50 Best World Cuisines (With Wine Pairings)

Discover the 50 best world cuisines, ranked for their flavors, diversity, and health benefits. Explore popular dishes, top cuisines, and perfect wine pairings.

Food is a universal language that connects cultures and tells stories of tradition and innovation. From hearty stews to vibrant salads, every country has something extraordinary to offer.

This list of world cuisines includes the best world cuisines based on their flavors, variety, and health benefits, offering insights into what makes them stand out.

Top 10 World Cuisines with Wine Pairings

From timeless classics to bold, innovative flavors, the top 10 world cuisines showcase the culinary traditions that have captured hearts and taste buds across the globe.

#1. Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine, known for its simplicity and fresh ingredients, is beloved worldwide. Dishes like pasta and pizza are elevated with high-end wine pairings, such as Chianti with pasta or Prosecco with risotto.

In his MasterClass, Chef Stefano Secchi, star of Michelin-starred Rezdôra, teaches you to make fresh pasta filled with love (and prosciutto and Parm) in a tradition perfected over centuries.

In his MasterClass, Massimo Bottura, chef of the three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana, reimagines traditional Italian recipes into modern creations.

Learn to make dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, pumpkin risotto, and the exclusive Emilia Burger, refining your palate while exploring the perfect pairings for each dish.

#2. Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine, famous for sushi, sashimi, and tempura, is renowned for its balance of health and flavor. It is considered one of the healthiest world cuisines, with staples like miso soup and green tea.

Cutting-edge wine pairings, such as a crisp Riesling with sushi, enhance its delicate flavors. In her MasterClass, Niki Nakayama, chef and owner of the two-Michelin-starred n/naka in Los Angeles, teaches a modern approach to kaiseki, traditional Japanese cuisine.

Alongside her partner Carole, Niki guides you through preparing sashimi, tempura, and perfect rice, helping you cook with care, gratitude, and a focus on fresh ingredients.

#3. Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold, colorful dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and mole. Celebrated for its balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, it ranks among the top world cuisines. A rich Malbec or smoky Mezcal perfectly complements the vibrant tastes.

In her MasterClass, Gabriela Cámara, a modern Mexican cuisine star and Contramar chef, shares her sustainable twist on traditional dishes.

She teaches you step-by-step how to prepare her creations, like tuna tostadas, alongside staples like tacos al pastor, salsa, and tortillas, so you can bring the rich flavors of Mexico to your table.

#4. French Cuisine

French cuisine, known for its sophistication, includes croissants and coq au vin. As a staple on the world cuisines list, it’s ideal for high-end wine pairings like Bordeaux or Champagne, which elevate the rich, complex flavors of French dishes.

In his MasterClass, Dominique Ansel, creator of the Cronut® and James Beard Award-winner, teaches the art of French pastry.

Renowned as the “world’s best pastry chef,” Dominique guides you through essential baking techniques, classic recipes, and flavor inspirations to create decadent desserts that will impress friends and family.

#5. Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine, celebrated for its bold flavors and intricate use of spices, includes iconic dishes like biryani, curry, and samosas. Ranking high among the world cuisines, its diversity and complexity make it a perfect match for a fruity Zinfandel, which complements its vibrant tastes.

In her MasterClass, Madhur Jaffrey, a renowned authority on Indian cuisine with over 30 award-winning cookbooks, guides you through 30 authentic recipes.

From vegetables and breads to South Asian meats and street foods, she teaches how to blend and layer spices, helping you create vibrant, flavorful dishes and full menus that showcase the essence of Indian cooking.

#6. Chinese Cuisine

Chinese cuisine, a cornerstone of popular world cuisines, is adored globally for iconic dishes like dim sum, Peking duck, and fried rice. The flavors of these dishes pair wonderfully with versatile wines like Pinot Noir or Gewürztraminer, enhancing their depth without overshadowing the subtlety of the flavors.

