Sundaland Recipes

A tantalizing collection of the world's best foods in year 2023, from the aromatic spices of South Asia to the delicate flavors of Europe, this comprehensive list celebrates the diverse and exquisite culinary heritage found across the globe. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds, and let your palate be captivated by the symphony of flavors that define these remarkable dishes.

Various Dish at Michelin Star Restaurant

Imagine strolling the vibrant streets of Indonesia, where the air is thick with the tantalizing aroma of Rendang, a slow-cooked beef or chicken curry infused with a medley of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, tenderizing the meat to perfection. The rich flavors and tender texture make Rendang a true masterpiece of Indonesian cuisine, and a worthy contender for any list of the world's best foods.

Stepping into the bustling night markets of Thailand, the fragrance of Massaman Curry fills the air. This creamy and fragrant curry showcases the artful combination of tender meat, potatoes, and roasted peanuts, all bathing in a luscious blend of spices and coconut milk. The intricate balance of flavors, from the heat of the chilies to the subtle sweetness of the coconut, creates a culinary experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

As we venture further into the heart of Europe, the allure of Neapolitan Pizza beckons. Picture a round, thin-crust pizza emerging from a wood-fired oven, adorned with a vibrant tomato sauce, molten mozzarella cheese, and a scattering of fragrant basil leaves. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of the flavors that dance upon your palate, transporting you to the sun-soaked streets of Naples, Italy. Each bite is a celebration of the perfect harmony between crust, sauce, and cheese - a sublime combination that has earned Neapolitan Pizza its rightful place among the world's culinary treasures.

No journey through the world's best foods would be complete without a stop in Japan, where Sushi reigns supreme. The artistry and precision involved in crafting these bite-sized culinary gems is truly awe-inspiring. Delicate slices of raw fish or seafood, paired with seasoned rice and a touch of wasabi, create a symphony of flavors that envelops the senses. Sushi embodies the epitome of Japanese culinary elegance and has earned its place as an internationally beloved delicacy.

Venturing across the Pacific to the United States, we encounter the quintessential comfort food: the Hamburger. From its humble beginnings to its global popularity, this iconic dish has become a symbol of American gastronomy. A juicy, flame-grilled patty nestled between two pillowy buns, adorned with an array of toppings and condiments, creates a harmonious explosion of flavors. The simplicity and versatility of the hamburger have made it an enduring favorite, enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

As we traverse the continents, our culinary expedition takes us to the vibrant streets of Singapore, where Chicken Rice reigns as a national treasure. Fragrant rice, cooked to perfection in a fragrant chicken broth, serves as the bed for succulent poached or roasted chicken. The dish is completed with an array of dipping sauces, each offering a unique burst of flavor. The tender and flavorful chicken, combined with the aromatic rice, creates a harmonious blend that has captured the hearts and palates of people around the world.

These are just a glimpse into the world's best foods, an exquisite tapestry woven from the culinary traditions of nations far and wide. From the spicy depths of Thai Tom Yum Goong to the crispy perfection of Mexican Tacos, each dish tells a story of culture, tradition, and the pursuit of culinary excellence. So, come, let us embark on this gastronomic journey, where we savor the flavors, embrace the diversity, and celebrate the universal language of food.

Beautiful Rendang Plating

Here are the delectable dishes that made it onto CNN's World's 50 Best Foods list:

