Food knows no boundaries, and we are truly blessed to inherit a world where different cultures and countries celebrate food in so many ways. In fact, the culinary industry is only revolutionizing with each passing day, and now is the best time to enjoy cuisines from across the world. Additionally, globalization has made access to foods from different areas possible, because of which foodies are able to enjoy good food from across cultures and boundaries.

From the exquisite desserts of France to the North American barbeques, if you are open to trying out new food, life will never fail to surprise you. And though it is impossible to decide which cuisine out there is the best, it surely does not hurt to get your hands on as many cuisines as possible.

Let’s discover the world Cuisines from around the world.

Thai cuisine:

In the present time, Thai cuisine is one of the most popular of all foods from across the world. And though it bears quite a lot of resemblance to Chinese food, since they use a lot of similar ingredients, any true food lover would know the difference between the two. Thai food relies heavily on noodle dishes, broths and fresh herbs for flavourings. And unlike Chinese food, Thai dishes also use a lot of vegetable in a thick sauce for extra flavours. Basically: hot, bitter, sour and sweet: all of these flavours combine together to make a great Thai dish.

French cuisine

Did you know that French cuisine was one of the first ones to travel beyond the borders of its country and spread to other places? In fact, till date, a lot of aspiring chefs desire to be trained in the classic French way! This is the impact of French cuisine across the globe. And of course, no French cuisine is complete with some fine quality bread, wine and cheese.

Famous French dishes include Coq au vin, Cassoulet, Boeuf bourguignon and Chocolate soufflé among others.

Also read Top 13 Rajasthani cuisines one cannot afford to miss

Japanese cuisine

Japanese cuisine has a really unique style of cooking, which distinguishes it from other cuisines out there. A lot of ingredients that you would find in Japanese cuisine cannot be found in the food of most other countries. And the true mastery of Japanese food relies on using the freshest of ingredients which are prepared meticulously, with seasonings also playing a major role in adding to the flavour of a good Japanese dish. It would also be interesting to know that traditional Japanese cuisine is quite rich in cancer fighting elements, such as fruits and vegetable. And Japanese cuisine uses a lot of incredible elements, such as green tea, calcium rich vegetables, mushroom, anti-oxidant rich yams, etc. which are must haves in your regular diet.

Sushi, udon and tofu are must try Japanese foods.

Also Read Top 8 Healthiest Food in the World and their several Benefits

Indian cuisine

Indian cuisine is gaining so much popularity across the globe with each passing day, that more and more foreigners are willing to give this rich cuisine a try. And the best part about Indian cuisine is that it is always backed up with so much history and cultural influences. In fact, did you know that our signature dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, is an absolute hit in the global world out there?

Summing up Indian cuisine in a few words is however a task in itself. Because of the cultural and regional diversity in the country, the food that you would find in the country is also really diverse. Thus, it would not be surprising to note that while some states consume fish on a regular basis, some states have a vegetarian diet! What remains common, however, is the Indian obsession with spices, and the heavy use of spices and masalas in our everyday food. Moreover, Indians also have a sweet palate, and no meal is complete without a sweet dish. The street food of the country is another chapter in itself, which is why a lot of travelers believe that you need to have a stomach made of iron to brave the variety of food in the country!

Also read Ten Recipes to Dine on this Quarantine Season

Korean cuisine

Similar to other Asian cuisines, Korean cuisine also includes a lot of rice dishes. This rice is served with vegetables, meat and seafood; and the most famous Korean dish that most of us would have heard of is Kimchi. Kimchi is basically cabbage which has been mixed with spices and vinegar, is put in clay pots and is then allowed to ferment.

Spanish cuisine

Just like in India, food in Spain is not homogenous, and varies greatly as you move across regions. However, as a general observation, Spanish food does not include much of lamb and beef, and they prefer to stick to meat and the variety of seafood which is available there. Without a second doubt, one of the most famous Spanish dishes is tapas, which are tasty snacks with a complex layer of flavours. And the Spanish dessert ‘churros’ are also gaining more and more popularity with each passing day.

German cuisine

Though common notion has it that German cuisine is nothing more than potatoes and sauces, the truth is quite different. German cuisine has a lot of regional variations, and meat and sausages are widely used in multiple ways. The charcuterie and the cheese that they use are also worth praising! Rye breads also form a crucial part of the German cuisine!