In his MasterClass, Roy Choi, renowned for his Kogi BBQ taco truck, teaches you how to cook with your instincts. Choi, who revolutionized street food with his fusion of tacos and kimchi, guides you through simple recipes, sauces, and techniques.

He emphasizes using equipment you already have and encourages you to add your own twist to classic dishes, making cooking intuitive and creative.

#7. Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese cuisine, known for dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel, blends fresh ingredients with bold flavors, ranking high on any world cuisine list. Its vibrant flavors pair beautifully with light red wines like Pinot Noir, which complement the dishes without overpowering them.

In his MasterClass, Yotam Ottolenghi, one of the most influential chefs of today, shares his expertise in creating Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.

A James Beard Award winner, Ottolenghi guides you through simple steps to prepare mezze, brunch spreads, homemade condiments, and stunning vegetable dishes, enabling you to entertain effortlessly with colorful, flavorful meals.

#8. American Cuisine

American cuisine is beloved for its hearty and comforting dishes, with burgers and BBQ taking center stage as iconic favorites. Whether it’s a juicy burger with melted cheese or tender, smoky ribs from a backyard BBQ, these dishes are all about bold flavors and satisfying portions.

Pairing these hearty meals with a rich Zinfandel or smooth Chardonnay can elevate the flavors, enhancing the smoky notes of BBQ or balancing the savory profile of a classic burger.

In her MasterClass, Angie Mar, chef/owner of the acclaimed Le B, shares her secret to making the perfect Big Apple burger. Known for its outrageous flavor, her burger combines four cuts of gourmet beef and expert techniques to pack every bite with an indulgent taste.

In his MasterClass, Aaron Franklin, the James Beard Award-winning owner of Franklin Barbecue, reveals the meticulous low-and-slow process that makes his famous smoked brisket, ribs, and pork butt so mouth-watering. Learn to handle an offset smoker like a true pitmaster and create perfectly seasoned, tender cuts of meat.

James Beard Award-winning chef, Mashama Bailey’s MasterClass brings the soulful flavors of African American Southern cooking to life.

Known for her restaurant, The Grey, Mashama teaches you traditional and reimagined recipes for Southern classics, from pork shank and collard greens to gumbo and grits, exploring a world of texture, history, and taste.

#9. Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is a favorite in many lists of world cuisines for its perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup are staples, often paired with aromatic white wines.

#10. Spanish Cuisine

Tapas, paella, and churros make Spanish cuisine one of the most popular world cuisines. Rioja wine is a classic pairing, enhancing its smoky and savory dishes.

Exploring More of the 50 Best World Cuisines

Here are 40 more different world cuisines that delight food lovers worldwide with wine pairings for each cuisine:

#11. Greek (moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki)

• Red: Xinomavro
• White: Assyrtiko

#12. Turkish (kebabs, baklava)

• Red: Syrah
• Dessert: Sauternes

#13. Vietnamese (pho, banh mi)

• White: Gewürztraminer
• Sparkling: Prosecco

#14. Korean (kimchi, bulgogi)

• Red: Pinot Noir
• White: Off-dry Riesling

#15. Peruvian (ceviche, lomo saltado)

• White: Albariño
• Red: Malbec

#16. Brazilian (feijoada, pão de queijo)

• Red: Carmenere
• Sparkling: Brut Cava

#17. Ethiopian (injera, doro wat)

• Red: Zinfandel
• White: Chenin Blanc

#18. Moroccan (tagine, couscous)

• Red: Grenache
• White: Viognier

#19. German (sausages, schnitzel)

• White: Riesling
• Red: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)

#20. Caribbean (jerk chicken, callaloo)

• White: Sauvignon Blanc
• Red: Zinfandel

#21. Indonesian (satay, nasi goreng)

• White: Grüner Veltliner
• Red: Garnacha

#22. South African (bobotie, biltong)

• Red: Pinotage
• White: Chenin Blanc

#23. Argentinian (asado, empanadas)

• Red: Malbec
• White: Torrontés

#24. Swedish (meatballs, smörgåsbord)

