Skip to Content

International Dinner Ideas

International Dinner IdeasThere is something about getting out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to trying delicious food. We’ve gathered inspiration from all over the world to bring you our family-favorite International Dinner Ideas, and this list includes many of the top 10 international dishes; can you guess which ones they are?

A cover image for international dinner ideas.

INTERNATIONAL DINNER IDEAS

Looking for International Dinner Ideas to spice up your mealtime routine or entertain guests?Join us is making dinner around the world without leaving the kitchen.

AUSTRIA

1. Rindsgulasch

A scoop of Rindsgulasch shown over the Dutch oven filled to the brim with the same.

Thick cuts of tender beef simmer to perfection in a rich and flavorful gravy infused with traditional hot and sweet paprika and peppery caraway. Our recipe for Rindsgulasch delivers everything you crave in a classic dish!

COLUMBIA

2. Sudado De Pollo

Sudado De Pollo in a Dutch oven.

Juicy chicken and fork-tender potatoes stew in a fragrant, tomato-based broth to make Sudado de Pollo. This soothing Colombian Chicken Stew simmers on low heat for just 30 minutes!

CUBA

3. Beef Picadillo

Beef picadillo on a plate black beans.

Enjoy our take on classic Cuban Beef Picadillo. Simmer seasoned ground beef, hearty potatoes, and salty olives in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Picadillo takes 40 minutes to make, and it’s a great addition to casseroles, soup, or filling for pastries like empanadas. For another variation of the meal, try Mexican Picadillo Con Papas.

4. Boliche

Roast sliced in a serving tray with petite potatoes and gravy.

Experience the flavors of Cuba with our Boliche Mechado, a savory pot roast stuffed with chorizo and slow-braised in sofrito and red wine; the traditional dish cooks to perfection in the oven, allowing the chorizo’s flavorful fat to infuse the beef.

5. Ropa Vieja

International Dinner Ideas
Photo Credit: A Gypsy Plate

Ropa Vieja, Cuba’s national dish, is slow-cooked tender shredded beef in an amazingly flavorful sauce. Since the meat is fall-apart tender, it makes the perfect topping for rice, tacos, or sandwiches.

GAMBIA

6. Domoda

International dinner ideas18
Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic

Domoda is a hearty and nutritious West African peanut stew with layers of flavor; spicy and sweet, this stew is loaded with savory goodness.

GERMANY

7. German Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls

International dinner ideas 5
Photo Credit: Where is my Spoon

Traditional German Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls are filled with flavorful minced meat and topped with a comforting white sauce and boiled potatoes.

GEORGIA

8. Chikhirtma

A single serving of chikhirtma garnished with red chili flakes, dill, and cilantro.

Cozy up with a piping hot bowl of Chikhirtma- our Georgian chicken soup combines tart lemon, tangy dill, and creamy egg yolks to create a velvety, smooth broth to complement the chicken and vegetables. We are big soup lovers, and just like the old book series from the 90s, this chicken soup is good for the soul. While you’re thinking about soup, try our Beef and Barley Soup and our Zuppa Toscana Instant Pot Copycat.

GREECE

9. Greek Gyros

International dinner ideas 6
Photo Credit: Christinas Cocina

Homemade Greek Gyros are SO easy to make at home (baked in a loaf tin)! You’ll see that you can re-create these yummy Mediterranean delights in your own kitchen!

10. Greek Spaghetti

international dinner ideas26
Photo Credit: Simply Scrumptious

Quick Greek Spaghetti is a flavorful dish ready in less than 30 minutes and cooked in one pot,  a pasta recipe the whole family will love.

GUATAMALA

11. Pepián de Pollo

International dinner ideas14
Photo Credit: A Taste for Travel

This velvety chicken stew is the ultimate Guatemalan comfort food! Often considered the national dish of Guatemala, Pepián De Pollo features tender chicken pieces in a lightly-spiced tomato, toasted pumpkin seed and chile sauce.

