Heading out of the country and sampling international foods has been put on the back burner as of late. Luckily, you don’t even have to leave your kitchen to get a head start on enjoying some of the best dishes the world has to offer. From savory meat dishes and sweet breads, to hearty soups and fondue, keep scrolling to see some of our favorite recipes from around the world.
Hänchen-Schnitzel
Get this easy German Chicken Schnitzel on the table in no time thanks to Curious Cuisiniére's recipe! This thin-sliced chicken recipe cooks quickly and is easily served with traditional German sides, or along your fave veggies, too.
Phở
Chilly night? Time for some Vietnamese Phở! While this traditional soup can take quite some time to prepare (it's all about the broth!), this recipe from Gimme Some Oven gives some easy shortcuts that gets in on the table in 45 minutes. Kids will love putting in their own veggies and meat, while cutting their noodles with a pair of scissors.
Turkish Gozleme
Turkish gozleme is a cheese and spinach stuffed bread that is irresistible. The traditional street food can be yours by following Give Recipe, which uses a super easy dough recipe that's then packed with a savory filling and fried.
Ropa Vieja
The Daring Gourmet's Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe is so easy, it will quickly become a part of your menu rotation. Made with flank steak, veggies and lots of fragrant spices, this traditional shredded beef dish easily pairs with rice and beans—things even picky eaters like! Dinner is served.
Baked Chicken Jollof Rice
Time for a new spin on your regular chicken and rice recipe! This traditional African recipe uses Jollof rice, which is basically a blend of tomato puree and rice, and adds savory chicken and veggies. Recipes from a Pantry gives you the easy details for this baked recipe that makes dinner a breeze.
Biryani
Make sneaking in the veggies a breeze with Food Fanatic's Indian Vegetable Biryani! While this recipe does have quite the ingredient list, your kiddos will hardly notice their scarfing down carrots, green beans and peas.
Baklava
No Greek meal is complete without a slice of baklava. And while the layered dessert may seem difficult, it actually requires just a few ingredients and a little patience. Kids will love the sweet flavor and counting all those layers. Check out Spatula Desserts to see how easy it is!
Japanese Milk Bread
Also known as Hokkaido milk bread, this Japanese specialty is a soft and springy bread that has a slight sweetness. It’s the perfect weekend project since you’ll need to let it rise twice. Head to Simmer + Sauce to get the recipe.
Dumplings
Many countries have their own version of the dumpling, but Chinese dumplings are a well-known and traditional food for families to make together for Chinese New Year. Depending on the type, they may be steamed, boiled or pan-fried, with different shapes and fillings—and they’re all tasty! Introduce your kids to this easy dumpling recipe. Meat, scallions and soy sauce combine to make these savory bites, and they're simple to make with a wonton wrapper. Try making them with the sweet and salty dipping sauce on the side.
Fondue
Fondue is fun to eat, and kids will love the idea of dipping chunks of bread, meat and veggies into a big pot of gooey, melted cheese. This Swiss dish dates back to the 17th century, but we’re still digging it today! Have your own family fondue party with this recipe from Genius Kitchen. Want something a little sweeter? Try a chocolate fondue for dessert, and use fresh fruit and chunks of pound cake for dipping.
Crepes
Take an imaginary trip to Paris when you whip up a batch of these yummy paper-thin pancakes. Originating in the northwest region of the country, creperies are now found all over France and offer both sweet and savory variations. Kids can easily help by mixing up the batter and selecting the fillings: Go classic with ham and cheese or sweet sugar and lemon, or get adventurous with your own ideas. Need some inspiration? Try this easy crepe recipe by Catherine McCord of Weelicious.
Ramen
If your only experience with ramen is a ten-cent crinkly package from the grocery store, it’s time to try the real deal version of this popular Japanese dish. The nourishing broth packed with slurp-worthy noodles and endless variations of toppings is a definite kid-pleaser. Your kids can help you make this hearty version full of tofu, veggies and a bit of ginger.
Bibimbap
Meaning “mixed rice,” this amazing dish from Korea is the ultimate rice bowl. On a bed of warm rice, you might find a combo like fried and raw veggies, seasoned grilled meat or tofu, a red chili paste called gochujang and a fried egg added on top. Bibimbap is a great way to introduce kids to new ingredients, and an even better way to use up those extra veggies that are hanging around. Check out this mouthwatering recipe from Rasa Malaysia complete with an extensive list of suggested toppings.
Sushi
Turn your kids into big-time sushi lovers! Simple veggie sushi rolls are easy, healthy and just the right size for little hands. It’s fun to make and eat together at home, and even not-so-adventurous eaters will want these egg, edamame and rice rolls from hello, Wonderful. Start with basic flavors that they’ll love, and then slowly expand the sushi repertoire to include more adventurous foods and textures.
Souvlaki
Make a batch of Greek souvlaki skewers, and it’s a win-win for everyone. Kids love the fun of food on a stick, and adults will love the juicy marinated chicken with lemon, garlic and a side of cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce. Try the recipe by Lemons for Lulu here.
Injera and Lentils
Besides being flavorful and nutritious, eating Ethiopian food is a community experience. Food is often eaten with hands and served on a large shared plate, along with plenty of injera, a spongy and slightly fermented flatbread that’s perfect for sharing. This recipe from Lighter has great tips for adjusting the flavors for kids who don’t love a ton of spice. Authentic injera takes several days for the fermenting process, but you can take the easy route and make this quick recipe in about an hour!
Meze
For a casual meal, put together tasty nibbles and make a meze platter. Made up of a variety of foods served small-plate style, meze is common throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and offers the perfect opportunity for little foodies to sample new foods, like creamy hummus and baba ghanouj. Try making this gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired meze from Kitchen Treaty, and watch it disappear.
Chicken Tikka
This juicy chicken made with yogurt and spices and grilled on skewers is a yummy introduction to Indian cuisine. Let the kids help in the kitchen by mixing up the yogurt and curry marinade for this quick chicken tikka that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Jerk Chicken
You can’t talk about the foods of the Caribbean without bringing up Jamaican jerk. Moist, spicy and smoky, this memorable seasoning and cooking method produces some of the most flavorful food around. Although traditional jerk can be a bit spicy for little palates, this modified version by This Week for Dinner gives you the signature flavors without as much heat.
Empanadas
Flaky, portable and delicious, there are endless combination ideas for these perfect pastries that work for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Whether you go savory or sweet, you’re definitely in for a treat. Bring some of the flavors of South America right to your table with these homemade beef empanadas from Laylita’s Recipes.
—Anna Doogan & Karly Wood
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