• White: Chardonnay
• Red: Beaujolais

#25. Filipino (adobo, halo-halo)

• White: Sauvignon Blanc
• Dessert: Moscato

#26. Malaysian (laksa, rendang)

• White: Riesling
• Red: Shiraz

#27. Russian (borscht, pelmeni)

• Red: Merlot
• White: Pinot Gris

#28. British (fish and chips, Sunday roast)

• White: Chablis
• Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

#29. Cuban (ropa vieja, tostones)

• Red: Tempranillo
• White: Albariño

#30. Polish (pierogi, bigos)

• White: Grüner Veltliner
• Red: Pinot Noir

#31. Australian (meat pies, pavlova)

• Red: Shiraz
• Dessert: Late Harvest Riesling

#32. Iranian (kebabs, saffron rice)

• Red: Syrah
• White: Viognier

#33. Portuguese (bacalhau, pastéis de nata)

• White: Vinho Verde
• Dessert: Port

#34. Belgian (moules-frites, waffles)

• White: Muscadet
• Dessert: Sparkling Rosé

#35. Dutch (stroopwafels, cheese)

• White: Chardonnay
• Dessert: Sweet Riesling

#36. Swiss (fondue, rösti)

• White: Chasselas
• Red: Gamay

#37. Egyptian (koshari, ful medames)

• White: Sauvignon Blanc
• Red: Syrah

#38. Pakistani (nihari, biryani)

• Red: Malbec
• White: Off-dry Gewürztraminer

#39. Sri Lankan (kottu, coconut curry)

• White: Riesling
• Sparkling: Prosecco

#40. Nigerian (jollof rice, suya)

• Red: Shiraz
• White: Chenin Blanc

#41. Colombian (arepas, bandeja paisa)

• White: Sauvignon Blanc
• Red: Merlot

#42. Austrian (schnitzel, strudel)

• White: Grüner Veltliner
• Dessert: Auslese Riesling

#43. Hungarian (goulash, langos)

• Red: Bikavér (Bull’s Blood)
• White: Furmint

#44. Burmese (mohinga, tea leaf salad)

• White: Albariño
• Sparkling: Brut Champagne

#45. Finnish (salmon soup, rye bread)

• White: Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling: Prosecco

#46. Israeli (shakshuka, sabich)

• White: Sauvignon Blanc
• Red: Syrah

#47. Tanzanian (ugali, nyama choma)

• Red: Cabernet Sauvignon
• White: Chenin Blanc

#48. Georgian (khinkali, khachapuri)

• White: Rkatsiteli
• Red: Saperavi

#49. Nepalese (momos, dal bhat)

• White: Gewürztraminer
• Red: Pinot Noir

#50. Czech (pork roast, dumplings)

• Red: Blaufränkisch
• White: Grüner Veltliner

Ranking the world’s best cuisines is subjective, but these 50 top world cuisines highlight the incredible diversity of global culinary traditions. Whether you’re seeking high-end wine pairings, exploring the healthiest world cuisines, or simply craving something new, there’s a dish to satisfy every palate.

Food is a universal connector, bringing people and cultures together. While each cuisine offers something distinct, they all share a common thread — the joy of sharing a meal. Which of these world cuisines will inspire your next culinary adventure?

Recipes hold stories that deepen our understanding of one another. In a new three-part series on MasterClass, celebrated chef José Andrés invites you on a journey to explore the origins and influences behind some of his favorite dishes. Learn how food has the power to unite us and celebrate our shared experiences.

High-End Wine Pairings for World Cuisines

Pairing the right wine with food is an exquisite art that transforms any meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. From red wine pairings to white wine pairings, the perfect choice enhances the flavors of dishes, highlighting their complexity and richness.

For those seeking high-end wine pairings for world cuisines, here are some tailored recommendations to elevate your dining moments:

#1. Elite Wine Pairings for Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine offers a symphony of flavors, and a Barolo or Chianti Classico provides one of the best wine pairings for hearty pasta dishes, lasagna, or creamy risottos. For lighter fare like Caprese salad or seafood linguine, a crisp Pinot Grigio is the perfect white wine pairing.

