6 Must-Try Cuisines and Foods From Around the World: Recipes and Tips

Food has a way of bringing people together, and experimenting with dishes from around the world is one of the best ways to mix things up in the kitchen. Whether you’re planning a themed dinner party to wow your guests or just want to switch up your midweek meals, there’s so much inspiration out there.

From rich Indian curries to the smoky, spiced flavours of Jamaican cooking, we’ve picked some of our favourite cuisines and a must-try recipe from each to get you started. We’ll also share the best cooking tools for each country to help you bring those global flavours to life.

Japan

Whether it’s delicate sushi rolls or a steaming bowl of ramen, Japanese cuisine is all about skill and attention to detail — every ingredient, texture, and flavour is carefully considered. There’s a real art to getting it just right!

One dish that’s taken the world by storm? Chicken katsu curry. Crunchy, golden chicken smothered in a rich, mildly spiced curry sauce — it’s the ultimate comfort food. 

TV presenter and fresh produce expert Chris Bavin has put together a fantastic take on this Japanese favourite. The secret is panko breadcrumbs — they give the chicken that unbeatable crunch while keeping it juicy inside. And then there’s the sauce: smooth, velvety, and packed with just the right amount of spice.

The trick to a great katsu curry is all in the finer details. Let the sauce simmer for a while in the saucepan so the flavours develop — it makes all the difference. And when it comes to frying the chicken, don’t rush it! Give it time to turn perfectly golden and crisp. 

Fancy giving it a go? Check out Chris Bavin’s Chicken Katsu Recipe in full here.

The best tools for cooking Japanese food

Lakeland 3-Piece Asian Knife Set

If you’re serious about cooking Japanese food, having the right knives makes all the difference. This set has everything you need — a razor-sharp chef’s knife for slicing meat and fish, perfect for prepping chicken for your katsu curry, a Santoku knife, originally from Japan, that’s great for dicing veg, and a nimble paring knife for those delicate finishing touches.

To learn more about the different types of knives and how to keep them in top condition, read our Ultimate Knife Guide.

Lakeland Bamboo Steamer

If you want to have a go at making steamed gyozas or Japanese-style buns like Nikuman, a bamboo steamer is a must-have.

The Lakeland Bamboo Steam is lightweight, easy to use, and made from traditional bamboo, so it absorbs moisture and stops your food from going soggy. And the two tiers mean you can steam dumplings on one level and veg or fish on the other, all in one go. Plus, it looks great on the table when serving up!

Jamaica

Jamaican food is all about punchy flavours, fresh ingredients, and a generous kick of spice. It’s a cuisine designed to bring people together over good food and great company. With influences from African, European, and Indian cooking, every dish tells a story — and if there’s one flavour that sums it all up, it’s jerk seasoning. 

The magic of jerk lies in its fiery mix of spices — think Scotch bonnet chillies, warm allspice, and a hit of thyme for that unmistakable flavour. Traditionally, it’s cooked over pimento wood for a smoky finish, but don’t worry if you don’t have a barbeque to hand — it’s just as delicious when roasted at home.

Our Jerk-Spiced Chicken Drumstick recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy the best Jamaican cooking has to offer. The marinade does all the hard work, coating the chicken in a vibrant mix of spices that caramelise beautifully as it cooks. The result? Crispy, golden drumsticks with juicy, tender meat that’s packed with flavour.

The best tools for cooking Jamaican food

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker

In Jamaica, a lot of dishes are cooked over a coal stove or wood fire to get that smoky flavour — but let’s be honest, firing up a BBQ every time isn’t always practical.

That’s where the Ninja Woodfire Electric Grill and Smoker comes in. It might not be traditional, but it does an amazing job of bringing that smoky, wood-fired taste without the hassle.

Scanpan TechnIQ Dutch Oven 4L

This Dutch oven is perfect for making big, flavour-packed Jamaican dishes. With plenty of space for classics like slow-cooked curry goat, oxtail stew, or rice and peas, it’s great for batch cooking, so there’s always extra to enjoy.

It’s not quite like the traditional Jamaican ‘dutchy’ cooking pot you’d use over an open flame, but it’s effective, providing even heat distribution for tender, slow-cooked meals.

It works on any hob, including induction, and since it’s oven-safe up to 260°C, you can even finish off dishes in the oven.

