Craving something beyond your usual rotation of recipes? Let your kitchen become your passport. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can bring the bold, nuanced flavors of the world into your home—no plane ticket required.
These 10 globally inspired dishes offer a flavorful glimpse into regional culinary traditions and are all approachable enough for the curious home cook. Bonus: You can find many ingredients at mainstream grocers or online—and save more using cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta.
- Shakshuka (North Africa / Middle East)
A one-pan dish of eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, shakshuka is hearty, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying. Finish with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and crusty bread.
Key ingredients: Harissa, paprika, tomatoes, bell peppers
Get inspired: Ottolenghi’s shakshuka
- Japchae (South Korea)
A celebration of textures, japchae is a stir-fried glass noodle dish made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and beef or tofu.
Key ingredients: Dangmyeon noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, mushrooms
Where to shop: Korean markets or H Mart
- Butter Chicken (India)
Velvety and rich, butter chicken (murgh makhani) is a great introduction to Indian cuisine. Serve with basmati rice and naan.
Key ingredients: Garam masala, tomato puree, cream, fenugreek
- Tagliatelle al Ragù (Italy)
True Italian ragù isn’t just “spaghetti with meat sauce.” This slow-simmered Bolognese clings to wide ribbons of fresh pasta.
Key ingredients: Ground beef and pork, soffritto, milk, wine
- Ceviche (Peru)
This citrus-cured seafood dish is bright, clean, and ideal for warm weather. Traditionally made with firm white fish, lime, red onion, and chili.
Key ingredients: Sea bass or snapper, limes, red onion, aji amarillo
- Ratatouille (France)
This Provencal vegetable stew is a rustic yet elegant way to celebrate seasonal produce. Best served with fresh bread or over couscous.
Key ingredients: Eggplant, zucchini, tomato, thyme
- Okonomiyaki (Japan)
Savory and endlessly customizable, okonomiyaki is a cabbage-based pancake topped with mayo, bonito flakes, and sweet-savory sauce.
Key ingredients: Cabbage, flour, dashi, kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce
Make it like this: Just One Cookbook Okonomiyaki
Specialty ingredients: Umami Insider
- Tacos al Pastor (Mexico)
Traditionally cooked on a spit, this street food favorite can be adapted for stovetop or grill using pork marinated in achiote, pineapple, and chili.
Key ingredients: Pork shoulder, achiote paste, pineapple, guajillo chilies
- Chicken Tagine (Morocco)
Fragrant with preserved lemon, olives, and warm spices, this North African stew is traditionally cooked in a tagine pot, but a Dutch oven works beautifully too.
Key ingredients: Chicken thighs, preserved lemons, green olives, saffron
- Vietnamese Pho
This comforting beef noodle soup is all about the broth—infused with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Key ingredients: Beef bones, rice noodles, fish sauce, aromatics
Bonus Tip: Save on Ingredients with Cashback
Many specialty ingredients—from tahini to rice noodles—are available at mainstream retailers like Target, Walmart, Instacart, and Amazon. Save while shopping:
- Use Fluz to buy discounted gift cards and earn cashback at stores like Target, Instacart, and Walmart
- Pair with digital coupons or Ibotta rebates for deeper savings
- Get Fluz Gift Cards here
Cooking globally doesn’t mean it’s complicated. With the right staples, simple techniques, and a little culinary curiosity, you can explore the world through flavor—right from your own kitchen.
Which dish will you try first?
