Top 10 Spanish Foods To Try

DISH # 08 SPANISH BEAN STEW

Spain is home to a wide variety of interesting beans and legumes, and certain regions are famous for particular types, for example the dried large white beans of Basque town of Tolosa even holds a week-long festival in November in honour of the local renown bean,alubias de Tolosa. Around the country you can find different regional bean stews known as fabada, that involve cooking the beans slowly with a mixture of meats – such as chorizo pancetta, black sausage and so on – depending on the region. The hearty Asturian version, fabada asturiana, is widely available in restaurants across Spain and commonly eaten in winter; Madrid's cocido adds vegetables and cabbage to a tasty mix of sausages and chic peas.

Here is the recipe of Spanish Bean Stew.

Top 10 Spanish Foods To Try

DISH # 09 SPANISH CHICKEN PAELLA

This rice-based Valencian dish is well known internationally, and comes in many variations that equally vie for attention. The traditional version is a mixture of chicken or rabbit (or both), white and green beans and other vegetables, but mixed seafood is also common, where you will find an array of seafood suprises among the flavoursome rice – calamari, mussels, clams, prawns, scampi or fish, for example. For the adventurous, a black rice stained by octopus ink is a must try. Fiduea is also tasty, and uses a small curly pasta instead of rice.

Here is the recipe of Spanish Chicken Paella.

Top 10 Spanish Foods To Try

DISH # 10 SPANISH TINTO DE VERANO

Spain's cheap variation of sangria, tinto de verano, is quite simply a red-wine spritzer. Refreshing and delicious, this concoction is my go-to drink when I'm in the mood for something light. This easily drinkable cocktail is a delightful alternative to beer and wine.

Here is the recipe of Spanish Tinto De Verano.

Thai Top 10 Foods To Try

DISH # 01 THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD

This green papaya salad, also known as "som tam", is popular the world over, and when you taste it you'll know why. The slightly tart flavor of the green papaya combines wonderfully with the spice of red chili and the saltiness of fish sauceand the sweetness of honey (note that it can also be made vegetarian/vegan - see recipe). Green papaya salad is a beautifully unique and flavor-filled dish that will make a great impression. It's also easy to make, low-calorie, and very nutritious.

Here is the recipe of Thai Green Papaya Salad.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 02 PHAT THAI

Invented in the 1930s by a Chinese-Thai chef, this dish of thin rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu and shrimp, and seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, tamarind, vinegar and dried chilli has subsequently reigned as the poster boy for Thai cuisine.

Here is the recipe of Phat Thai.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 03 THAI MINCED CHICKEN SALAD

Thailand’s northeast in one rustic dish; laap (also known as larb or larp) takes the form of minced meat seasoned with roasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce and fresh herbs. Be sure to eat it with sticky rice, short, fat grains of rice that are steamed and eaten by hand.

Here is the recipe of Thai Minced Chicken Salad.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 04 THAI TOM YUM SOUP

This herb-forward broth is often referred to in English-language menus as 'sour Thai soup'. The shrimp version – tom yam kung – is the most lauded, and justifiably so: the combination of fatty prawns and a tart/spicy soup result in an unusual but delicious and distinctly Thai amalgam.

Here is the recipe of Thai Tom Yum Soup.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 05 THAI CHICKEN KAO SOI

When in Thailand’s north, don’t miss this unique, curry-based noodle soup. Typically revolving around chicken or beef, the optional sides of lime, sliced shallots and crunchy pickled greens provide a pleasing contrast with the rich, spice-laden, coconut milk-based broth and soft, squiggly wheat-and-egg noodles.

Here is the recipe of Thai Chicken Khao Soi.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 06 THAI PHAT KAPHRAO

This street food staple combines meat flash-fried with holy basil (the eponymous kaphrao) and a generous helping of fresh chilli and garlic. Served over rice and often crowned with a fried egg, it’s the epitome of the Thai-style one dish meal.

Here is the recipe of Thai Phat Kaphrao.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 07 THAI GREEN CHICKEN CURRY

For Thai food novices, there’s probably no better starting point than this intersection of a piquant/herbal spice paste and rich coconut milk. Remember to do as the Thais and couple the curry with a plate of jasmine rice – it’s not meant to be eaten on its own as a soup.

