12 Traditional Comfort Foods From Around The World That Feel Like Home
There’s nothing quite like comfort food. As someone from the South, when I dream of comfort foods, my first thoughts are barbecue, mac and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, and apple pie. Depending on your background and heritage, you likely have a different comfort food that comes to mind!
Many traditional comfort foods from around the world bring that same sense of home to mind. Below, I’ll highlight some culinary delights that make you crave a cozy, home-cooked meal.
1. Spaghetti

We can’t discuss traditional comfort foods from around the world without mentioning spaghetti. My family isn’t Italian, but whenever I think of spaghetti, I recall cozy nights with my family, sitting around the kitchen table and chatting about our day. It’s one of those simple yet delicious meals that always reminds me of home and is something I’ve always loved eating.
Although spaghetti originated in Sicily, Italy, it has been embraced by many nations as a beloved comfort food that everyone can enjoy!
2. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie originated in the United Kingdom. This savory dish features minced meat, gravy, and various veggies, topped with mashed potatoes and baked to perfection.
Though it started in the UK, it has since spread to many other countries and has become a favorite comfort food for those craving something warm, hearty, and delicious. It’s incredibly wonderful on a cold, rainy, or snowy day, making you feel warm and cozy inside your home!
3. Chicken Curry

If you’re seeking a traditional comfort food from Southern Asia, look no further than Chicken Curry. Initially created in India, its delicious flavors quickly spread to the Caribbean, Great Britain, Kenya, and beyond. Today, it’s one of the top comfort foods worldwide, commonly served with rice and naan.
Many cultures have embraced Chicken Curry, each adding its own twist. For instance, my brother-in-law makes a fantastic Jamaican Curry Chicken with a unique flavor out of this world! Trying this dish in different countries is always exciting, as each version offers a local twist.
4. Schnitzel

You might find the word unusual if you don’t know what Schnitzel is. Schnitzel is a thin slice of breaded and fried meat, typically veal, chicken, pork, or other varieties. Wienerschnitzel is typically made of veal, while German Schnitzel is usually made of pork chops. This delicious fried dish is often served with fries, spätzle, potatoes, or a salad.
Originating in Austria, Schnitzel quickly spread throughout the country and into neighboring Germany. It has become a very popular dish in both countries and one of the best traditional comfort foods. Its deliciousness has led to its spread across many different countries, making it a top comfort food to this day!
5. Ramen

Japanese Ramen is a comfort food enjoyed by countless people worldwide. Made with noodles and broth, it features ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and others. The dish can vary significantly depending on where you have it, often including different ingredients, but it’s commonly served with pork belly.
While Japan is renowned for its beautifully presented Ramen, this dish has spread globally and can be found almost everywhere. In America, it’s popular in convenient cups that are easy to heat in the microwave. Ramen is one of the best traditional comfort foods around the world, making many people feel at home and happy every time they eat it!
6. Poutine

Poutine originated in Quebec, Canada, and quickly gained worldwide popularity. This delicious dish consists of french fries and cheese curds smothered in brown gravy.
Poutine is cozy and warming, perfect for a cold, rainy day or a snowy evening! Because many people associate it with colder weather, poutine has become a popular après-ski dish, with many ski resorts around the world serving it.
7. Pad Thai

Pad Thai originated in Thailand, a beautiful country known for its cuisine. This stir-fried rice noodle dish is usually served with various protein choices: bean sprouts, egg, and peanuts. Having visited Thailand, I can attest that it’s one of the standout comfort foods there, and its popularity has spread worldwide.
Many countries have created their own versions inspired by Pad Thai due to its deliciousness. Examples include similar dishes in China and Japan. Nowadays, you can find Pad Thai on the menus of Thai restaurants around the world, as it has become a go-to comfort food for many people.
8. Fish and Chips

The origin of Fish and Chips is somewhat debated. Some believe the dish started in Portugal before spreading to the United Kingdom, while others insist it began in England. Regardless, when most people think of Fish and Chips, they associate it with the UK and Ireland, where it is incredibly popular. However, it is also widely enjoyed in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. Even in the United States, we have our version of fried fish and french fries, although we don’t call it Fish and Chips.
Fish and Chips typically consist of battered and fried white fish served with fried potatoes, known as chips in many parts of the world. It’s a delicious and comforting food that has been embraced by many countries globally.
9. Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is definitely one of my go-to comfort foods and has long been a staple in our household. There’s significant debate about its origins, with some claiming it came from France, others from Italy, and some from England. However, it’s generally agreed that it originated somewhere in Europe before quickly spreading worldwide.
Today, mac and cheese is enjoyed in many countries and has become particularly popular in the United States, especially in the South. People prepare it in various ways, using different noodles and cheeses and often topping it with breadcrumbs, meats, and more.
10. Swedish Meatballs

As the name suggests, Swedish Meatballs originated in Sweden. Interestingly, King Charles XII brought the recipe back from Turkey in the 18th century. These meatballs are made from a mixture of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like nutmeg and onion, and often served with a savory cream gravy. They are typically pretty small in size.
While Swedish meatballs are a staple in Sweden, the recipe has been adopted around the world. In Italy, meatballs are served with tomato sauce; in the Southern United States, they often come with barbecue sauce. This dish takes on various forms globally but remains one of the best traditional comfort foods that feel like home.
11. Paella

Paella originated in the Valencia region of Spain. This rice dish features a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, spices, and proteins like shrimp, mussels, chicken, and more.
Paella is a delicious comfort food typically cooked and served in a flat, round pan. It is eaten directly from the pan with utensils. Many countries have adopted paella, each adding its own spices and flavors to the dish. However, traditional paella is from Spain and can be eaten nationwide at many restaurants and homes!
12. Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo Ball Soup is a traditional Jewish dish consisting of chicken soup with large dumplings made from matzo meal. While it has spread to many cultures, it is most commonly associated with Jewish cuisine.
Matzo’s origins can be traced back to Biblical times in the book of Exodus. However, the modern version of matzo ball soup is believed to have developed among European Jewish communities, particularly in Poland, Germany, Austria, and other regions. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food enjoyed worldwide, especially on cold winter days.
Are Any Of These Dishes Your Comfort Food?

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