1. Rendang (Indonesia): Slow-cooked beef or chicken curry with aromatic spices and coconut milk.
2. Massaman Curry (Thailand): Creamy curry with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and roasted peanuts.
3. Neapolitan Pizza (Italy): Classic thin-crust pizza with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
4. Sushi (Japan): Fresh and expertly prepared bite-sized pieces of raw fish or seafood on seasoned rice.
5. Peking Duck (China): Roasted duck with crispy skin, served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
6. Hamburger (United States - Germany): Juicy beef patty served in a bun with various toppings and condiments.
7. Penang Assam Laksa (Malaysia): Spicy and tangy soup with rice noodles, fish, and aromatic herbs.
8. Tom Yum Goong (Thailand): Spicy and sour shrimp soup with fragrant herbs and lemongrass.
9. Chicken Rice (Singapore): Fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, served with tender poached or roasted chicken.
10. Tacos (Mexico): Soft or crispy tortillas filled with seasoned meat, salsa, cheese, and other toppings.
11. Fettucini Alfredo (Italy): The main ingredients are butter and Parmesan cheese, it’s rich and creamy and it can be made in 15 minutes.
12. Som Tam (Thailand): Spicy green papaya salad with tangy lime dressing, peanuts, and chili.
13. Butter Croissant (France): Flaky and buttery pastry, perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat.
14. Chicken Parmigiana (Italy): Breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs.
15. Tom Kha Gai (Thailand): Creamy and aromatic coconut soup with chicken, mushrooms, and lemongrass.
16. Tacos al Pastor (Mexico): Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served in tortillas with pineapple.
17. Dim sum (China): Assorted bite-sized steamed or fried dumplings, filled with various ingredients.
18. Pad Thai (Thailand): Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and tamarind sauce.
19. Croque monsieur (France): Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, typically made with Gruyère or Emmental cheese.
20. Satay (Indonesia/Malaysia): Skewered and grilled meat (often chicken or beef) served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
21. Ramen (Japan): Hearty and flavorful noodle soup with various toppings like pork, seaweed, and soft-boiled eggs.
22. Chicken Tikka Masala (India): Succulent grilled chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices.
23. Churros (Spain): Crispy fried dough pastry sprinkled with sugar, often enjoyed with a side of rich chocolate sauce.
24. Pho (Vietnam): Fragrant and comforting rice noodle soup with tender slices of beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and spices.
25. Fajitas (Mexico): Sizzling skillet of grilled meat (usually beef or chicken) served with tortillas and a variety of toppings.
26. Goulash (Hungary): Hearty meat stew with chunks of beef, onions, and paprika, usually served with bread or noodles.
27. Bibimbap (South Korea): Colorful rice bowl topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and spicy sauce.
28. Croissant sandwich (France): Flaky croissant filled with delicious ingredients like ham, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
29. Tiramisu (Italy): Irresistible layered dessert made with ladyfingers, coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa.
30. Empanadas (Argentina): Savory pastries filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, onions, and spices, then baked or fried.
31. Red curry (Thailand): Aromatic and spicy curry made with red chili paste, coconut milk, and a variety of meats or vegetables.
32. Chicken adobo (Philippines): Tangy and flavorful dish made with chicken marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
33. Feijoada (Brazil): Rich and hearty black bean stew with various cuts of pork, served with rice, collard greens, and farofa.
34. Gado-gado (Indonesia): Refreshing and vibrant salad made with blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce.
35. Peking Duck (China): Crispy and succulent duck with a thin, crispy skin, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
36. Ceviche (Peru): Fresh and tangy seafood dish marinated in citrus juices, mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro.
37. Moussaka (Greece): Layered casserole with eggplant, ground meat, tomatoes, and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.
38. Biryani (India): Fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with basmati rice, marinated chicken or lamb or beef, and a blend of spices.
39. Sashimi (Japan): Fresh and thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
40. Banh Mi (Vietnam): Crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients like grilled meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce.
41. Tandoori Chicken (India): Tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a clay tandoor oven for a smoky flavor.
42. Chicken rice (Hainanese - Singapore): Fragrant rice cooked with chicken broth, served with succulent poached chicken and flavorful dipping sauces.
43. Lobster Thermidor (France): Decadent dish featuring lobster meat cooked in a creamy and cheesy sauce, then broiled to perfection.
44. Miso soup (Japan): Traditional Japanese soup made with fermented soybean paste, tofu, seaweed, and various other ingredients.
45. Chicken Satay (Indonesia/Malaysia): Skewered and grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, served with a peanut sauce for dipping.
46. Kimchi (South Korea): Fermented cabbage with a tangy and spicy kick, often enjoyed as a side dish or used in various Korean dishes.
47. Lechon (Philippines): Young pigs, chosen for their tender meat, are rotated and roasted thoroughly over a fire pit for hours. The result is a thin layer of crispy skin on juicy, succulent meat.
48. Pad See Ew (Thailand): Stir-fried rice noodles with soy sauce, meat (usually chicken or beef), and crunchy vegetables, resulting in a savory and satisfying dish.
49. Laksa (Singapore/Malaysia): Noodle soup with a rich and fragrant coconut-based broth, often topped with seafood, tofu, bean sprouts, and herbs.
50. Goi Cuon (Vietnam): This snack made from pork, shrimp, herbs, rice vermicelli and other ingredients wrapped in rice paper is served at room temperature.

These are extraordinary dishes that have secured their place on the prestigious list. Explore these flavors and let your taste buds embark on a delightful culinary journey!