China

Chinese food is a feast for the senses — bold flavours, vibrant colours, and just the right balance of sweet, savoury, spicy, and sour. Whether it’s a quick-fire stir-fry or a slow-simmered classic, there’s something magical about bringing those authentic flavours to life at home. 

A handful of simple ingredients and a sizzling wok, and you’re on your way to a dish that tastes just as good as your favourite takeaway — if not better!

Chicken chow mein is a firm favourite for a reason. Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and glossy noodles all tossed together in a rich, savoury sauce — it’s a winning combination that’s quick to cook (and even quicker to disappear from plates!)

Once everything is chopped and ready, the cooking part is super quick. A really hot wok or pan is key to getting that signature smoky flavour, and tossing the noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil gives them that delicious savoury shine.

Plus, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste — swap the chicken for prawns, tofu, or whatever veggies you’ve in your fridge.

Ready to whip up your own? Read our Chicken Chow Mein Recipe.

The best tools for cooking Chinese food

Lakeland Classic 26cm Aluminium Stir Fry Pan

If you’re into cooking Chinese food, this stir fry pan is brilliant. The larger size gives you plenty of room to cook more ingredients at once, and the thick 4mm base helps it heat up quickly and stay hot, so your food cooks evenly and consistently.

The non-stick coating is super scratch-resistant, and nothing sticks, making it easy to stir and serve without any mess.

The ergonomic handle feels comfy in your hand, and it works on any hob, including induction — making it perfect for everyday stir-fries and more.

Lakeland Dumpling Press

Homemade dumplings are the easiest way to impress your guests! And this press takes all the hassle out of shaping and crimping, whether you’re making crispy potstickers or delicate wontons. The stainless steel cutter ensures your wrappers are perfectly sized, and the press gives them that authentic, professional finish.

Simply lay out your wonton sheets, use the cutter to create a circle, and place it on the dumpling press. Fill with your chosen ingredients, moisten the edges, and press — it’s as simple as that! When you open it, you’ll have a perfectly formed dumpling every time.

Here’s a tip for crispy dumplings: fry them on one side first to get that golden crunch, then steam to keep them juicy inside. Serve with soy sauce or hoisin, and if you’ve got leftovers, they freeze perfectly for later.

India

Indian food is a flavour explosion — bold spices, rich sauces, and all those warming, comforting dishes we can’t get enough of. Think creamy butter chicken, crispy samosas and fluffy naan. It’s no wonder it’s a go-to takeaway cuisine!

But making it at home is just as satisfying — especially when you can control the spices and the ingredients in it. 

This Vegetarian Paneer Curry Recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to make a delicious, veggie-friendly curry at home. The paneer — a fresh, crumbly cheese that’s a staple in many Indian households — holds in all the aromatic flavours of the spices. And the combination of coconut milk and tomatoes creates a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the crispy, golden paneer and the pop of peas and spinach.

It’s a perfect recipe for beginners getting into curry-making, as the ingredients are easy to find, and you don’t need any fancy equipment — just a deep pan or a karahi dish if you’ve got one! 

The best tools for cooking Indian food

Cuisinart Electric Spice Grinder

This product makes grinding your own spices super easy. Just fill it up, press the lid, and you’ve got a perfectly fine powder in seconds.

It handles everything from cumin to cardamom with ease, and you can even use it to make your own curry pastes. The strong motor and stainless steel blades give you consistent results. Plus, you can store your ground spices in the included lids, keeping them fresh for longer.

Ninja Zerostick 26cm Sauté Pan

This pan is perfect for everything from searing meats to caramelising onions for curries, all while giving you enough depth for saucy dishes like chicken tikka masala or dal.

The Zerostick surface is up to 20 times tougher than traditional non-stick, making it easy to cook with little to no oil. It’s ideal for healthy Indian cooking.

It’s super durable and works on all types of hobs — including induction. And with Ninja’s 10-year guarantee, you’ll be making perfect curries and more for years to come.

Italy

Italian food — where would we be without it? Whether it’s a pizza straight from the oven, a silky bowl of pasta, or a perfectly layered tiramisu, Italian cuisine is the ultimate comfort food.

Italian cooking is proof that less really can be more. At its heart, it is all about simplicity — using high-quality, fresh ingredients to create bold, satisfying flavours.

Pasta and pizza certainly steal the spotlight. In fact, our 2024 Kitchen Trends Report found that pasta is Britain’s favourite comfort food to cook at home, with 44% of people saying it’s their go-to — beating the traditional roast dinner (41%)!

