When served, jabukovača is usually cut into slices and doused in sherbet – a combination of sugar, honey, and lemon juice.

Sernik is a cheesecake from Poland, stemming from old Christian and Jewish traditions. It is made with eggs, sugar, and twaróg - a type of curd cheese that has been used in desserts for hundreds of years. It is believed that sernik originated in the 17th century, when King Jan III Sobieski brought the recipe with him after his victory against the Turks at the Battle of Vienna. Today, there are many varieties of sernik, some baked, some unbaked, but it is usually made on a layer of crumbly cake. Often times raisins, chocolate sauce, or fruits are also added to sernik, and one of the most popular varieties of the dessert has a sponge cake as its base and is covered with jelly and fruit on top. The krakowski version of sernik has a lattice crust on top to differentiate it from other types of this cheesecake. Sernik can either be prepared at home or found in many Polish stores and supermarkets.

Lechon, derived from a Spanish word for roasted suckling pig is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines. The slowly-roasted suckling pig is usually stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives, and is then roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. It is traditionally served whole on a platter, at celebrations and festive events such as weddings and Christmas. Once the meat is properly roasted and falls off the bone, people tend to eat every part of the pig, and the crispy, reddish-brown, crackling skin is especially beloved. Lechon is often served with a thick and rich liver sauce that is cooked with sugar, fresh herbs, and vinegar. If anything is left after the feast, the leftovers are often made into lechon slaw, slowly cooked with vinegar, garlic, and liver sauce for that extra bit of flavor. Apart from the Philippines, the dish is especially popular in countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Spain. Some famous chefs even named lechon the best pig in the world, so it is definitely worth a try.

This refreshing, cold beetroot soup is a part of traditional Lithuanian cuisine. It consists of a creamy blend of pickled or boiled beetroots and tangy kefir or buttermilk, poured over grated cucumbers and hard-boiled eggs. The whole soup is generously seasoned with dill, and usually left to set until all the flavors are thoroughly combined. It is usually prepared in the summertime, and is best served chilled, preferably with potatoes on the side. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course.

This traditional Thai stir-fry combines minced meat or seafood with holy basil and various other ingredients such as shallots, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish is flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce, and typically comes served with rice, fried eggs, and fish sauce on the side. Interestingly, phat kaphrao is ranked as the fourth most common dish ordered by foreigners in Thailand.

Picanha is a fresh cut of beef that's especially popular and highly prized in Brazil. In the US, it's called sirloin cap, and in the UK, it's known as the rump cap. Picanha is situated on the back side of the animal, above the butt, where it sits on a fat cap. It's mostly used for churrasco – the meat is first grilled, then sliced off of a skewer. This cut holds very little fat in the meat, so it must be cooked perfectly in order not to make it tough. In Brazil, every churrasco has picanha, and all of the best churrascarias feature picanha on their menus. The name picanha is derived from the word picana, referring to the ranchers' pole used for herding cattle in Portugal and Spain. The technique was brought over to Brazil where the word picanha was used to refer to the part of the cow that was poked by ranchers with the pole.

Mochi, the tiny cakes made out of glutinous rice, are an important part of Japanese cuisine and culture. The preparation of mochi starts with a time-consuming process of pounding boiled or steamed rice, usually the glutinous mochigome variety until it forms into a thick and homogenous paste. Later it is rolled and shaped into small circular forms. Although its origins might be in China, mochi has been associated with Japan for centuries. It initially appeared during the Yayoi period, when it was only enjoyed by the aristocracy, up until the Heian period, when it became a food that was commonly prepared and served during religious festivities, as people believed it brings fortune and health. Mochi can be incorporated in savory dishes, usually soups and snacks, but most commonly it is made into a confectionery item. In its dessert form, mochi is usually dressed up with food coloring, creating a myriad of delightful color combinations. The most common confectionery is referred to as daifuku - round cakes filled with different ingredients such as the traditional red bean paste, strawberries, or ice cream. Due to its chewy texture, it is important to be extra careful and attentive while eating mochi and to take tiny bites of this glutinous treat.

Also known as the full breakfast, this traditional British dish appears everywhere with a few essentials and some regional additions. First, there is the meat – usually a combination of sausages and bacon. The sausage is plain pork sausage, while the bacon can be streaky or back bacon. Then there are vegetables and legumes – baked beans and tomatoes, both cooked over high heat. The balance of sweetness and acidity in the tomatoes nicely balances out the fattiness on the other side of the plate. Lastly, there is a crispy piece of fried bread and two or three over-easy eggs to tie the whole meal together. Alongside this hearty breakfast, you will usually find a cup of tea, ketchup or brown sauce, and a nice fruit jam. Optionally, black pudding, kidneys, mushrooms, and potatoes can be added to the fry-up, depending on personal taste and regional preferences. Although it is traditionally a breakfast dish, a full English breakfast is more than hearty enough to serve as a mid-day meal.

