International Dinner Ideas– There 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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Skhug, Butter Bean Hummus, köfte, and çoban salatasi. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free!
51. Tantuni
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
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
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
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
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
- Air Fryer Plantains
- Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Basmati Rice
- Irish Soda Bread without Buttermilk
- Jamaican Rice and Peas
- Kelewele (How to Cook Plantains)
- Keto Yorkshire Puddings
- Pad Pak
- Pressgurka
- Vegan Mexican Rice
- Yuxiang Eggplant
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?
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