HUNGARY

12. Hungarian Goulash

international dinner ideas2
Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Traditional ingredients like thick chunks of beef stew meat, bell peppers, chopped carrots, thick-cut potatoes, and tomatoes are the highlights of this Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash recipe.

13. Hungarian Stuffed Peppers

international dinner ideas16
Photo Credit: Peters Food Adventure

Hungarian Stuffed Peppers (töltött paprika) are easy to make and full of flavor! It’s summertime and that means my garden is overflowing with lots of sweet Paprika peppers.

INDIA

14. Authentic Chana Masala Recipe

Channa Masala in a serving bowl topped with chopped cilantro.

Our Authentic Chana Masala Recipe takes 40 minutes to make; serve the chickpea dish as a stand-alone meal or as a tasty side.

15. Butter Chicken Masala

Butter chicken masala in a saute pan.

Tender pieces of chicken cook in a robust, fragrant, and creamy curry to make flavorful restaurant-style Butter Chicken Masala made right at home.

16. Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Grilled tandoori chicken with onion, cilantro, and raita.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken is tender and juicy on the inside while maintaining a nice char on the outside, and it has all the eye-catching colors you expect from restaurant-style Tandoori Chicken. Ours is coated in a homemade tandoori marinade and cooked on the grill to smoky perfection. And if you’re wondering What to Serve with Tandoori Chicken we’ve collected an incredible list of side dishes to go along with it.

17. Masoor Dal

A bowl of Instant pot masoor dal served over basmati rice.

Fennel, coriander, turmeric, and mustard add flavor to our Instant Pot Masoor Dal. Lentils combine with creamy coconut, spinach, and lime juice for a protein-rich meal that’s ready and on your table in 30 minutes! We serve ours with vegetable pakora and Basmati Rice.

18. Authentic Goan Chicken Vindaloo

internation dinner ideas4
Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry

Authentic Goan Chicken Vindaloo made in the Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot. Enjoy this dairy-free and gluten-free Chicken Vindaloo with rice or naan for a satisfying dinner!

INDONESIA

19. Ayam Serundeng

International dinner ideas22
Photo Credit: Cook Eat World

Indonesian Ayam Serundeng might well be one of their most strangely addictive exports. Fragrant fried chicken is dusted (or buried) in some of the most moreish crispy, crunchy deep fried coconut ever – I find it very hard to stop. You will too… learn how the magic happens.

IRAN

20. Koobideh Kabob

Fresh kabob koobideh off of the grill is ready to be served.

Flavored with onion, salt, pepper, and that’s about it, Koobideh Kabob cooked over open flame is truly a labor of love.

ITALY

21. Baked Chicken Thighs in Salmoriglio Sauce

Baked chicken with salmoriglio sauce served alongside a house caesar salad.

Baked Chicken Thighs are a must-have in your dinner rotation, and why not try them with salmoriglio sauce? Our oven-baked take on the grilled classic, chicken salmoriglio, gets its name from the simple sauce it cooks with; this baked chicken thigh recipe is a prime example of Sicilian cuisine. It is flavorful, fresh, and light. 

22. Sausage Gnocchi Bake

international dinner ideas 7
Photo Credit: Get on My Plate

This Easy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Bake is a perfect, veggie-filled meal for busy weeknights! Lots of fresh veggies are baked with Italian sausage, herbs and spices, and fresh gnocchi. You can mix and match the veggies and bake this on a sheet pan for an easy, no-fuss dinner everyone will love!

23. Vegan Pasta al Limone

international dinner ideas20
Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine

A classic Italian pasta dish with the creamiest lemon sauce! This Vegan Pasta al Limone recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, allergy-free, and still so simple and easy to make! This authentic Southern Italian pasta sauce is cheesy, buttery, tangy, super creamy, and comes together in one pan for a quick and delicious meal ready in 10 minutes!

24. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

international dinner ideas24
Photo Credit: Mae’s World

Also known as Gnocchi al Forno, these cheesy baked potato dumplings are the ultimate Italian comfort food! You don’t have to work hard for the comfort, either: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is easy to make and ready in a snap!

IVORY COAST

25. Kedjenou

A serving dish of kedjenou.

Kedjenou Poulet is a mouth-watering chicken stew from West Africa that’s bursting with flavor. Much like Sudado de Pollo, the stew is left untouched, allowing the meat to slowly braise in its own juices with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. The result is a highly concentrated, intensely savory stew that’s sure to become a family favorite.

JAMAICA

26. Jamaican Chicken Fricassee

A serving dish of Jamaican chicken fricassee topped with chopped scallions and bowl of rice and peas next to it.

Jerk-seasoned chicken thighs brown, then simmer with vegetables, spices, and herbs to make our classic Jamaican Chicken Fricassee recipe; the result is juicy chicken thighs served in a flavorful thickened gravy.

27. Roasted Jerk Chicken

Roasted jerk chicken on a serving plate.

Prepared in the oven, our Roasted Jerk Chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe is easy to follow and cooks in under an hour, but don’t let the simplicity fool you- this chicken is full of flavor!

28. Jamaican Curry Goat

Internationl dinner ideas8
Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry

Looking for the easiest Jamaican Curry Goat recipe? You have found it!! You need one pot, minimal time and effort and a few spices to whip up this popular Caribbean Curry. 

KOREA

29. Tteokbokki

cropped-tteokbokki5-scaled-1.jpeg

Our tasty Korean Tteokbokki is an easy comfort meal made with spicy rice cakes and umami-rich sauce; this recipe comes together in 30 minutes!

30. Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae

A single serving of vegetarian kimchi jjigae topped with scallions.

 Marked by a deep, red broth, our Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae is spicy and full of flavor! Thick cuts of firm tofu absorb the gochujang, gochugaru, and umami-rich broth.

31. Kimchi Bokkeumbap

international dinner ideas21
Photo Credit: Greedy Girl Gourmet

Kimchi Bokkeumbap, or Korean fried rice with kimchi, is so easy and delicious, it’s often whipped up as a hangover meal in a Korean household and can be made perfectly the first time. Plus, it’s done in 15 minutes if you have leftover rice around!

MEXICO

32. Instant Pot Carnitas

Garnish our Instant Pot Carnitas with onion and cilantro.

Fill a warm corn tortilla with our deliciously flavored pork shoulder and top it with fresh cilantro and red onion for restaurant-style Instant Pot Carnitas street tacos you can make in the comfort of your own home.

33. Pozole Rojo

A single serving of pozole rojo garnished with fresh cilantro and red onion.

Authentic Pozole Rojo is a rich stew made from tender pork, hominy, and a savory chili-based broth. Pile your bowl high with fresh toppings like radishes, cilantro, cabbage, onions, and Mexican oregano. 

34. Carne Deshebrada 

international meal ideas17
Photo Credit: In Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This amazingly tender and flavorful Carne Deshebrada recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, and more! The shredded beef comes out so juicy and so delicious.

MOROCCO

35. Beef and Chickpea Stew

A single serving of beef and chickpea stew topped with yogurt and ready to be served.

Beef and Chickpea Stew is protein-rich and layered with warm spices to capture the savory taste of Morocco. Fragrant spices highlight the hearty beef, chickpeas, and carrots in our savory beef and chickpea stew.

36. Moroccan Meatballs

Moroccan meatballs are ready to serve in a serving bowl.

Everyone needs a go-to meatball recipe, and these Moroccan Meatballs or kefta are mine! Warmly spiced meatballs simmer in a tomato-based sauce flavored with onion, garlic, ginger, and dates. 

37. Zaalouk

Zaalouk topped with parsley and olive oil and served with fresh bread or pita.

