Can You Guess the Country These Foods Came From?

By: Teresa McGlothlin
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Guess the Country These Foods Came From?
Image: skaman306/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

You might consider yourself a food aficionado, but do you know as much about food origins as you think you do? During this quiz, we're going to take a quick trip around the globe for a sampling of the world's finest and most unique foods. While you might have an easy time locating the birthplace of some of our menu items, others might be a little trickier. 

As we travel along, we're going to put your knowledge of food to the test. We have no doubt that you'll recognize a lot of the foods we ask you about, but will you know where all of them come from? We have given you 40 chances to prove to us that you should have your own Food Network show, but it's up to you to prove that you know enough to own it. You don't need to be an experienced world traveler to recognize the foods we are presenting. These days, great international cuisine can be found nearly anywhere. We simply want to know if you can place our offerings with the country that invented them. Do you think you can do it, or will you need to go back to the kitchen to think? Let's find out! 

poutine
JML Images/Moment/Getty Images
Where would it be commonplace to order a plate of poutine like the one seen here?
Costa Rica
Canada
Belize
Belgium
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it isn't official, many Canadians believe that poutine should be considered the national dish. Poutine is a combination of crispy fries topped with cheese curd and gravy.

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haggis
LauriPatterson/E+/Getty Images
Which island country is the proud inventor of haggis?
Scotland
Finland
Algeria
Peru
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oatmeal, meat, spices, and onions are stuffed into a sheep's stomach and slowly cooked to make haggis. In Scotland, they call haggis the national dish, and it's usually served with a heaping helping of mashed potatoes.

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Pastel de Choclo
E4024 via Wiki Commons
If you wanted to taste an authentic Pastel de Choclo, where would you visit?
France
Spain
India
Chile
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pastel de Choclo is one of the favorite dishes of Chile, To make this dish, beef, onions, olives and raisins are topped with a sweet corn crust. Pastel de Choclo is then served straight out of the oven.

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Khachapuri
Sergio Amiti/Moment/Getty Images
Khachapuri is bread stuffed with cheese then topped with an egg - which country is it from?
Jamaica
Georgia
Germany
Norway
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To sample an authentic Khatchapuri, you will have to go all the way to Georgia. Khatchapuri is a bread stuffed with Sulguni cheese. After being baked, the bread is topped with a soft-cooked egg and butter before serving.

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Lukefisk
LeroySeafood via youtube
Lutefisk is a potent favorite of residents of which country?
Iceland
Greenland
Morocco
Norway
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you have a sudden craving for week-old, air-dried fish, book yourself a flight to Norway. Lutefisk is one of nation's favorite foods. Bonus: It's made with lye, which is poisonous.

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Chicken Adobo
Dane Sigua/Moment Open/Getty Images
Chicken Adobo comes from a nation with many islands - which one?
Thailand
Indonesia
Philippines
Ecuador
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After being marinated in garlic and vinegar, the chicken in chicken adobo is fried and simmered. In the Philippines, it is traditionally served over rice.

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Borscht
modesigns58/E+/Getty Images
Borscht is a colorful beet root soup - where is it from?
Ukraine
China
Thailand
Italy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Borscht is a beet root soup that starts with a pork or beef broth base. In the Ukraine, it is sometimes served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs.

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Paella
Dave G Kelly/Moment/Getty Images
Where does this drool-worthy pan of Paella call home?
Uruguay
Brazil
Malta
Spain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's nearly impossible to think of paella without thinking of Spain. Traditionally, paella is a pan full of rice cooked with vegetables and meat or seafood. In Spain, it is topped with fresh sprigs of rosemary.

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Rosti
Giulia Fiori Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Where could you go skiing and warm up with a plate of Rosti?
Peru
Switzerland
Canada
France
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After hitting some of the finest slopes in the world, you can return to the lodge and order the traditional Swiss dish of Rosti. Rosti is made by grating and frying potatoes until they resemble flat pancakes.

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Tacos
istetiana/Moment/Getty Images
Tacos are a favorite around the world, but where do they originate?
Spain
Greece
Mexico
Bolivia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everyone loves tacos! The national dish of Mexico has become a favorite around the world, but you need to head past the Rio Grande to enjoy the authentic ones.

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tangine
Lori Andrews/Moment/Getty Images
What is the name of the African country where tagine is a staple?
Kenya
Egypt
South Africa
Morocco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can thank Morocco for the tasty invention of tagine. Tagine is chicken stew cooked with vegetables, preserved lemons and a variety of spices. After careful cooking, it's served over a bed of couscous.

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Pavlova
Burcu Atalay Tankut/Moment/Getty Images
Pavlova is a beautiful dessert from which Pacific island nation?
New Zealand
Australia
Fiji
Micronesia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pavlova is one of New Zealand's favorite desserts, and it's easy to see why! Layers of meringue are filled with whipped topping and topped with local fruits like kiwi. It's a true treat!