Popular German dishes include Bratwurst, that is Grilled Sausage, Kartoffelpuffer or Potato Pancakes and Kartoffelkloesse, which are basically potato dumplings.

Italian cuisine

Italian cuisine is extremely popular in all parts of the world, especially among teenagers and young adults who are always up for pizza and pasta! Traditional Italian cuisine uses exotic and flavourful ingredients such as olives, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic and tomatoes. As a result, not only is their food really hearty, delicious and healthy, but is also a delight to look at. And this diet is apparently very good for the heart too!

Also read The history of the apple pie

 Australian Cuisine

It is a great misfortune that Australian cuisine is not counted as one of the best in the world. This is perhaps because it is not easy to define, and it borrows heavily from other countries, such as Britain and Europe. In fact, in recent times, even Asian cuisines have started to influence Australian cuisine. Classic Australian chicken, lamingtons, sausages and pavlova are some famous foods from this cuisine.

Scottish cuisine

Scottish cuisine is really hearty, and is a delight to have. Fresh and local produces makes up for the bulk of the primary ingredients that are used in their cuisine, and venison, raspberries, seafood, etc. are common elements that you will find in any Scottish meal. Famous foods like oatcakes, porridge, shortbread and kippers are all a part of Scottish cuisine.

Also read Banoffee Pie: a brief history and a full proof recipe

Mexican cuisine

Mexican food is really scrumptious and delicious. It is spiced up with a lot of ingredients, including chilli, cinnamon, garlic, onions and cinnamon. Corn, rice, beans, chicken, tamales and tortillas also form the basics of Mexican food, and so do fresh produce like sweet potatoes, guavas, avocados and tomatoes. Chocolate is also an essential part of all Mexican desserts. Must-try food items from this cuisine include tostadas, enchiladas, mole and of course tortillas.

 Turkish cuisine

Turkish cuisine has come from the Ottoman Empire. It is a fusion of different cuisines of Central Asia, Middle East and the Mediterranean regions. In fact, the Turkish cuisine combines all these and then refines them. And this cuisine has in turn influenced that of other regions, such as Western Europe.

Famous Turkish foods comprise of baklava, meze, kofte and kebabs.

Greek cuisine

Think of lamb, olives, tomatoes, some good feta cheese and seafood, and you would be instantly reminded of Greek cuisine. In fact, famous dishes such as pita break, gyros and tzatziki are all a part of the Greek cuisine. Greek cuisine is also really flavourful. It uses a lot of strong flavors such as honey, oregano, mint, garlic, thyme, and oregano for its seasonings.

Also read The curious history of the red velvet cake

Lebanese cuisine

Lebanese cuisine uses a lot of starches, fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, and also whole grain. Animal fats, on the other hand, are consumed only sparingly. Lebanese cuisine also has an inclination for poultry over red meat, though red meat is eaten in the form of lamb and goat meat on the coastal areas and mountainous regions respectively. There food also includes a lot of garlic and olive oil, and relies on lemon juice, herbs, lemon and lemon juice for flavourings.

Make sure that you try out Kibbeh, Kafta, Hummus and Rice Pilaf among other food items.

Caribbean cuisine

You will mostly find foods like rice, seafood and chicken in Caribbean cuisine. Fresh local produce also forms an inherent part of their diet. This includes vegetables, fruits like lime, mango and papaya, and ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cinnamon are used for flavouring. Foods you must try include Coucou and Flying Fish, Conch Fritters, Stewed Salt Fish with Dumplings and Creole Bread.

Arab cuisine

A lot of food that we consume on a daily basis comes from the Arab cuisine. Think of foods like shish kebabs, hummus and falafel, and also couscous and baklava. Did you know that all of these are a part for the Arab cuisine? Salad is often served as a side dish with this food. Spices such as cinnamon, saffron and cumin are an integral part of this cuisine. Dates, garlic, rice and yogurt are also heavily used.

English cuisine

The classic English breakfast is a much sought after meal all across the globe. Over the years, it has become a signature way to start the day for many. It includes some standard foods like scrambled eggs, sausages, hash browns, white beans and bacon, often also tomatoes on the side. Foods like fish and chips, stews and pies are often association with English cuisine. In fact, a lot of desserts that are considered to be French also have English origins. The apple pie is a classic example of such a dessert.