A few simple ingredients are all you need to make zaalouk, a simple Moroccan-style cooked salad made from roasted eggplant, fresh tomato, and warm spices. We love eggplant in our home, and like our Yuxiang Eggplant, this recipe comes together quickly and has complex and irresistible flavor! This salad is often served with bread and can be eaten hot or cold.

PALESTINE

38. Musakhan

international dinner ideas3
Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Musakhan (Sumac Roasted Chicken) is the national dish of Palestine and a true comfort dish. Juicy slow-cooked chicken is flavored with lemony sumac, smothered in soft onions, and topped with crunchy pine nuts.

PAKISTAN

39. Aloo Keema

A single serving of aloo keema with basmati rice and garnished with cilantro and ginger.

Our one-pot, homestyle Aloo Keema is a made with ground beef and potatoes sautéed in tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, and warm spices. We serve ours with naan, roti, or Basmati Rice.

40. Chicken Karahi

Chicken Karahi on a plate topped with cilantro and served with green chilies.

Our Pakistani Chicken Karahi or chicken Kadai is a thick, tomato-based curry with fresh ginger, garlic, and green chilies like the street-style dish found in dhabas all over Pakistan and North India. Bring home the same restaurant flavor with our easy recipe for authentic tomato-based chicken karahi. We serve ours with roti, chapati, or Basmati Rice.

41. Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani in a serving dish.

Treat yourself to mouth-watering biryani without setting aside most of your day to make it; our quick Instant Pot Chicken Biryani cooks in one hour and combines chicken, long-grained Basmati Rice, caramelized onion, and warm spices! 

42. Nihari

Nihari on a plate garnished with ginger, onion, and chilis with naan in the background.

Enjoy this slow-simmered stew made with succulent beef shanks and marrow bones spiced with homemade nihari masala. The ghee separates as it cooks, resulting in silky and mouthwatering Nihari. We pair ours with fresh naan to complete the meal. Like Paya Soup, Pakistani beef stew is filling and perfect for the cool winter months.

PORTUGAL

43. Caldo Verde

International dinner ideas11
Photo Credit: Homemade Interest

Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes, and a little chouriço on top. It’s a classic comfort food that makes a delicious weeknight dinner.

SICHUAN

44. Chongqing Chicken

Chongqing Chicken on a plate topped with fresh scallions.

Chongqing Chicken or Chongqing Laziji combines shallow-fried chicken with fragrant dried chilies and mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns, resulting in irresistibly juicy and flavorful chicken.

SPAIN

45. Paella

International dinner ideas20
Photo Credit: Chocolates and Chai

Paella may be one of the most popular rice recipes coming from Spain. And Paella Valenciana is amongst the most popular variations! This one pot paella recipe is brought together with a wonderfully hearty mix of chicken and seafood.

SWEDEN

46. IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe

A saute pan full of IKEA Swedish meatballs.

IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe comes together with hand-mixed meatballs and a béchamel sauce flavored with beef broth, fresh parsley, dried dill, and Worcestershire. Complete the meal with one of these sides in our collection of What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs.

THAI

47. Shrimp Panang Curry

Shrimp panang curry in a bowl with basil.

Creamy, tangy, and sweet, our Shrimp Panang Curry pairs with perfectly steamed jasmine rice for a tasty, easy-to-make weeknight meal!

48. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

international dinner ideas15
Photo Credit: Mission Food Adventure

This classic Thai pineapple Fried Rice includes succulent shrimp, juicy pineapple, plump raisins, and fragrant curry powder! It will satisfy your craving for takeout at a fraction of the price.

49. Vegan Thai Green Curry

International dinner ideas13
Photo Credit: Vegan Huggs

Vegan Thai Green Curry is a fragrant and flavorful one-pan dish that is crammed with wholesome vegetables and tofu simmered in a rich and creamy green sauce! 

TURKEY

50. Piyaz

Piyaz in a serving dish.

