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The Passport Kitchen

6 Iconic Dishes (And What Makes Them So Great)

October 10, 2024 by Donna Dizon Leave a Comment

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Ever wonder why some dishes get so popular that we associate them with entire cultures? Here are six iconic dishes from around the world and why they’ve had the staying power compared to other recipes.

Ceviche

Ceviche: Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Image Credit: Jack7_7/Shutterstock.

Ceviche is a refreshing dish made from fresh raw fish “cooked” in citrus juices, typically lime, and mixed with ingredients like onions, cilantro, and sometimes even chili peppers. This is a dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood and evokes the vibrant flavors of Peru. What makes ceviche so great is its simplicity and the way it showcases the quality of the ingredients—sometimes when you have incredibly fresh fish, it’s best to bring out the flavors and let it do the rest. And that’s exactly what you get when you enjoy ceviche.

Gelato

italian ice-cream gelato blueberry plum amaretti semi freddo ice cream scoops in a white bowl food studio photography.
Image Credit: Friendly Studios/Shutterstock.

Gelato is Italy’s answer to ice cream. It’s known for its rich flavor and creamy texture, despite it being made with less air and fat than traditional ice cream. Gelato has a density that ice cream just doesn’t, and the extra richness helps make other flavors shine. Nothing screams summer quite like a fruit-forward gelato, and that’s why it’s beloved by so many all over the world.

Sushi

Beautiful close-up photo of sushi with salmon. Delicious Japanese food photo in high quality. Stock photo of sushi with blur and space for text.
Image Credit:Artskrin/Shutterstock.

Sushi is similar to ceviche in that it’s a way to highlight the seafood’s natural flavors without overpowering it with a smattering of other ingredients. Sushi has evolved into various styles; many people are familiar with maki, which are rolls often covered in lots of flavorful sauces and additions. But in its purest form, sashimi, well-prepared sushi celebrates the fish and honors it by keeping it bare. However you slice it, sushi is certainly among the most popular dishes across multiple cultures now, even if it has clear roots in Japan.

Peking Duck

A hand holds chopsticks that grip a piece of Peking duck meat in a restaurant in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Image Credit: Neil Firman/Shutterstock.

Peking Duck is a renowned dish that people flock to for its crispy skin and succulent meat. Originating from Beijing, this dish is traditionally prepared by air-drying the duck and roasting it until the skin is perfectly crisp. You’ll often enjoy it served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced vegetables. Peking duck is an incredible dish because it’s somewhat of a spectacle. Many restaurants will also serve you Peking duck in many different forms, like soups or buns, so it’s an excellent way to use every part of the animal.

Pho

Vietnamese traditional soup Pho Bo with beef and noodles.
Image Credit:Andrey Starostin/Shutterstock.

Pho is a fragrant noodle soup that has become synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine. It’s usually Made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and an array of herbs and spices. The most notable spices include star anise or other warming spices that give it that signature flavor pho is known for. To top it all off, pho usually comes garnished with bean sprouts, lime, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. If you haven’t tried pho and you’re a lover of soup or ramen, add this to your list of things to eat soon!

Coq Au Vin

French cuisine Coq Au Vin stew with crimini mushrooms pearl onions and carrots in a red wine brandy sauce served over mashed potatoes.
Image Credit: Ezume Images/Shutterstock.

This classic French dish is equal parts European sophistication and rustic charm. It has a rich, deep flavor profile that’s perfect for special dinners or family gatherings. The traditional way of making it is with red wine, mushrooms, lardons (bacon), onions, and garlic. These elements are slow-cooked until the meat practically falls off the bone. This one makes the list not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s also one of the easier ones to make at home!

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

Woman opens the refrigerator at night. night hunger. diet gluttony.
Image Credit: Kopytin Georgy/Shutterstock.

Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture. 

Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful. 

Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

Healthy dog food.
Image Credit: nancy dressel/Shutterstock.

We all love our furry friends and wouldn’t mind sharing tiny bits and pieces of food when we’re eating. While this may all be innocent, and you may be giving your dog foods that are okay, certain foods can be poisonous to dogs.

Dogs may react differently to food depending on the type, ingested amount, and size.

Read on as we discuss the three common foods dogs shouldn’t eat.

3 Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat
 

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