But, there’s a whole world of Italian flavours to explore. From the fresh seafood of the Amalfi Coast to the meaty dishes of Tuscany, every region brings something unique to the table.

Spring is all about fresh flavours, and this vibrant minestrone recipe is bursting with them in the easiest way possible. Crisp green beans, sweet carrots, and hearty cannellini beans come together to create a bowl of pure comfort that still feels light and full of sunshine. And while spring might be the inspiration, this is the kind of dish that works regardless of the season.

A Remoska does all the hard work, gently simmering everything to perfection while you get on with your day — but if you don’t have one, no problem. A regular saucepan on the hob or even a slow cooker will do the job just as well.

On the hob, simply bring everything to a simmer and let it bubble away gently until the veggies are tender, then follow the same steps for adding the pasta and greens. Or in a slow cooker, set it on low for about 4-5 hours or high for 2-3, adding the pasta and final ingredients towards the end.

The best tools for cooking Italian food

Lakeland Pasta Machine

There’s something so satisfying about making your own fresh pasta, and this Lakeland Pasta Machine makes it effortless.

With a smooth, easy-turn handle and adjustable thickness settings, you get perfect sheets of lasagne or silky strands of tagliatelle every time. No clumping, no hassle — just beautifully rolled pasta, ready to be transformed into your favourite Italian dishes.

It even clamps to your worktop for extra stability, so you can focus on getting that dough just right. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to dried!

To learn more, read our guide on how to make pasta from scratch.

Kenwood 2-in-1 MultipPro Express Food Processor and Blender

Italian cooking is all about fresh ingredients, so it naturally involves a fair bit of chopping. From dicing onions and celery for a Bolognese to slicing courgettes for a parmigiana, prep work can take up a lot of time. That’s where the Kenwood MultiPro Express comes in.

This clever 2-in-1 food processor and blender makes slicing, grating, and chopping effortless — so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your food. The built-in blender makes light work of smooth sauces like pesto or tomato, while the food processor takes care of everything else. It can also knead dough, perfect for trying your hand at homemade pizza.

Hungary

Hungary knows how to make the most of bold, warming spices and simple, wholesome ingredients. Its cuisine has developed over the centuries, shaped by both eastern and western influences, but it’s never lost its character or traditions.

Think steaming bowls of goulash with tender beef and sweet peppers or a plate of lángos — deep-fried dough topped with garlicky sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese.

Goulash is deeply rich and slow-cooked to perfection — it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Originally made by Hungarian shepherds over an open fire, Hungarians have been eating some form of it for centuries, and this classic recipe is a great place to start.

It’s surprisingly easy to make at home too. Traditionally, it’s cooked low and slow, but this Classic Goulash Recipe recipe uses a Remoska Electric Cooker — a clever, energy-efficient cooker that simmers everything to perfection while using less power than a conventional oven. It speeds up the process without sacrificing those deep, warming flavours.

The best tools for cooking Hungarian food

Lakeland 6L Slow Cooker

Hungarian food is big on slow-cooked stews, rich soups, and hearty one-pot meals, so a slow cooker like this makes life so much easier. You get all those deep, comforting flavours without having to stand over the stove for hours.

With three heat settings, it’s perfect for getting that tender, slow-cooked texture Hungarian food is known for. The large capacity means there’s plenty to go around, and the glass lid allows you to keep an eye on your dish while it simmers to perfection.

For more inspiration, take a look at our slow cooker recipes.

Lakeland Nesting Lidded Bowls

If you want to try your hand at Hungarian baking and dough-based dishes, a good mixing bowl is essential — especially for recipes like lángos (Hungary’s famous deep-fried flatbread) and fánk (light, fluffy Hungarian doughnuts).

These three different-sized bowls make it simple to mix, knead, and proof the dough. The non-slip bases keep things steady, while the lids are perfect for storing leftovers. Plus, they nest neatly inside each other, making it easy to keep your kitchen organised.

Cook global flavours with Lakeland

There’s a whole world of flavour out there, and with the right tools, it’s easier than ever to bring food from around the world to life in your own kitchen. Whether you’re slow-cooking a rich Hungarian goulash or perfecting homemade pasta, the right kit makes all the difference.

At Lakeland, we’ve got everything you need to take your cooking on a global adventure. From pots and pans and knives to kitchen electricals like air fryers and slow cookers, our range is designed to help you get the best results.

Looking for more tips and recipes? Head over to our blog, where you’ll find plenty of ideas to get you started!