Russian cuisine

Mushrooms, root vegetables, fish and game form the basics of any good and authentic Russian meal. In fact, a lot of Russian dishes are famous all across the globe. These include foods like the Borsch soup, which is made of beets and tomatoes. Other staple foods in this cuisine include boiled or baked meat. Russian meals are often served with vodka.

Portuguese cuisine

Portuguese cuisine also uses a lot of vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and cuisines. As a result, this food is vibrant and colourful to look at, and is also packed with vital vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it includes starchy dishes, such as feijoada, which is basically a rich black bean stew made with beef and pork, and açorda, which is a Portuguese bread soup. You will also find the Portuguese using a lot of potato and rice in their food items.

Filipino cuisine

Filipino cuisine comprises of the cuisines of more than a hundred different ethnic and linguistic groups. It is thus quite varied and multi-faceted. Their food ranges from something as simple as fried salted fish and rice to complex dishes like paellas and cozidos. Another traditional feature of their cuisine is ‘counterpoint’; which is basically combing something sweet with something salty to create surprisingly pleasing combinations. In fact, a lot of this food is representative of the East meets West culture.

Of course, there are so many more cuisines out there for one to try and explore; and it is no doubt that each of this cuisine is unique and powerful in its own way.

What is more interesting is the fact that all of these foods have so much vibrant history attached to them. This is precisely what adds another altogether complex layer to the food that we consume. Most cuisines are independent, while many borrow heavily from others, while many continue to influence and inspire others! And that is where the real beauty of food lies.

How many of these cuisines have you tried out yet? And how many are on your wish list? Let us know in the comment section below!

People are often uncertain about whether the billionaire jet set deserve the riches bestowed upon them by their families, business dealings or connections, but one thing is for sure: there are a few items that all self-respecting billionaires must have in order to declare their wealth to rivals and friends alike.

One of these is a yacht, and not just any yacht. These days you would be laughed at if you didn’t have a helipad or a Michelin star chef on board. Every summer the biggest yachts congregate in the Mediterranean to soak up the sun, the Monaco GP and to make a quick trip to the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Here are some of the biggest and best yachts that have been sighted in the famous gold-plated Monaco harbor.

Maltese Falcon

Although most super yachts these days tend to rely on their engines to propel them around the Med’s turquoise waters, the Maltese Falcon owned by hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou has incredible sails which announce her arrival in Monaco’s port and are the envy of everyone on the dock. The boat only holds 12 guests at any one time, meaning only close friends or family are welcome to join her.

Octopus

The longtime maritime partner of Microsoft co founder Paul Allen, the Octopus was only recently ousted as being the largest expedition yacht on the planet. Although Allen sadly passed away in 2018, he left behind two helipads, a swimming pool, a music studio and two submarines for the next owner, meaning whoever it is will never be bored. With so much entertainment packed on the boat’s multiple decks it’s rare for those on board to ever have to leave. Who knows? Perhaps people this rich shun Monte Carlo’s casino, restaurants and movie theaters, preferring instead to have the staff serve them popcorn in front of the home cinema or pop grapes into their mouths as they indulge in Oddschecker free spins from the comfort of the hot tub. Either way, this is a vessel that gives its passengers endless leisure options.

Kismet

The go-to yacht for celebrity singers, producers and movie stars is undoubtedly Kismet, a 92-meter-long vessel with everything on board you would expect to find in a Hollywood Hills mansion. This includes a spa, movie theater, roaring outdoor fireplace and a winter garden (if you really want one of those at the height of summer…). The likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been spotted aboard in Monaco and Netflix recently filmed a movie on deck.

AQUA

Although it’s yet to be launched, AQUA is already making waves mainly due to the fact that it is rumored to be powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, meaning it will be pollution free, simply expelling clean H2O rather than noxious fumes. Bill Gates was touted as having commissioned the yacht although he has rowed back on that chatter in recent months.

Ask anyone about the origins of the apple pie, and they are sure to answer you: America! However, the apple pie is not as American as it seems to be! If you look at the history of the apple pie, you willA find that the apple pie actually originated in England!

Yes, you heard it right. The apple pie has historical and cultural influences that go way beyond what you can imagine. So read on to find out more about the incredibly delicious and a national favourite.