A traditional pastry dessert with a rich and vivid history, apfelstrudel (apple strudel) is one of Austria's most popular delicacies. This sweet treat consists of thin layers of dough filled with a flavorful apple filling. Its story starts with the invention of baklava, a filo pastry popular in the Balkans and the Middle East. Since baklava requires very thin dough, similar to strudel, the technique was likely perfected by either the Ottomans or the Greeks. It is believed that strudel arrived in Hungary first, then Austria, due to the fact that the Ottomans had constant interactions with the Habsburgs. The oldest known recipe for strudel dates back to 1696, while other varieties, such as the apple strudel recipe, date back to the 1800s. Some claim that the dish was invented in Vienna for the Emperor of Austria and the rest of high society. Depending on the recipe, the filling may additionally include raisins, cinnamon, rum, and nuts such as almonds or walnuts. It is recommended to serve the strudel warm, straight from the oven, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or vanilla sauce.

Popularly known as Spain's greatest food invention, these small finger foods are usually accompanied by a few drinks at lunchtime or in the early evening, led by the philosophy "eat when you drink, drink when you eat." The name originates from the Spanish verb tapar, which means to cover, and the dish stems from the region of Andalusia where drinkers would cover their glasses with slices of bread or meat to keep out the dust and flies. Today, the popularity of tapas has brought them across the borders of Spain, and tapas bars can now be found in nearly every developed country. Classic tapas were all about shellfish, originally consisting of a few olives, mussels, or anchovies served on a tiny plate. Today, however there is no end to the variety in modern tapas, which can be assembled from almost any type of ingredient served in small portions, with virtually no rules as to what goes with what. In southern Spain, tapas include shellfish, squid, eggs, shrimp, mixed breaded seafood, and fried fish marinated in saffron. Tapas in the north often consist of béchamel-based croquettes and battered prawns, while Madrid loves tripe, anchovies cured in vinegar, and ham tapas. Other common varieties include olives, meatballs, stuffed mussels, green peppers, cured cheeses, and thinly sliced salted cod. Regardless of the variety, tapas are a staple in Spain, amazing bar food worldwide, a way of eating, and a way of living.

The carbonara we know today is prepared by simply tossing spaghetti with guanciale (cured pork jowl), egg yolks, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Despite its simplicity, this dish remains one of Rome's favorites, equally popular throughout the country. Even though carbonara is considered a typical Roman dish today, its origins are quite vague and often disputed. The name is said to have been derived from the carbonari, woodcutters and charcoal-makers who lived in the Appenine mountains northeast of Rome, and who supposedly cooked their pasta over a hardwood charcoal fire and tossed it with eggs and cheese. Another popular theory claims that carbonara was invented after the liberation of Rome in 1944, when food shortages were so severe that Allied troops distributed bacon and powdered eggs, which the local population would then mix with water to make pasta sauce.

Often referred to as Argentina's unofficial national dish, milanesa is a humble, yet delicious meal consisting of a breaded slice of prime beef that is fried in hot oil, curling up as it cooks, due to the fact that the chosen cuts of meat have less fat and sinew than other cuts. The dish shares many similarities with the Austrian Wiener schnitzel and the American chicken fried steak. However, milanesa has its roots in Italy, and the original dish has been traced to the city of Milan and the famous cotoletta alla milanese. Some claim that the best milanesa in Buenos Aires will always be prepared at home, cooked by someone's mother, although many restaurants also have it on their menus. For the pure, basic experience, it is enough to squeeze some lemon juice over it, but it is often served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or french fries, while one of the most popular varieties is called a caballo (on horseback), where a fried egg is placed on top of the meat.

Golfeados is the Venezuelan take on famous cinnamon rolls. This cheesy, sticky pastry typically consists of milk, yeast, sugar, flour, eggs, butter, and grated cheese. It is flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and star anise. Halfway through the baking, golfeados are glazed with melado – a simple syrup based on panela. As a result, these pastries are slightly crunchy on the exterior, while the interior remains soft, cheesy, and buttery. It is recommended to serve golfeados with a cup of robust coffee.

These small, round, sweet meringue-based cookie sandwiches with filling in the middle are light and crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle. Macarons, which first appeared in Italy in 1533 (albeit without the filling), got their name from the Italian word maccherone, which means fine dough. They were originally made for the marriage of the Duke of Orléans, who later became King Henry II of France. Food historians credit Pierre Desfontaines as the inventor of the macaron. He was the first to fill the cookies with a creamy ganache and stick them together, turning the humble almond cookie into the versatile treat we know today. Macarons are the most popular type of cookie in Paris, but they are popular throughout the rest of the world as well, and they appear with different fillings and in various sizes, colors, and flavors.

Tombik döner or gobit kebab is a variety of döner kebab where the shredded meat is stuffed in a bun-shaped flatbread known as pide ekmek. The bread has a crispy exterior and a soft interior. This dish is typically served with additional ingredients, depending on the customer's choice, such as tomatoes, onions, lettuce, or other assorted vegetables and sauces.

Espetada is a traditional Portuguese dish and a specialty of the island of Madeira. It consists of big pieces of beef that are marinated in salt and garlic, then skewered on a bay leaf stick. The stick is placed over hot coals until the meat is properly cooked. It is the most popular dish to serve at picnics or parties in Madeira. Espetada is often served with the skewer hung vertically from a hook, so that the flavorful juices can drip down onto a plate filled with thick-sliced, crusty bread. Pork, sausages, and squid can all act as a substitute for beef in espetada, but then it is not a typical Madeira dish anymore. Since it is a great summer dish, it is recommended to pair espetada with a glass of cold sangria.