#2. Cutting-Edge Wine Pairings for French Cuisine

For the indulgent richness of French fare, nothing beats cheese and wine pairings featuring a velvety Bordeaux or Champagne. Whether enjoying creamy brie, coq au vin, or escargot, opt for wines with balance and finesse. For desserts, consider chocolate and wine pairings with a fine Sauternes.

#3. Luxe Wine Pairings for Diverse Foods: Thai Cuisine and Riesling

Spicy Thai curries and tangy stir-fries pair beautifully with an off-dry Riesling, offering a delightful contrast to the heat. It’s one of the most cutting-edge wine pairings for world cuisines, balancing sweetness and spice for an unforgettable experience.

#4. Exclusive Global Food and Wine Pairings: Indian Cuisine

The bold spices of Indian cuisine demand equally robust wines. A Syrah or Zinfandel creates an elite wine pairing for various dishes like lamb biryani or butter chicken, harmonizing with their vibrant flavors.

#5. Thanksgiving Wine Pairings for American BBQ & Comfort Foods

For American cuisine, think beyond turkey and explore Thanksgiving wine pairings that include a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for smoked brisket or Syrah for glazed ham. For something playful, consider chip and wine pairings with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, offering a fun twist to a classic feast.

#6. Wine Pairings for Mediterranean Cuisine

Greek seafood and lemon-infused dishes shine with Assyrtiko, while Spanish tapas are complemented by Rioja Gran Reserva. These are quintessential examples of top-tier international cuisine and wine pairings, showcasing how Mediterranean flavors come alive with regional wines.

#7. Wine Pairings Chart for Global Dishes

Creating a wine pairings chart can simplify your choices, outlining the best matches for diverse cuisines. For example:

• Indian Curry: Syrah
• Sushi: Riesling or Junmai Daiginjo Sake
• Italian Pasta: Barolo or Pinot Grigio
• French Brie: Champagne or Burgundy

Whether exploring high-end wine pairings for world cuisines or experimenting with chip and wine pairings, these thoughtful combinations ensure every meal is a celebration of flavor and sophistication.

Learn About Top-Tier International Cuisine and Wine Pairings

Exploring top-tier international cuisine and wine pairings can feel like an exciting journey across the globe, discovering new flavors, techniques, and traditions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned foodie, there are numerous resources available to help you deepen your knowledge and refine your pairing skills.

#1. Master Sommelier Emily Wines: The Snob-Free Wine Guide

For those who want to learn how to pair wines without the intimidation of wine snobbery, Master Sommelier Emily Wines offers a snob-free guide to wine.

With her expertise, she debunks common wine myths, removes the barriers that make wine seem elitist, and teaches you to pick, pair, and pour wines like a professional.

Through her approach, you’ll discover how wine can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of knowledge, and learn how to pair wine with international cuisines confidently.

Emily’s practical advice allows you to focus on the experience, not the price tag, empowering you to explore different world wines that complement dishes from around the globe.

#2. James Suckling Teaches Wine Appreciation

For an in-depth, expert-led wine journey, James Suckling’s Wine Appreciation MasterClass provides an unmatched learning experience. James, one of the world’s most powerful wine critics, shares his vast knowledge after tasting more than 200,000 wines.

His MasterClass takes you through the legendary vineyards of Tuscany, teaching you about the history, stories, and personalities behind every bottle of wine.

His course goes beyond basic pairings and explores the properties of wines, helping you make informed decisions about what to drink with diverse international cuisines.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of wine regions or learn how to confidently choose and pair wines with food, James Suckling’s MasterClass offers a comprehensive path to mastering wine appreciation.

These educational resources are invaluable for anyone looking to explore exclusive global food and wine pairings and unlock the rich possibilities of pairing the best wines with the most exquisite dishes worldwide.

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