Here is the recipe of Thai Green Chicken Curry.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 08 THAI YAM SALAD

As a side dish or drinking snack, you’re bound to encounter this ubiquitous Thai 'salad' that combines meat or seafood with a tart/spicy dressing and fresh herbs.  A good introduction to the genre is yam wun sen, slinky glass noodles paired with minced pork and shrimp.

Here is the recipe of Thai Yam Salad.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 09 THAI KAI YANG

Thai-style grilled chicken owes its fame to the people of the country’s northeast, who marinate the bird in a unique mixture of fish sauce, coriander root and garlic. Couple the bird with sticky rice and green papaya salad, and you have one of Thailand’s most legendary meals.

Here is recipe of Thai Kai Yang.

Top 10 Thai Foods To Try

DISH # 10 THAI FRIED RICE

For many Thai people, fried rice is comfort food. The variations are endless, and the dish is often the result of improvisation, but a staple at seafood restaurants across the country is the simple but delicious khao phat puu, rice fried with hearty chunks of crab and egg.

Here is the recipe of Thai Fried Rice.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 01 ITALIAN CHICKEN PARMIGAINA

A classic dish that also works as a sub sandwich. Virtually anything breaded and deep-fried with melted cheese is going to be a hit.

Here is the recipe of Italian Chicken Parmigain.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 02 ITALIAN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

One of the heavier Italian sauces, a creamy alfredo sauce sticks best to wide noodles like fettuccini. While store-bought packages don't do the dish justice, one can find the best alfredo-style sauces at Al Fresco Ristorante at 11710 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News.

Here is the recipe of Italian Fettuccine Alfredo.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 03 ITALIAN LASAGNA

A classic dish, lasagna is a conglomeration of ingredients that reflect the taste of the person making it. The best lasagnas are home-made and include plenty of ground beef, sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesean cheeses.

Here is the recipe of Italian Lasagna.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH  # 04 LINGUINE WITH CLAM SAUCE

Clam sauces vary, but the best examples of this dish come in a garlic and oil sauce and use whole clams. Il Giardino's at 910 Atlantic Ave. has Linguine alla Vongole, the best local take on this meal.

Here is the recipe of Linguine With Clam Sauce.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 05 ITALIAN VEAL MARSALA

A good marsala wine sauce is loaded with mushrooms and scallions. However, the thought of veal turns some people off and chicken can be too boring. A refreshing twist to this dish is a sirloin marsala, offered by Carraba's Italian Grill at 12363 Hornsby Ln. in Newport News.

Here is the recipe of  Italian Veal Marsala.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 06 ITALIAN CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA

"Saltimbocca" is a combination of Italian terms that means, "jumps into one's mouth." Most of these dishes combine a meat, such as chicken, with prosciutto ham, spinach, and mozzarella cheese. Luigi's Italian Restaurant at 15400 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News has the best saltimbocca dishes.

Here is the recipe of Italian Chicken Saltimbocca.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 07 ITALIAN PASTA PRIMAVERA

One of the most well-known Italian vegetarian dishes. "Primavera" means springtime and can include any combination of vegetables over pasta in a variety of sauces. Olive Garden's Shrimp Primavera is a tasty deviation from this traditionally veggie dish.

Here is the recipe of Italian Pasta Primavera.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 08 ITALIAN SHIRMP FRA DIAVOLO

Italian food with a kick. "Diavolo" is Italian for devil and this style of red sauce relies on crushed red pepper and garlic. The best fra diavolo sauces are made at home, as the person cooking can decide how spicy to make the dish.

Here is the recipe of Italian Shrimp Fra Diavolo.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 09 PENNE ALLA VODKA

Vodka sauces have become popular in recent years. Usually a mixture of marinara and a cream sauce with basil and a shot of vodka, a reddish vodka sauce is a savory experience. The best vodka sauce is made at Amalfi Ristorante at 2010 Colley Ave. in Norfolk.


Here is the recipe of Penne Alla Vodka.

Top 10 Italian Foods To Try

DISH # 10 SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO SUACE

Don't forget the old mainstay. This dish is simple, inexpensive and has a number of options to add, including meatballs, mushrooms, broccoli, sausage, or ground beef. Spaghetti with tomato sauce is quick and simple enough to be made at home any time.