Fasulye Piyaz, combines simple ingredients for a perfect side to serve alongside any main dish. Prepare the salad ahead of time, and easily adjust it to your taste. Serve piyaz as a healthy main course or side dish. You can also include it in a meze platter with other small plates like SkhugButter Bean Hummus, köfte, and çoban salatasi. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free!

51. Tantuni

Over the top view of the cut-section of a tantuni wrap.

Tantuni is a famous Turkish street food comprised of thinly sliced lamb, ripe tomatoes, and bright Sumac Onions; serve the wrap on warm lavash for comfort food perfection.

52. Stuffed Eggplant Karnıyarık

international dinner ideas9
Photo Credit: Give Recipe

Turkish Stuffed Eggplant Karnıyarık is a fantastic healthy dinner. These are ground beef stuffed eggplants packed with flavors. The recipe is very easy to make and can even be made in advance to save you time. It is freezer friendly too!

UKRAINE

53. Borscht

International dinner ideas19
Photo Credit: Hilda’s Kitchen Blog

Borscht is loaded with veggies and flavor. The striking red color is achieved with beets, which not only make this dish gorgeous, but also loaded with nutrition!

VIETNAM

54. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken 

Caramelized Vietnamese lemongrass chicken topped with cilantro and serrano chilis.

One pan, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken cooks in a sticky-sweet base of coconut water, caramelized shallots, lemongrass, and ginger; garnish with fresh cilantro and serrano chilies to complement the sweet and delicious chicken recipe. We serve ours with fresh rice and nuac cham for a meal that’s ready and on your table in 45 minutes!

55. Crock Pot Chicken Pho

international dinner ideas12
Photo Credit: Crock Pot Chicken Pho

With your slow cooker, you can make your own Vietnamese noodle soup! Our Crock Pot Chicken Pho is our take on this classic with an incredibly flavorful broth but with a little added nutrition from fresh bok choy. Making this Asian chicken noodle soup at home is easier than you may think!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the most popular international food?

It’s hard to determine the most popular international food since it varies depending on region, culture, and personal preference. However, some food is globally treasured, like pizza, sushi, pasta, and tacos. Many international cuisines have gained widespread popularity due to their convenience and accessibility; Chinese takeout, Indian curry, and Thai stir-fry are a few examples.

What are the best dinners in the world?

This question comes up a lot, and it’s a matter of preference. However, there is no denying that there are countless international recipes many would consider some of the most beloved dinners in the world.

1. Italian: Spaghetti Carbonara, Lasagna (try our Zucchini Lasagna), Linguine with Clams
2. French: Coq Au Vin, Beef Bourguignon, Ratatouille
3. Japanese: Sushi, Ramen, Katsu Curry
4. Indian: Chicken Tikka masala, Butter Chicken Masala, Biryani
5. Thai: Green Curry, Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup
6. Mexican: Tacos, Enchiladas, Fajitas
7. Spanish: Paella, Tapas, Tortilla de Patatas
8. Greek: Moussaka, Souvlaki, Gyros
9. Middle Eastern: Shawarma, Kabobs, Falafel
10. Chinese: Kung Pao, Dim Sum, Dumplings, and Fried Rice

What is an international dish?

An international dish is a type of food that is popular across different cultures and countries around the world. International dishes often have a diverse range of ingredients and flavors that reflect the unique cultural traditions and cuisines of their origin. Some examples of international dishes include pizza, sushi, tacos, curry, stir-fry, and pasta.

SIDES FOR INTERNATIONAL DINNER IDEAS

MORE INTERNATIONAL DINNER IDEAS

If you’re still looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a more of our easy international dinner recipes. So why not take your taste buds on a journey around the world and try something new tonight?

Feedback is Valuable!

It helps us improve and update our recipes and articles to provide helpful information and delicious meals you love. Consider leaving a comment letting us know what you’ve made, what you’re excited to try, and if we’re missing a recipe you’d like to see.