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dumpling Pelmeni
Zoonar/O.Kovach/Zoonar / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Where would you travel to taste a dumpling called Pelmeni?
China
Vietnam
Russia
Sicily
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Russians make pelmeni, they are very particular about the stuffing. Using ground beef, lamb and pork to specific blends, the dumplings are lightly seasoned and boiled to perfection.

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mac and cheese
burwellphotography/E+/Getty Images
What country gets to claim bragging rights for this comfort food?
United States
France
Argentina
Jamaica
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to laying claim to the hamburger and the hot dog, the United States also gets to claim mac and cheese. Whether it's homemade from a soul food kitchen or out of the box at home, Americans cannot get enough of its warm, cheesy goodness.

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Hakarl
Audrey from Seattle, USA via Wiki Commons
If you're craving this fermented shark dish, where do you need to go?
Finland
Austria
Iceland
Cuba
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hakarl is one of Iceland's most favorite dishes. Fresh shark meat is left to ferment until it reaches perfection. It's not a dish for the unadventurous. Tony Bourdain almost gave up his traveling culinary career after being served this on an early episode of "Cook's Tour."

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moussaka
Stefan Cioata/Moment Open/Getty Images
Can you name the country famous for its moussaka?
Italy
Greece
Thailand
United States
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Layers of eggplant with lamb and creamy sauce make moussaka one of Greece's favorite foods. Although it resembles lasagna, it contains no pasta at all.

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chicken tikka masala
Diana Miller/Cultura/Getty Images
It's a little tricky, but which country's most popular dish is this chicken tikka masala?
India
Guyana
Brazil
England
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although fish and chips once held the title of England's favorite dish, it was recently knocked off the top by chicken tikka masala. Modern English cuisine has been heavily influenced by the country's multi-national makeup.

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Peking duck
Ivan/Moment/Getty Images
Which country do you have to thank for Peking duck?
Hong Kong
China
India
Egypt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Traditionally served with a sweet bean sauce, Peking duck hails from China. The sweet glaze of the duck turns crispy during baking which makes it a tasty meal.

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Ropa Vieja
Manuel Breva Colmeiro/Moment/Getty Images
Where could you order an authentic Ropa Vieja like the one seen here?
Cuba
Mexico
Spain
Malta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sweet plantain fritters and rice accompany Cuba's famous Ropa Vieja. Ropa Vieja is flank steak cooked in a tomato sauce until tender and juicy.

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ceviche
gustavo ramirez/Moment/Getty Images
Lime-marinated ceviche is a tasty treat from which country?
Mexico
Fiji
Peru
Vietnam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Using everything from crab to sea bass, ceviche is raw fish cooked by the acidity of lime juice. Due to its recent popularity, you can order ceviche nearly anywhere these days. However, you should head to Peru to experience the real deal.

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feijoada
Igor Alecsander/E+/Getty Images
If kidney beans are your thing, you should try this feijoada in which country?
Luxembourg
Russia
Brazil
Cuba
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brazilian feijoada is a meat and kidney bean stew that will really stick to your ribs. Packed with protein, the vegetables are optional in this hearty dish.

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Crepes
Tanja-Tiziana, Doublecrossed/Moment/Getty Images
Crepes might resemble pancakes, but which country invented them?
Sicily
Germany
Morocco
France
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Filled with either savory or sweet toppings, crepes are the national dish of France. Although they resemble pancakes, crepes are lighter, thinner and always filled.

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frikadeller
dirkr/E+/Getty Images
Can you figure out which European country created the frikadeller?
Germany
Denmark
Italy
Belgium
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denmark is the home to the frikadeller. Meat is combined with milk and eggs to make this dish. Then, the meatballs are fried and served alongside boiled potatoes.

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sauerbraten
Benreis via Wiki Commons
Where are you certain to find sauerbraten on the menu?
Germany
Belize
Bahamas
Canada
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After cuts of beef are marinated in spices, vinegar and juniper berries, Germans love to serve sauerbraten alongside a large helping of potatoes or red cabbage. There are many variations of this dish, but it is a favorite in Germany.

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Goulash
GMVozd/E+/Getty Images
Goulash is wonderful on a cold day - which country created the stew?
Hungary
Germany
Austria
Russia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hungary is home to many delicious dishes, but it is most famous for its goulash. Goulash is a spicy stew made with paprika, potatoes and choice cuts of meat. We're hungary just thinking about it.

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tandoori chicken
Quynh Anh Nguyen/Moment/Getty Images
Which country gets to claim this yogurt-marinated dish named tandoori chicken?
England
Indonesia
India
Micronesia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After being marinated in yogurt and spices, chicken pieces are cooked in a clay oven. In India, they call the oven a tandoori oven. The dish can be made without the special oven, though!