Here is the recipe of Spaghetii With Tomato Sauce.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

DISH # 01 MEXICAN CHILAQUILES

This popular traditional breakfast dish features lightly fried corn tortillas cut into quarters and topped with green or red salsa (the red is slightly spicier). Scrambled or fried eggs and pulled chicken are usually added on top, as well as cheese and cream. Chilaquiles are often served with a healthy dose of frijoles (refried beans).

Here is the recipe of Mexican Chilaquiles.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

DISH # 02 NEW MEXICAN POZOLE

According to anthropologists, this pre-Hispanic soup was once once used as part of ritual sacrifices. These days chicken, pork and vegetarian pozole versions are readily available in more everyday surroundings. Made from hominy corn with plenty of herbs and spices, the dish is traditionally stewed for hours, often overnight. Once ready to serve, lettuce, radish, onion, lime and chilli are sprinkled on top. 

Here is the recipe of New Mexican Pozole.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To T ry

DISH # 03 MEXICAN TOSTADAS

What should you do with stale tortillas? Why, fry them of course! Literally meaning toasted, tostadas are a simple but delicious dish involving corn tortillas fried in boiling oil until they become crunchy and golden. These are then served alone or piled high with any number of garnishes. Popular toppings include frijoles (refried beans), cheese, cooked meat, seafood and ceviche.

Here is the recipe of Mexican Tostadas.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

DISH # 04 MEXICAN ELOTE

You’ll find someone selling elote, the Mexican name for corn on the cob, on nearly every city street corner in Mexico. The corn is traditionally boiled and served either on a stick (to be eaten like an ice-cream) or in cups, the kernels having been cut off the cob. Salt, chilli powder, lime, butter, cheese mayonnaise and sour cream are then added in abundance.

Here is the recipe of Mexican Elote.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

DISH # 05 MEXICAN CHICKEN ENCHILADAS 

Enchiladas date back to Mayan times when people in the Valley of Mexico would eat corn tortillas wrapped around small fish. These days both corn and flour tortillas are used and are filled with meat, cheese, seafood, beans, vegetables or all of the above. The stuffed tortillas are then covered in a chilli sauce making for a perfect Mexican breakfast.

Here is the recipe of Mexican Chicken Enchiladas.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

Dish # 06 MEXICAN MOLE SAUCE

Three states claim to be the original home of mole (pronounced ‘mol-eh’), a rich sauce popular in Mexican cooking. There are myriad types of mole but all contain around 20 or so ingredients, including one or more varieties of chilli peppers, and all require constant stirring over a long period of time. Perhaps the best-known mole is mole poblano, a rusty red sauce typically served over turkey or chicken.

Here is the recipe of Mexican Mole Sauce. 

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

Dish # 07 Mexican Great Guacamole

Guacamole is undoubtedly one of Mexico’s most popular dishes but few know that this traditional sauce dates back to the time of the Aztecs. Made from mashed up avocadoes, onions, tomatoes, lemon juice and chilli peppers (and sometimes a clove or two of garlic), guacamole is often eaten with tortilla chips or used as a side dish.

Here is the recipe of  Great Guacamole.

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

Dish # 8 Mexican Pork Tamales

Tamales were first developed for the Aztec, Mayan and Inca tribes who needed nourishing food on the go to take into battle. Pockets of corn dough are stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling, wrapped in banana leaves or cornhusks and steamed. Fillings vary from meats and cheeses to fruits, vegetables, chillies and mole. Remember to discard the wrapping before eating!

Here is the recipe of Mexican Pork Tamales 

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

Dish # 9 - SLOW COOKING MEXICAN CHICKEN

Mexican foods are famous because of their spicy taste. Spicy and sweet! Tacos are great to make for a crowd or make a tasty meal for one or two.

Here is the recipe of Mexican Chicken. 

Top 10 Mexican Foods To Try

Dish # 10 - SPICY SHRIMP NACHOS

Mexican foods are famous because of their spicy taste. Spicy and sweet! The Jamaican Jerk seasoning really works here, bringing all the flavors together.Nachos are great to make for a crowd or make a tasty meal for one or two.

Here is the recipe of Spicy Shrimp Nacho