The major ingredients and culinary influences:

Culinary influences from France, the Netherlands, and the Ottoman Empire have drastically shaped the apple pie that we know of today. In fact, it was the Europeans who took apples to North America in the first place. Until then, only crab apples would grow in the continent. And since crab apples are really shrunken and sour, most people would not even consume them. So using them for pastry could not even be thought of!

In fact, not just apples; but a lot of ingredients that go into the dish come from places other than America. Wheat, to begin with, originated in the Middle East. Pastry fats, such as butter and lard, came to America only when Christopher Columbus brought domesticated cattle to the New World. Sri Lanka and Indonesia take credit for important spices, such as cinnamon, Anisette Toast Biscotti and nutmeg. And looking at the very art of pastry itself; it is not as American as it seems to be. Rather, French, Italian and Arabic cultures have greatly contributed to the art of pastry.

Also read The curious history of the red velvet cake

The history of the apple pie:

Most British pies of those times were savoury, though sweet fruit based pies were not that uncommon. In fact, one of the very first recipes appeared in England in Samuel Pegge’s The Forme of Cury in 1390. However, the British and the Dutch take credit for having modified the recipe and perfecting it.

But then how did the dish become so popular in America? In fact, why is it so popular that it is almost considered to be a national and patriotic symbol now?

Eventually, Europeans brought the apple pie to the colonies, and the dish quickly gained popularity from there on. In fact, two recipes for the dessert appeared in America’s first cookbook; and even during the Civil War, the dish was widely popular. It is perhaps the ease with which the recipe can be made, its affordability and its wide adaptability that has made it so popular across the globe. Apple pie later went on to become a staple in the American cuisine, and with the advent of advertising and news in the 20^th century; the dish was transformed into a national symbol. It was also around this time that the phrase ‘as American as apple pie’ started to become popular.

Gradually, the apple pie also began to be associated with the US government, which only increased its popularity. This also greatly contributed to it being counted as an American symbol. Moreover, the apple pie was also considered to be the preference of the then president Franklin Roosevelt from among all pies, which led to the notion that it was the all-American favourite pie. Lastly, when the world was shook by the WW II, the American soldiers began claiming that they were fighting for ‘mom and apple pie’. This assertion was the final step to establishing the dessert as a metaphor for the United States.

Also read The Grand Opera Cake

Making the perfect homemade apple pie

Thanks to the plenty of apple pie recipes available all over the internet, making an apple pie at home is an easy task!

Here is a full proof recipe of an apple pie, including a delicious apple pie filling for you to try. And if you are craving for a delicious apple crumble pie, simply freeze some of the apple pie dough. Once frozen and solid, break it in chunks and put it on top of the filling before baking.

Apple pie recipe:

• Apple pie dough:

2 ½ cups maida

4 tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. salt

200 grams butter, cold and diced

1 large egg

• Apple pie filling:

750 grams baking apples

2/3 cup caster sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter

2 tbsp lemon juice

¼ tsp cinnamon powder

¼ tsp nutmeg powder

Method:

1. Start by making the dough. Combine all the dry ingredients together, add in the butter. Use your fingertips to break the butter into small pieces. Make sure that the butter coats all of the flour.
2. When the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, add in the egg to combine the dough and bring it together. Do not over knead.
3. Shape into a disc, cover in plastic wrap and freeze for an hour.
4. Prepare the filling next. Core, peel and chop the apples. Mix them with the lemon juice and sugar and set aside.
5. Melt the butter in a saucepan, and add the apple sugar mix to it. Cook till the sugar dissolves and the apples soften, for about 10 minutes.
6.  Strain the mixture if it is too liquidy, or else you will end up with a really soggy filling. Add in the spices, and mix well.
7. Take half of the chilled dough. Roll into an 11-12 inch wide disc. Repeat with the other half. Chill the dough for around 10 minutes.
8. Line a 9 inch pie pan with the rolled out dough, and trim the excess dough. Put the apple pie filling in the centre
9. Brush the sides with egg, and place the second disc of dough on the top.
10. Pierce the dough disc on the top with a paring knife, to allow steam to escape.
11. Freeze for around 20 minutes, and then bake at 200 degrees C for around 45 minutes to an hour, till nice and golden.