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Nasi Goreng
annick vanderschelden photography/Moment/Getty Images
Nasi Goreng is a mouth-watering meal, but where does it come from?
Thailand
Vietnam
Indonesia
Samoa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fried rice with meat and vegetables, sometimes topped with a fried egg makes nasi goreng one of Indonesia's favorite dishes. If you ask nicely, they will serve it to you with a side of sausage.

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polenta
Photo by Rafa Elias/Moment/Getty Images
Where do they serve the best polenta in the universe?
Spain
Italy
Mexico
Panama
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Polenta is a popular dish that can be ordered nearly anywhere in the world. Made from cornmeal porridge, the Italians know many different ways to make and to serve a perfect polenta.

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Larb
Takeaway via Wiki Commons
Larb is a meat salad with fish sauce - where does it hail from?
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
Thailand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The small nation of Laos is the proud inventor of larb. Ground meat is combined with rice, lime, chili and mint to create its unique flavors.

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chelo kabab
Benreis via Wiki Commons
What is the name of the nation responsible for the chelo kabab?
Pakistan
Iraq
Iran
Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To make a chelo kabab, ground beef and lamb are skewered on a kabab and served with saffron rice. It's a local favorite of people in Iran.

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aloco
jbdodane via Wiki Commons
Where does the deep-fried dish known as aloco come from?
Morocco
Venezuela
Germany
Ivory Coast
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you want to try a real treat, head to the Ivory Coast and try an aloco. Aloco is the name of the dish that locals call deep-fried plantains rubbed with one of the spiciest mixtures on earth.

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ramen
Yuga Kurita/Moment/Getty Images
You can grab packs of ramen nearly anywhere, but where would you visit to have the real deal?
China
Italy
Japan
Vietnam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The pre-packed ramen you can buy in nearly any store has nothing on the authentic Japanese version. Wheat noodles are carefully made by hand, stewed in a fish or meat broth and topped with scallions and spices. You won't find any better ramen anywhere else.

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Falafel
Emilija Manevska/Moment/Getty Images
Falafel is popular in many countries, but which country gets to claim its creation?
Bahrain
Iraq
Japan
Israel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To create falafel, chickpea flour is combined with spices and deep fried to perfection. In Israel, they like to serve falafel with a side of savory hummus.

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Dal Bhaath
Street Food & Travel TV India via youtube
Which mountainous nation takes pride in its Dal Bhat?
Switzerland
Nepal
Sweden
United States
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To experience and authentic dal bhat, you must set your sights toward Nepal. Dal bhat is a stew consisting of lentils, spices and clarified butter traditionally served over a bed of steamed rice.

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stamppot
middelveld/E+/Getty Images
If you were hungry for a stamppot like these one, where would you travel?
Norway
Iceland
Ireland
The Netherlands
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Known for their liberal attitude, The Netherlands is also a great place to visit for food. If you find yourself visiting the country, you should try stamppot. A stamppot is a potato-based dish with sauerkraut, kale, and other greens. It's then served with a link of sausage.

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bigos
Dr. Bernd Gross via Wiki Commons
Which country is home to a dish named bigos?
Austria
Kenya
Belize
Poland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Poland is the best place to grab yourself a big bowl of bigos. Bigos is a cabbage-based stew with various meats and sauerkraut. Make sure to ask for a side of bread with this hearty concoction.

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plov
Arx0nt/Moment Open/Getty Images
Known for its heartiness, where could you easily order a bowl of plov?
Uzbekistan
India
Poland
Belarus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Uzbekistan is the proud creator of plov. A hearty rice and meat-based stew, plov is frequently topped with raisins or crispy onion strips.

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pad Thai
Pete Ark/Moment/Getty Images
You shouldn't have to think too hard about where pad Thai comes from - or do you?
Vietnam
England
Belize
Thailand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's not a stretch to know that pad Thai is from Thailand. Pad Thai is a combination of noodles, scrambled eggs and tamarind pulp cooked together with an endless array of toppings. No matter what you top it with, it's a tasty dish.

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kimchi
Ivan/Moment/Getty Images
Where do you think kimchi originated?
France
Japan
Korea
India
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kimchi has a long history that goes all the way back to long before Korea was split into two countries. Although the fermented treat is popular around the world these days, it's been a favorite there for centuries.

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kibbeh
BURCU ATALAY TANKUT/Moment/Getty Images
Do you know the nation that introduced the world to kibbeh?
Laos
Syria
Cambodia
Scotland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kibbeh are flavorful meat dumplings that hail from Syria. Any meat can be used, but it's important to serve kibbeh with a dipping sauce and a side of olives for an authentic flair.

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