Signature Dishes from Around the World

Food is the driving force behind many international trips these days. Blogs, travel articles and photogenic social sharing apps have heightened awareness of delicacies that otherwise may have never been dreamed about.So it's no wonder that the folks over at the Lakeshore Convention Center have put together an interactive world map of signature dishes from countries around the world.In order to make it easier to pinpoint exactly what tasty bites you should be tracking down on your next trip, here are a handful of our favorite must-try international dishes, including a few suggestions:MORE Features & AdviceNasi Lemak (Malaysia)Nasi lemak is most commonly eaten for breakfast in Malaysia. It consists of a pile of fragrant rice, which has been cooked in coconut milk and then plated up with a range of accompaniments—most often meat curry, fried anchovies, a boiled egg, cucumber and spicy chili paste.Moules Frites (Belgium)Moules Frites means “mussels and fries”, and it’s a popular entree dish across Belgium. The mussels are often served in the big metal pot that they have been steamed in, with a plate of fresh fries on the side.Wiener Schnitzel (Austria)This schnitzel made famous in Austria’s capital (Wien is the Austrian name for Vienna) is a thin slice of veal that has been coated in breadcrumbs and fried. It’s usually served with lemon and/or jam, as well as one type of potatoes.Depending on the restaurant, it could be potato salad, fries or boiled potatoes.READ MORE: 48 Hours in ViennaMole (Mexico)Mole refers to a chocolate-based sauce that is used to smother meat (usually chicken). The sauce is complex and rich in flavor, as it’s made using dried fruit, nuts, spices, chili peppers and, of course, chocolate.Mole is the type of dish that always tastes better when your mother makes it, and Mexican matriarchs will often keep their recipe a highly-guarded secret.Doner Kebab (Turkey)They may have become the late-night food of choice for many, but doner kebabs are devoured in Turkey any time of day. Lamb is marinated in oil and then cooked on a vertical spit before being shaved off into strips and served atop a soft pita bread, usually with salad and some type of creamy yogurt-based sauce.Peking Duck (China)Having originated in Beijing when it was called Peking, this crispy bird has been famous on Chinese menus the world over.The duck is seasoned and then roasted in an oven until its skin becomes crispy. The meat and skin are then chopped into pieces and served with steamed thin pancakes, strips of cucumber, plus spring onion and a plum sauce. This dish is so historic, it was apparently even prepared back in the Imperial Era.READ MORE: 6 Ways to See China Like Never BeforeBorscht (Russia)This hearty soup is fit for all seasons, as it can be served either hot or cold.Made primarily from beetroot—but also often cabbage—the soup is served with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chopped herbs. Regional variations can be found all over the country; In Moscow, they will often serve it with beef, ham and sausage.