When a dish is strongly associated with a country's culture and tradition, made with locally available ingredients, and a major part of festivals and celebrations in a country, it's then called a national dish.
Here is the list of the top 11 national dishes from around the world that carry the essence of a country.
India: Khichri: This savoury and wholesome food made with rice and many vegetables is considered the national dish of India.
Norway: Rakfisk: The popular Norwegian dish Rakfisk is made with trout that is left to be marinated in salt for months to a year and is eaten with onion and sour cream without cooking.
Italy, Pizza: The classic pizza of Italy is made with very thin dough with tomatoes, meats, and mozzarella as fillings.
Malaysia, Nasi Lemak: The delicious Malaysian dish is prepared with rice cooked in coconut milk, anchovy, and hot chile sauce. It’s served with fried anchovies, sliced cucumber, fried peanuts, and boiled eggs.
Belgium: Mussels with French Fries: The Mussels are cooked in various ways and served with salty crispy potatoes and French Fries.
Mexico: Sauce Mole: The traditional Mexican sauce uses about 100 ingredients for preparation and can take days to make.
Japan: Sushi: The traditional dish of Japan Sushi is prepared with vinegared rice, seafood, vegetables, sugar, and salt.
Spain: Tortilla de patatas: Also known as Spanish Omelette in English-speaking countries, this dish is made with eggs, onion, and potatoes.
Nepal: Dal Bhat: The most famous traditional dish of Nepal is the wholesome Dal Bhat which is Lentil Soup and Boiled Rice.
Thailand: Pad Thai: Famous street food of Thailand, Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish prepared with chicken, shrimp, tofu, garlic chives, turnips, chilli pepper, etc.
Israel: Falafel: Traditional Israeli dish Falafel are deep-fried balls made of chickpeas and fava beans. This dish is also famous in other countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine.