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Tamalito is the Peruvian version of tamales. They are smaller and drier than tamales, but both are prepared in a similar fashion. Green maize is first combined with lard, and the combination is then filled with ground beef and wrapped in corn leaves before being tied with a string and steamed in a pot. Tamalitos are traditionally served as a light appetizer or a tasty side dish. It is recommended to pair them with salsa criolla.

Pabellon criollo is a traditional Venezuelan dish consisting of black beans, white rice, and slices of steak cooked with tomatoes. The word pabellon means flag, referring to the colors of individual components, which are arranged to resemble the national flag. The dish is sometimes also served with fried plantains, known as tajadas, along with arepas and white cheese. The plantains keep the food from slipping over the plate, and in that case, the dish is known as pabellon con baranda, where baranda means guard rail. If the dish is served with a fried egg on top, it is known as pabellon a caballo. Pabellon criollo is especially popular with Venezuelan cowboys, known as llanos.

A simple bun called chipa is the most common food staple in Paraguay. The famous bread is made with cassava flour, lard, and anise. It originates from the Native American people Guarani, indigenous to the Amazon area of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The origin of chipa dates back to the time when wheat was not present in South America, and cassava was the most commonly used starch in the area. In colonial times, the Jesuit missionaries introduced milk, eggs, and cheese to the indigenous people, which finalized the chipa recipe. The use of cassava starch and lard results in the crunchy exterior of the bun, while the use of anise gives the bread buns an unusual and unique flavor. Although chipas are eaten all year round in Paraguay, they have a significant importance during the Holy Week, so they are often prepared and eaten during the Easter festivities. For the people of Paraguay, chipas represent their daily bread which is eaten together with numerous main meals or as a snack. Traditionally, the buns are prepared at home, but they are also sold by many street vendors, called chiperas, especially along Paraguayan roads.

Arrumadinho is a complex Brazilian dish that is usually served as an appetizer. The dish is a combination of four elements that are neatly organized and served together as a complete meal. The essential parts are sliced, sun-dried beef, diced and mixed vegetable vinaigrette, beans, typically black eyed peas, and farofa – a toasted cassava flour mixture. All of the ingredients are seasoned with clarified butter, neatly arranged and served on a plate. The four elements of arrumadinho can either be mixed or consumed as individual dishes. A plate of arrumadinho is usually shared by a couple or a group of people, typically followed by a glass of cold beer or a freshly prepared caipirinha. The dish can usually be found in the northeast of Brazil, more precisely in the state of Pernambuco, where it is believed to have originated. It is often sold at food stands as a snack, but it is also commonly served as an appetizer in elegant restaurants.

Tigrillo is an Ecuadorian casserole-style dish made with a combination of mashed green plantains, cheese, and eggs. There are as many recipes as there are cooks, so some versions of tigrillo might include milk, ají hot sauce, or chicharrones (fried pork rinds). Queso fresco is one of the most popular choices for the cheese, and when served, tigrillo can also be served with a fried or poached egg on top. The dish is traditionally served for breakfast in Ecuador.

Cachorro quente is the Brazilian version of a hot dog consisting of a bread roll filled with sausage links, ground beef in a chunky tomato sauce with green peppers and onions, and melted cheese. The dish is traditionally served with a wide variety of accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, corn, grated carrots, fries, peas, or pico de gallo, depending on the customers' preference. The toppings are virtually endless, and each region in Brazil has its own preference.

Even though their name and origin stem from Italian tradition, pastafrola tarts have become an integral part of South American cuisine. They traditionally combine buttery shortcrust pastry and various fillings such as quince cheese, dulce de leche, guava, sweet potato jam, and various fruit preserves. The top of each tart is traditionally decorated with a wide lattice pattern that reveals the colorful filling. Pastafrola tarts can be enjoyed as a simple, appetizing dessert or a sweet afternoon snack.

Tortas fritas are fried biscuits from Argentina consisting of flour, butter, lard, milk, and baking powder. The dish is traditionally consumed with a cup of yerba mate, usually on rainy afternoons during autumn and winter. It is customarily served with fruit jams or dulce de leche on the side.

Encebollado is the national dish of Ecuador, a fish soup that is characterized by a large amount of onions. Very useful in curing hangovers, the dish is made with fresh tuna meat, cassava root, tomatoes, onions, coriander, and various spices. Tomatoes, onions, chili, coriander, and cumin form a pungent mix and a base for the soup, called sofrito, while pickled onions go either on top of encebollado or into it, giving it its name that is literally translated to onioned. The soup originates from Ecuador's coast during the time when the fishers were out at sea and made the soup out of necessity. As they had some spices, and fresh fish was readily available, encebollado was created and became widely consumed throughout the country. Today, consumers can choose their own condiments including toasted corn, banana chips, lime, mustard, and avocado. This traditional dish – a source of pride for the locals – can be found on various street corners, in small restaurants, hotels, and homes of people from various social backgrounds.

Curau is a Brazilian dessert made with the juice of an unripe maize, sugar, and milk. Once it has been cooked, it is poured into individual bowls and garnished with a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon. It can be eaten warm when it is more of a pudding-like consistency or cold when its texture will resemble a custard or a flan.

These soft crescent rolls are regarded as the Argentinian take on traditional French croissants. Even though they are very similar to the French variety, medialunas are slightly more moist, smaller, and a bit sweeter. There are two traditional types of medialunas; the larger version made with butter, and the smaller version made with lard. Both varieties are usually prepared plain, with a rum-and-sugar glaze on top. They are traditionally eaten for breakfast, ideally accompanied by a cup of strong coffee with milk, or as an afternoon snack served with yerba mate, a traditional Argentinian herbal tea. Argentinians prefer to eat them with sweet condiments, jellies, dulce de leche, or chocolate spreads. Even though they are easily prepared at home, medialunas can also be bought in panaderias–traditional bakeries found throughout Argentina.

This traditional Brazilian dessert is a type of creamy, caramel-coated custard flan. Although there are as many variations on the dessert as there are families in Brazil (and throughout Latin America), the standard ingredients of pudim de leite condensado include sweetened condensed milk, regular whole milk, eggs, and sugar. To make the custard, the condensed milk mixture is typically poured into round molds or cake pans that have been coated with a simple caramel sauce, before it is baked in a water bath until it’s become firm and set. According to popular belief, this simple dessert is thought to have evolved from an old Portuguese dish known as pudim de priscos, an invention that has been attributed to a certain Portuguese priest named Manuel Joaquim Machado, also known as Father Priscos. Earlier versions of pudim de leite condensado used whole milk instead of condensed milk, which made the entire process of making the dessert much more complicated and time-consuming.

Feijoada or feijoada completa is Brazil's national dish, a hearty stew featuring pork and black beans. The dish is consumed throughout the country, and every family in Brazil has their own, special recipe. Sautéed greens, cheese rolls, rice, and fresh, sliced oranges are served as an accompaniment to the smoked pork and richly flavored black beans. Traditionally, it is prepared for Saturday lunch, so that the consumers may sleep it off. The beans are flavored with onions, tomatoes, coriander, and garlic, while pork meat can be additionally enriched with dried beef and smoked pork sausages. Before the main meal, consumers are offered caldinho de feijao, a bean broth served in shot glasses or small ceramic cups and garnished with pork rinds known as torresmos. The name feijoada is derived from the Portuguese word for beans, feijão, and it probably originated in the 1600s in Recife, on sugar plantations built by the Portuguese colonists, although some believe that it was created in Rio de Janeiro.

What harissa is to Moroccan cuisine and what mustard is to hot dogs in the USA, chimichurri is to steaks in Argentina. It is an aromatic mixture of parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, and hot red pepper flakes, although additional ingredients such as coriander or chopped tomatoes are sometimes also included in the combination, while others may be omitted as there are numerous variations on chimichurri. This vibrant green sauce (sometimes used as a marinade) is typically served alongside grilled beef steaks, but it also does wonders for grilled pork, chicken, lamb, fish, or duck, and it is quite common to pair it with Malbec wine. There are two theories about the origin of the name–one says that it was invented (and aptly named) by a British meat dealer called Jimmy Curry, and the other one says that it stems from the phrase "che mi curry", spoken by captive English soldiers who requested to eat curry after their unsuccessful attempt to invade Argentina, a Spanish colony at the time.

Cubanitos (lit. little Cubans) is an Argentine sweet and crispy wafer tube oozing a sweet filling. Wafer pastry is made by combining flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and (sometimes) egg whites. Once baked, the wafer is rolled into the shape of a Cuban cigar, hence the name cubanitos. Although the most common filling is dulce de leche (a milky caramel spread), this treat may come with various other fillings such as chocolate, lemon-flavored cream, pasta bon o bon (peanut cream), or whipped cream. The filled wafer tubes are also often covered with chocolate and garnished with chopped nuts or sprinkles. A common street food fare, cubanitos can be enjoyed on their own, usually as a late-afternoon sweet snack, or served as accompaniments to helado de dulce de leche (milky caramel ice cream) or vanilla ice cream. In Argentina, these filled wafer tubes are typically prepared for special occasions, and they are commonly sold at fairs such as the Feria de Mataderos.

Inchicapi is a creamy Peruvian soup made with chicken or hen meat, ground corn, peanuts, oil, cassava, and garlic as key ingredients. It originates from the Peruvian jungle regions of San Martin, Loreto, and Ucayali. Before serving, this traditional soup is usually garnished with chopped coriander.

Salsa de rocoto is a hot Peruvian sauce or dip that's a staple at most tables in the country. It is prepared with fiery red rocoto peppers, oil, and lime juice, with the occasional addition of parsley, cilantro, or milk. Due to the fact that this salsa is so popular in the country, there are numerous variations, ranging from medium hot to insanely hot, so be careful when trying it for the first time. Use the salsa with a variety of fish and meat dishes, potatoes, or try it in sandwiches.

Lomo a la pobre or bistec a lo pobre is a large meal that is popular in Chile and Peru. In its basic form, the meal consists of steak, fried onions, fried potatoes, and fried eggs. A large beef steak (usually rubbed with garlic) is fried, then topped with fried eggs with runny yolks, while onions and potatoes are served on the side. It is recommended to additionally enrich the meal with rice and salad. The name of this meal translates to poor man's steak, despite the fact that this dish is hearty and very nutritious. In Chile and Peru, it is almost always served for lunch.

Tequeños are a traditional Venezuelan snack consisting of fried wonton wrappers or empanada dough filled with cheese. It is believed that this snack originated from the city of Los Teques. Tequeños are usually served with various sauces and dips such as guacamole or salsa de palta. Although the snack got its start in Venezuela, it soon spread throughout Latin America. In Peru, tequeños are popular as an appetizer or an afternoon snack, and Peruvians sometimes add ham, lomo saltado, or aji de gallina to the cheese filling.

Aji Criollo or salsa de aji is a spicy Peruvian salsa prepared with a combination of yellow aji chili peppers and oil. The sauce is usually pleasantly spicy, but it can also be extremely hot and spicy, so one should be careful when tasting it for the first time. The sauce is traditionally used as an accompaniment to various meat and fish dishes, but it's also often used as a dip for french fries and tequeños.

Moqueca capixaba is a traditional Brazilian stew originating from the region of Espírito Santo. It is prepared with fish, lime juice, coriander, and vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and garlic, all nicely colored with annatto. Traditionally, the stew is cooked in a clay pot called panela de barro – the seafood should only be layered with other ingredients and the heat is turned up for the stew to simmer on its own. In some cases, chili peppers are added for a bit of heat. When served, moqueca capixaba is typically accompanied by white rice or a creamy manioc porridge called pirão.

It is not known why this unusual Brazilian dessert was named after the famous Shakespeare play, but the sweet and savory combination of Romeu e Julieta is beloved throughout Brazil, where it is served either as a snack or as a dessert. It is quick and easy to prepare Romeu e Julieta, consisting of a thick slice of fresh white cheese (usually queijo minas or canastra), and an equally thick slice of goiabada (fresh pulped guava, water, and sugar). The saltiness of the cheese pairs quite well with the gritty texture and sweetness of goiabada, and most Brazilians combine the two on a fork and consume it in a single bite. Since goiabada and cheese keep well and are a staple of most Brazilian homes, all it takes is to slice both ingredients and serve them on a plate, providing a great finish to the meal without being too heavy on the stomach. The combination is also available in a variety of other dishes, such as Romeu e Julieta on toast, in cheesecakes, and even on pizzas.

Bolo de rolo is a traditional Brazilian dessert with origins in the state of Pernambuco. This rolled guava cake is similar to a jelly roll cake or a Swiss roll; however, its preparation is much more complicated. It incorporates many delicate and thin sponge layers which are connected to form a giant sheet, spread with a layer of sweet guava jam, then rolled into a log. The most elaborate varieties of bolo de rolo can have up to twenty layers of sponge, which results in an unusual decorative spiral. Because of the intricate and time-consuming preparation, it is rarely made at home and can usually be found in pastry shops and supermarkets around Brazil. It is usually served sliced, to showcase the number of meticulously created jelly spirals. To balance the sweetness, slices of bolo de rolo are often served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.

Bandeja paisa, also known as bandeja de arriero, bandeja montanera and bandeja antioquena, is Colombia's national dish since 2005, a heavy, caloric meal traditionally served on a big, oval platter and intended to be eaten for lunch. Originally, the platter provided nutrition and energy to the farmers to keep them going for the whole day and there are a total of 13 ingredients used in the dish, including golden-fried chorizo sausages with lime, hogau sauce, cooked white rice, ground beef, plantain, arepa (a thin, fried corn cake), avocado, stewed red beans, fried pork belly, and a fried egg on top of it all. This behemoth of a dish is traditionally accompanied by a mazamorra – a milk-based drink that is served chilled and features smashed maize. Bandeja paisa is actually one of the highest protein-packed dishes on Earth and is especially popular in the Paisa region departments of Antioquia and a part of Valle del Cauca in Colombia. In 2005, when it became the national dish, it was suggested that the name gets changed to bandeja montanera in order to avoid the exclusion of people that are outside the Paisa region, which led to a huge public outcry.

A classic dish of the Brazilian Bahia region, bobó de camarão is a stew made with puréed cassava (bobó), fresh shrimps, coconut milk, and dendê palm oil. The word bobó comes from the Ewe people who were brought to Brazil as slaves, denoting a dish made with beans, although there are no beans in bobó de camarão as we know it today, due to the fact that the Afro-Brazilians enthusiastically took to cassava when they were first introduced to it. The dish is traditionally accompanied by rice on the side, and is a staple of most traditional Brazilian eateries and Bahian self-service restaurants.

Picarones are a staple of Peruvian street food, the tasty, deep-fried treats that are also often referred to as the Peruvian doughnuts. The dough is shaped into a ring and fried in hot oil, and picarones are then drizzled with a sweet cane syrup. It is believed that they were first prepared during the Spanish Viceroyalty in Lima and they were probably based on the Spanish buñuelos. The recipe was adapted by the locals who added sweet potatoes and squash to the dough, and a new dish was created. Picarones were later popularized by the nuns of Saint Claire's convent, and today they are especially popular during the religious festivities in October.

Arroz chaufa is a popular Peruvian dish with a great influence of Chinese cuisine. It consists of a combination of fried rice, meats, vegetables, and fruits. Most commonly, rice is fried with shredded chicken, salami, garlic, ginger, slivered almonds, eggs, chicken stock, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice, although there are numerous variations on the dish using ingredients such as fish, beef, pork, jerky, and even alligator meat. Once prepared, the dish is typically garnished with chopped scallions and coriander.

Arroz con camarones is a dish that is popular throughout Latin America, especially in Peru and Mexico. It consists of rice that is cooked in a flavorful shrimp broth, combined with shrimp, peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, garlic, and achiote, with the addition of finely chopped parsley used for garnishing. Arroz con camarones can be served with numerous accompaniments such as lime wedges, hot sauce, avocado slices, or fried plantains.

Often consumed on rainy or cold days by many Peruvians, aji de gallina is a spicy dish consisting of shredded chicken in a creamy sauce. It is traditionally served over rice and garnished with black olives and boiled potatoes. The sauce is made with aji amarillo chilis, garlic, onions, walnuts, cheese, and crustless bread, and it is usually flavored with spices such as cumin, pepper, oregano, turmeric, and parsley. It is believed that aji de gallina originated from a dish called manjar blanco, made with a combination of chicken, almonds, sugar, and rice. After its arrival in Peru, the people adapted it using local ingredients such as the aji chili, and a new dish was created in the process.

Feijão tropeiro is a traditional dish from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. A favorite dish of cattle rangers (tropeiros), it consists of beans that are cooked with salted or dried meat, manioc flour, and various flavorings, herbs, and vegetables. Today, there are numerous variations on the dish, so the type of beans and meat vary from one part of the country to the next. It is believed that the dish was invented during the Brazilian Colonial period, when tropeiros used to sell things while traveling on horses, bringing beans, manioc flour, and dried meat with them on long journeys.

Baião is a traditional folk dance of the Brazilian Ceará region, which was popularized by two musicians, Humberto Teixeira and Luís Gonzaga, in a song called Baião-de-dois (baião for two). The name of the song attached itself to the dish of the same name, consisting of freshly picked black-eyed peas and rice cooked together, reminiscent of a couple dancing the baião. The dish has numerous varieties throughout the region, so some cooks add dried beef (carne de sol), while the others add pork or cheese to the combination. Garnishes may include freshly chopped coriander and chives. The history of the dish dates back to the time of great difficulties, when food was scarce and nothing could go to waste, so, like many other dishes, this one was also created out of necessity, combining rice, beans, and kitchen leftovers.

A staple of Northeastern Brazil, carne de sol (lit. meat of the sun) - sometimes also called carne de sereno or simply jabá - refers to heavily salted, sun-dried meat. Carne de sol is traditionally prepared with either beef or goat meat, and the origins of this centuries-old meat preservation method are attributed to the so-called sertanejos, cattle ranchers living in the vast, semi-arid Brazilian hinterlands. Today, carne de sol is a delicacy found all across the country and, if not grilled or cubed and used in various stews, it is typically served with coalho cheese and accompanied by a thick manioc gruel called pirão or boiled cassava.

Lomo saltado is a traditional Peruvian dish consisting of stir-fried marinated slices of sirloin or beef tenderloin, onions, yellow Peruvian chilis, and tomatoes. The dish is typically served with French fries and rice on the side, and can be found on the menus of almost all Peruvian restaurants, whether simple or upscale. The dish has had a big Asian influence due to the influx of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century. Over the years, some Chinese cooking techniques were combined with the Peruvian, and new dishes were invented, such as lomo saltado. Today, there are many variations on the dish, so beef can be replaced by chicken, when it is called pollo saltado. If the potatoes are replaced with noodles and vegetables, it is then called tallarin saltado. With its fusion of old and new worlds, lomo saltado still holds its status as one of Peru's most loved dishes.

Chivito is a delicious sandwich from Uruguay and the country's national dish. Meaning little goat in Spanish, a legend says that in the 1940s, a chef in a restaurant was asked to prepare roasted goat, but since he didn't have one - he made a sandwich with bits of just about everything he had in the kitchen, and chivito was born. The sandwich is filled with meat - slices of churrasco (grilled/roasted and thinly sliced beef), ham, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, melted mozzarella, and a topping of fried (or sometimes boiled) eggs. The sandwich buns should be quite large, such as ciabatta rolls. Optionally, it can be topped with olives, pickles, and cooked onions, while salsa golf - a popular mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, acts as a perfect condiment. It is a quite tall sandwich, due to all of the ingredients stuffed inside it. Praised by many world chefs because of the high-quality, grass-fed beef ingredients on the inside, chivito is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Arepa is a highly versatile cornbread made from ground corn dough or precooked corn flour. It is commonly consumed in Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. In Venezuela, arepa is eaten at any time of the day, throughout the whole country, and across all socio-economic groups. The golden disks with a crispy, browned crust are commonly stuffed with a variety of ingredients, and the combinations are seemingly infinite, from beans, cheese, and avocado to shredded beef and onions. For a Venezuelan breakfast, arepas are traditionally paired with a cup of strong coffee and hot dipping chocolate. Since they are not filled with anything for breakfast, they are commonly referred to as the viuda (widow). The name arepa comes from the word erepa, which is the indigenous word for this corn bread, as its origins are believed to be from the indigenous tribes across Venezuela, such as Timoto-Cuicas, Arawak, Carib, and Karina. Today, arepas are usually served at traditional eateries called areperas.

This empanada variety originates from Córdoba in Argentina, hence the name. It is sweet and savory because it's filled with beef, raisins, potatoes, olives, and white sugar. Other ingredients include hard-boiled eggs, onions, garlic, red wine, paprika, and cumin. These empandas are also juicier than most other varieties because they include tomatoes in the mix. The filling is enclosed in dough consisting of flour, egg yolks, lard or pork fat, water, and salt, just like most empanadas. Empanadas cordobesas are fried in hot oil or baked in the oven until browned.

These crispy Argentinian pastries are typically star-shaped, while the center is filled with quince or sweet potato preserve (dulce). They are usually deep-fried and then brushed with a sugar glaze. Optionally, they can be filled with dulce de leche and topped with colorful sprinkles. Pastelitos are traditionally enjoyed on May 25, a day commemorating the May Revolution and the establishment of the first independent Argentinian government.

Choritos a la chalaca is a Peruvian dish originating from the port of Callao. The word choritos refers to mussels, while a la chalaca means Callao-style. The dish is made by steaming the mussels, then topping them with a spicy salsa featuring tomatoes, corn, rocoto peppers, onions, lime juice, olive oil, and parsley. Choritos a la chalaca is traditionally served as an appetizer with a glass of cold beer on the side.

Sopa Criolla is a comforting and filling Peruvian soup. It's made with a combination of beef, onions, garlic, aji panca paste, tomato paste, stock, potatoes, angel hair pasta, evaporated milk, oregano, and eggs. Once it has been cooked, the soup is typically garnished with homemade croutons. It is believed that sopa Criolla was brought to the country by Italian immigrants. For the best experience, serve it on a chilly winter day.

Arepa Andina is a variety of Venezuelan arepas, distinguished from the regular arepas by the usage of wheat flour rather than the standard corn flour. This variety of arepa is popular in the Andes region, near the Colombian border, especially in the state of Mérida, where wheat has been cultivated since ancient times. Arepa Andina can be consumed plain, or filled with cheese and vegetables such as tomatoes. It is recommended to pair a plain arepa Andina with a hot cup of coffee.

Cuchuflí are popular Chilean sweet snacks that look like thin, crispy tubes with a texture similar to that of wafers. They consist of sugar, flour, butter, egg whites, and vanilla flavoring. These sweet treats are often filled with dulce de leche, but they can also be covered in chocolate. Nowadays, cuchuflí can be found almost anywhere in Chile – from bakeries, grocery stores, and supermarkets to street vendors and beach food stands.

Choclo con queso is a Peruvian meal that is often consumed as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish. Peruvian choclo is a type of corn with large kernels, nutty flavor, and chewy texture. When paired with creamy and salty cheese and a dab of butter on top, it results in choclo con queso (lit. corn with cheese). Although it can be found in restaurants, this delicious snack is most commonly bought from street vendors. In some modern interpretations, the dish can also be made into a baked casserole with added onions, cumin, flour, and milk.

Sánguche de milanesa is a popular sandwich hailing from Argentina, although it's also popular in Uruguay. The sandwich typically consists of a split baguette or long bread roll that's filled with milanesa, mayonnaise, tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce. Additional ingredients might include mustard, chimichurri, ham, or cheese. This sandwich is especially popular in the province of Tucumán, where it's sold in mostly family-owned sangucherías. In some eateries, sánguche de milanesa is accompanied by mashed potatoes or fries on the side.

Chancho en piedra is a Chilean salsa that is essentially a variation of pebre salsa with added tomatoes. Apart from the tomatoes, it contains garlic, chili peppers, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley or coriander. Once prepared, the consistency of chancho en piedra should be more sauce-like than the consistency of pebre. It is recommended to serve it with bread, sopapillas, or empanadas. The name chancho en piedra means pig on a stone or pig on a rock, referring to the preparation of this salsa in a stone mortar and pestle.

Tutu de feijão is a traditional Brazilian dish originating from the region of Minas Gerais. The dish is made with a combination of puréed beans (traditionally black beans) and cassava flour that's used as a thickening agent. Other ingredients used in the dish include bacon, onions, garlic, olive oil, parsley, and bay leaves. Although there are many variations on the dish, it's usually served accompanied by pork sausages, rice, eggs, or sometimes kale.

A specialty dish from the Brazilian regions of Pará and Bahia, maniçoba is a part of the feijoada family of Brazilian dishes. In addition to dried meat, salted pork, bacon, and sausages, chopped cassava leaves are used instead of beans which are commonly used in a traditional feijoada. One must be extra careful when preparing the dish due to the toxic cyanides found in cassava leaves, which is why they need to be ground and boiled for at least one week in order to remove the toxins. Since it is a lengthy process, maniçoba is mostly prepared for festivities and religious celebrations, when it's consumed by large groups of people. In Bahia, peppers and farofa are often added to the dish, while in Pará, the usual accompaniment is white rice.

These empanadas are a specialty of the region of Tucumán, and they are quite different than numerous empanadas found in Buenos Aires. Tucumanas are typically handmade according to old, traditional recipes, and are characterized by a crispy dough and ideal proportions of dough and fillings. The dough is made with wheat flour and beef fat, and it is then usually filled with beef, chicken, or tripe, along with other ingredients such as raisins, onions, hard-boiled eggs, paprika, and cumin. Authentic Tucumanas should be baked in a clay oven, and it is best to enjoy them with a glass of local wine on the side.

This traditional Peruvian delicacy is made with yellow potatoes and either tuna salad or chicken. Most often, the potatoes are molded or cut into circles, and the filling is sandwiched in between. The dish is flavored with mayonnaise, ají amarillo chilis, and lime or lemon juice. Causa rellena is typically served cold on a bed of lettuce, while the top is garnished with black olives, making it a perfect appetizer or a light meal on its own. It is believed that the dish was invented during the Pacific War. Food was scarce, and the Peruvian women started collecting potatoes and any other ingredients they could get their hands on. The women created causa rellena, then offered it to soldiers for the cause of defending their homes, hence the name of the dish.

Chupe de camarones is a popular Peruvian shrimp (or prawn) chowder with a long and unusual history. The chowder is typically made with fish stock, fresh shrimps, onions, eggs, milk, cheese, garlic, and yellow potatoes, while rice, beans, carrots, and peas are used often, but not always. The dish is traditionally served in deep bowls and garnished with parsley. In recent years, food historians have revealed that chupe de camarones actually evolved from a thick Arequipeño stew made with potatoes, llama meat, and herbs. The dish was called chuwa misa (lit. deep bowl) and was prepared before the 16th century. After the Spanish conquest, locals started to catch shrimps, preparing shrimp ceviche and shrimp sauteé in the process. The Spaniards brought some new ingredients to the region, such as milk and cheese, and added them to the shrimp sautée, resulting in the creation of chupe de camarones.

Milanesa napolitana is a traditional Argentine dish originating from Buenos Aires. It consists of a milanesa steak that's breaded, fried, then topped with a slice of ham, tangy tomato sauce, and thick slices of mozzarella, which will melt under the broiler. It is typically served with french fries on the side. If there are any leftovers, they can be used to make delicious sandwiches called sánguche de milanesa. Milanesa napolitana was supposedly invented in the 1930s or 1940s in a restaurant called Nápoli, hence the name.

Pan de yuca is a traditional bread consisting of yuca flour, eggs, and cheese. It is usually shaped into small, round balls. The bread is popular throughout Colombia and Ecuador, although there are variations on pan de yuca throughout Latin America. It makes for a delicious warm appetizer or an afternoon snack, preferably paired with a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.

Translated as chocolate cake, this no-bake Argentinian dessert was influenced by Italian cuisine and modeled on the famous Italian tiramisu. It is made with three Argentinian staple ingredients: chocolate biscuits, dulce de leche, and cream cheese. The cookies are softened in milk and layered with a combination of cream cheese and dulce de leche. The shapes of chocotorta can vary, while the biscuits can be soaked with chocolate milk, coffee, or even coffee liqueur. The most common theory about its origin says that it was invented as a part of a marketing campaign designed to promote Chocolinas chocolate cookies, and the recipe was included in the packaging. Chocotorta is rarely found in restaurants and remains a novel dessert outside of Argentina.

Salsa ocopa is a popular Peruvian sauce originating from Arequipa. It is made with queso fresco, aji amarillo chilis, milk, and huacatay, also known as Peruvian black mint, giving the sauce a unique flavor. The salsa is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, but it can also accompany pasta dishes, meat, fried yucca, hard-boiled eggs, or tequeños.

Rocoto relleno is the most famous appetizer from the Peruvian region of Arequipe, consisting of a spicy, oven-baked rocoto chili pepper stuffed with ground beef, pork, onions, and pieces of hard-boiled eggs. The stuffing is traditionally seasoned with cumin, chili paste, salt, and ground pepper. Rocoto is often served with a slice of mozzarella cheese melted on top of the stuffing. This flavorful appetizer is often accompanied by baked potatoes or various salads on the side.

Tiradito is a traditional Peruvian dish consisting of thinly sliced, well-chilled raw fish, chopped vegetables, and coriander, all drizzled with lemon and lime juices right before consumption, so the fish stays raw, unlike ceviche, where the fish is already cooked in citrus juices. The dish is most often served as an appetizer, and some cooks like to add their own touch – topping it with sliced onions, pickled jalapeños, boiled corn, and even crushed potato chips. It is believed that it takes a lot of skill and effort to make a perfect tiradito, but the most essential components while preparing it are a sharp knife and the freshest possible fish, which is the highlight of every tiradito.

Marraqueta (also known as pan batido and pan francés) is the most popular bread in Chile, a staple food that is often consumed three times a day. It is made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. Two balls of dough are typically pressed together, then nearly split down the middle before the bread is baked in the oven, usually with a pan of water which gives marraqueta its characteristical crust. The crust is so beloved in Chile that some people even pull out the crumb (called miga) before consumption. It is believed that marraqueta dates back to the late 19th and early 20th century, when a large number of Europeans immigrated to Chile. Some claim that the bread was first baked by two French brothers called Marraquette, and that's how this daily staple got its name.

Anticucho is a meat dish consisting of small pieces of skewered and grilled meat, the most popular of them made with beef heart, called anticuchos de corazón. Peruvian in origin, the dish quickly gained popularity throughout South and Central America. The first recipe dates back to the 16th century, referring to a meal of marinated llama meat cooked directly over a fire. When the conquistadors encountered the dish, they modified it to make it their own, replacing the llama meat with beef, which was skewered on sugar cane stalks. Today, the meat is typically marinated in red wine vinegar and spices such as garlic, cumin, and aji pepper - developing a fruity flavor when roasted. Anticucho can be found throughout Peru on numerous street carts and street food stalls, called anticucheras. Typical accompaniments to the dish include corn or boiled potatoes.

Peruvian jalea is a seafood dish of lightly breaded and deep-fried fish - most often tuna, halibut, cod, or striped bass - and other mixed seafood like octopus, squid, shrimps, and scallops. It is traditionally served with thinly sliced and fried plantains called chifles, and topped with a refreshingly tart salad of lime-marinated red onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. With an abundance of fresh local seafood during Lent weeks which coincide with the end of the summer in South America, jalea has become one of the Peruvian favorites of the fasting season, widely available in numerous cevicherias, restaurants specialized in ceviche and other seafood dishes. Jalea Peruana is typically enjoyed with salsa criolla, ají amarillo and rocoto sauces, and sided with some yucca chips or - for an extra crunch - sprinkled with toasted Andean chulpe corn nuts called canchas. The tasty palette of condiments also includes either mayonnaise or tartar sauce, and lime wedges.

It is said that if Brazil had to declare a national dessert, it would most likely be mousse de maracujá, or passion fruit mousse. The dessert consists of fresh passion fruit, sweetened milk, and creme de leite, a product similar to evaporated milk. Since it is quick and easy to prepare mousse de maracujá, it is a staple of numerous Brazilian bakeries, restaurants, and dinner parties. It is recommended to serve the mousse in parfait glasses and top it with whipped cream as the best way to enjoy its decadent, tropical flavors.

Moqueca is a seafood stew with a base of palm oil and coconut milk or olive oil, combined with fish or shrimps (or both). The dish is stewed in traditional clay pots along with vegetables and fresh herbs, and it is traditionally served over rice. It can be traced back to 300 years ago, when it was first invented due to the fact that the Portuguese brought coconuts to the country, and slaves from Africa introduced palm oil to Brazilian cuisine. There are numerous versions of moqueca, such as moqueca Capixaba, or moqueca Baiana, from the Bahia state in the northeast of the country. The dish is traditionally garnished with fresh chopped cilantro on top, while crusty bread provides the best accompaniment.

Brigadeiro is a decadent Brazilian dessert made by heating three key ingredients together - unsalted butter, cocoa powder, and condensed milk, which are then rolled into a small ball, similar in shape to a truffle. First made in the 1940s, when fruit and sweets were in short supply, brigadeiro was born out of creativity with just a few ingredients. According to one legend, Brigadeir Eduardo Gomes was running for presidency in 1945 with a slogan that said "Vote for Brigadeir, he's handsome and single". The slogan won over a lot of girls who baked and sold the sweets in order to raise funds for Brigadeir's campaign. Whether the story is true or not, today it is impossible to find a birthday party in Brazil without these chocolate sweets. Brigadeiros are very sweet, with a rich chocolate flavor, and are usually topped with chocolate sprinkles. Today, they are marketed as a gourmet delicacy, made in many different flavors such as almond, mint, hazelnut, coffee, and coconut. A source of national pride, it is said that if you make brigadeiro for someone who is feeling bad, there are good chances that it will make them smile.

Choripán is the ultimate in Argentine street food, a sandwich consisting of a chorizo sausage and a variety of condiments in a crusty bun. It is usually consumed on the go, since it is mostly sold at street stands throughout Latin America. The name choripán is derived from two words: chorizo, referring to the sausage, and pan, meaning bread.

Pollo a la brasa is a popular Peruvian dish consisting of crunchy and juicy charcoal-grilled chicken that is traditionally served with French fries and salads. Today, it is one of the most consumed meals in Peru, so much that 27 million Peruvians eat it daily. The dish was first invented in Lima in the 1950s, when it was seasoned only with salt, but nowadays the chicken is often marinated in a special combination of ingredients, usually consisting of vinegar, salt, pepper, rosemary, chili, and dark beer.

Often referred to as Argentina's unofficial national dish, milanesa is a humble, yet delicious meal consisting of a breaded slice of prime beef that is fried in hot oil, curling up as it cooks, due to the fact that the chosen cuts of meat have less fat and sinew than other cuts. The dish shares many similarities with the Austrian Wiener schnitzel and the American chicken fried steak. However, milanesa has its roots in Italy, and the original dish has been traced to the city of Milan and the famous cotoletta alla milanese. Some claim that the best milanesa in Buenos Aires will always be prepared at home, cooked by someone's mother, although many restaurants also have it on their menus. For the pure, basic experience, it is enough to squeeze some lemon juice over it, but it is often served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or french fries, while one of the most popular varieties is called a caballo (on horseback), where a fried egg is placed on top of the meat.

Dulce de leche is a type of condensed milk sweet from Argentina. Traditionally, it is made by heating sweetened cow's milk until it caramelizes and achieves a thick consistency, enough to act as a spread, a filling for cakes and pies, or an ice cream topping. It is said that dulce de leche originated in Buenos Aires, when a serving woman was preparing la lechada by heating sugar and milk. As she left it on the fire a bit longer than usual, she noticed it had become a dark brown substance, and that's how dulce de leche was born. Today, dulce de leche is sometimes flavored with vanilla, lemon, or cinnamon, and is used to flavor candies, cakes, cookies, waffles, and ice creams. This sweet treat is loved not only in Argentina, but throughout the world, so many variations on the original recipe exist in France, Norway, Russia, and throughout Latin America.

Argentinian alfajores are sandwich cookies consisting of two round, crumbly sweet cookies with a dulce de leche or milk jam stuffing between them. The combination is then coated with a layer of chocolate or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. The name alfajor stems from the Arabic word al-hasú, which means stuffed or filled. Although the cookies can be found throughout Latin America, they are originally from Andalusia, Spain. When the Spaniards came to America, they brought their foods and traditions along the way, and with time, almost every country in Latin America has adapted the Spanish alfajor to make it their own. In Argentina, you can find alfajores with different flavors of dulce de leche, like chocolate, vanilla or various fruits. They are also packaged in different shapes and sizes, and are usually enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Ceviche is the national dish of Peru consisting of slices of raw fish or shellfish that is spiced with salt, onions, and chili peppers, then marinated in lime juice. Due to the acidity of lime juice, the texture of the fish changes, as does its color – from pink to white. The acidic marinade, also known as leche de tigre (lit. tiger's milk) "cooks" the meat without any heat involved in the process. For ceviche, fresh fish is an imperative, as fish and shellfish that are not fresh can cause food poisoning. Peruvians are used to fresh ingredients, so the fish will sometimes be prepared for ceviche less than an hour after being caught. Fish for ceviche can be divided into three categories: firm, medium, and soft. The dish was originally made by the natives who marinated fish and amarillo chiles in the juices of a native fruit called tumbo, which was replaced by lime juice when the Spanish brought limes and onions to the country. The flavors of ceviche are slightly acidic and spicy, with an intense aroma of the sea.

Pastel mandi’o is a doughy snack made with cornflour, boiled cassava, fat, and eggs. It is stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, boiled eggs, and seasonings. These snacks are fried in oil or fat and served hot. The dough is sweet, and the filling is replete with flavors, giving the dish a distinctive taste. Mandi’o means cassava in the Guarani language, and it is this ingredient which gives a unique Guarani twist to the dish. These snacks resemble empanadas, mainly differing from the latter in the use of cornflour and cassava, which are typical for Paraguay. They encompass the authentic taste of Paraguayan cuisine and are a popular street food served in local bars, particularly during the festival of San Juan. Common accompaniments to pastel mandi’o include hot sauces and refreshing salads.

Chipa guasu is a variety of chipa, a cake based on corn grains with the addition of onions, water, eggs, cinnamon, milk, and cheese. Its name stems from two words - chipa, referring to a variety of corn-based cakes, and guasu, which means big in Guarani, so one can say that chipa guasu is the largest of all chipas. It is a favorite side dish in Paraguay during the corn harvest, when cooks brown them in hornos, traditional mud adobe-built outdoor ovens. The dish was invented during the Paraguayan War in the mid-1850s, when food was scarce, and people needed food that was affordable, simple, and highly caloric, providing nourishment during the day. One can often find chipa guasu at asados, which is the Paraguayan version of classic American barbecues. Although it is hard to rival homemade chipa guasu, it can be found in many restaurants in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.

Moqueca Baiana is a seafood stew originating from the Brazilian state of Bahia, hence the word Baiana in its name. It consists of white fish, shrimps, or other seafood combined with coconut milk, dendê palm oil, lime juice, and various vegetables such as red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, spring onions, garlic, onions, and sometimes ginger. When done, the dish is typically garnished with chopped coriander, then served with rice and farofa. This seafood stew was originally prepared by the native people of Brazil. Over time, new elements were added to the stew, such as coconut milk, which was first introduced to Brazil by Portuguese colonists, and palm oil, which was brought over to the country by African slaves.

Typically seasoned only with salt, then grilled for a few minutes, tira de asado is a famous Argentine dish consisting of long strips of grilled beef ribs. The beef is cross-cut in a way that the long strips of meat are interspersed with knots of rib bone, which are useful as they shorten the tough fibers of this cut of meat, making it suitable for grilling instead of being slowly cooked like in America. For the best results, pair the ribs with what else than the garlicky chimichurri sauce, a staple at most Argentine barbecues.

Bombocado is a Brazilian dessert made with shredded parmesan, grated coconut, flour, milk, butter, eggs, and sugar. The concoction is baked, chilled, then cut into wedges. This dessert is often prepared for the Independence Day, and it is recommended to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and a mug of Brazilian coffee on the side. The name bombocado can be translated as a good bite.

Chorrillana or bistec a la chorrillana is a popular Chilean dish served mostly in pubs where it is labeled as an appetizer or a dish that is meant to be shared. The basis of the meal are French fries which are covered in a combination of fried or scrambled eggs, strips of beef, and caramelized onions. Common variations include additional ingredients like hot dogs, chorizo, and tomatoes, while the seasonings may include either garlic, oregano, or pebre—a popular Chilean condiment.

Rich, substantial, and tropically flavored - vatapá is one of the most famous Brazilian dishes, a main course consisting of a combination of stale bread, fish, shrimp, coconut milk, manioc flour, dendê palm oil, and cashews. The dish is often consumed with white rice, or as a filling for acarajé fritters, another popular Brazilian dish. Bright yellow in color, vatapá is a specialty of Bahia, a state on the country's northeastern coast that is heavily influenced by the West Africans who were brought to the country as slaves. Although the origins of this dish are unknown, most culinary historians agree that it was invented in Bahia, even if the basic concept for the dish came from Africa.

Vaca atolada is a Brazilian meat dish prepared with beef ribs, garlic, onions, tomatoes, parsley, cassava, chili peppers, and (if available) ground colorau (urucum seed). The marinated meat is cooked and drenched in a thick sauce, hence the alternative name for the dish – cow stuck in the mud. This spicy meat dish is traditionally served with white rice, while fresh green salads are often served on the side. Vaca atolada is especially popular in the inner regions of Brazil, particularly the state of Minas Gerais.

Pan de queso is a cheese bread from Colombia, namely the Paisa region where it is extremely popular. The main ingredients are tapioca flour and grated cheese, but it is the fermented cassava starch that gives these rolls their lightness and volume. They are eaten for breakfast or as a parva—a quick breakfast snack, either plain or filled with cream cheese or jelly.

Lechona is a traditional Colombian dish consisting of a whole roasted pig stuffed with onions, peas, potatoes, fresh herbs, and various spices. The pig is roasted for a long time until the meat is tender and succulent. The dish is usually prepared for celebrations and festivities since one lechona can produce as many as 100 servings. This unique Colombian delicacy can be found in numerous restaurants throughout the country's largest cities.

Fraldinha is a meat cut that's traditionally used for churrasco and is made up of part flank, part short loin, and part bottom sirloin. This beef cut is long and thin, full of connective tissue. This strong marbling is the reason why the meat is traditionally cut against the grain before it's grilled. The name fraldinha is a diminutive for fralda, meaning flap or diaper in Portuguese. When prepared for churrasco, it usually has a browned crust at the edges, while the middle remains pink. It's recommended to top this meat cut with a sharp and vinegary salsa.

This is an extreme version of a steak sandwich – filled with thinly sliced lomo steak, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, mayonnaise, chimichurri sauce, ham, cheese, and a fried egg, sandwich de lomo or lomito is a behemoth of a sandwich that is sure to satiate even the hungriest consumers. However, this delicious sandwich is open to innovation – some might substitute the steak with pork, or put aubergine slices into it, along with any other ingredient that comes to mind. Popular both in Argentina and Uruguay, it can easily be found at numerous street carts dispersed throughout the metropolitan areas of both countries.

One of the most common fast food items in Brazil is known as pastel, a deep-fried, stuffed pastry. This half-circle or rectangle-shaped miniature pie is stuffed with a variety of ingredients, most commonly shredded chicken, ground beef, mozzarella, or small shrimps. Sweet varieties also exist, and they are usually made with chocolate, bananas, or guava jam, but they are not as common as their savory counterparts. The exact origin of the dish is not familiar, but it is believed that pastel evolved from the Chinese spring roll, which was brought to Brazil by Japanese immigrants. The shape and the ingredients changed, but pastel retained its thin and crispy outer layer. They are usually served hot and are most commonly accompanied by beer or a glass of sugarcane juice. It is a snack that is usually sold in snack bars, and it is almost always meant to be eaten by hand.

Butifarra is the essential Peruvian sandwich that originally consisted of a crusty white bun (roseta) filled with jamón del país (garlic-infused peppery ham), salsa criolla, lettuce, radishes, and chili. Over time, some ingredients were added, while others were removed. Jamón del pais is the key ingredient in this sandwich, made from boiled pork leg, garlic, oil, ají chili, and red peppers. It is believed that butifarra was first sold during bullfights in early Republican Lima. Today, the sandwich is a staple at birthday parties and it is often served as a part of a typical Peruvian breakfast. It can also be found in sangucherías – Peruvian sandwich shops.

Escondidinho is a traditional Brazilian casserole. It can be made with a variety of ingredients – beef, chicken, fish, pork, or shrimp. The original one is called escondidinho de carne seca, made with a combination of dried and salted meat and mashed potatoes. The carne seca is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. It is placed into a baking dish, then topped with mashed potatoes, and often grated cheese. The combination is baked in the oven until golden brown on top. The name of the dish means little hidden one, referring to the meat hidden underneath a layer of mashed potatoes.

One of Brazil's favorite street foods, coxinha (lit. little thigh) is a crispy croquette filled with chicken meat and cream cheese that is cleverly shaped into a chicken drumstick, then breaded and deep-fried. Coxinha originated around São Paulo in the 19th century, and by the 1950s it spread to Rio de Janeiro and Paraná, having now become one of the most popular salgados (savory appetizers) across the country. Legend has it that coxinha was first made for the Brazilian princess Isabel's son who only liked chicken thigh meat. However, according to food historians, it was probably invented during the industrialization of São Paulo to be marketed as a cheaper and more durable substitute to traditional chicken cuts that were sold at the gates of local factories as snacks for the workers. Nowadays, coxinhas can be found anywhere from Brazilian snack bars called lanchonetes, cafés, buffets and even bakeries to numerous stand-up lunch counters and street food stalls.

Bori-bori (vori-vori) is a hearty Paraguayan soup filled with meat (usually beef or chicken), fluffy dumplings consisting of cornmeal and cheese, and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions. The soup is traditionally flavored with bay leaves, cloves, and parsley, while saffron gives it a rich golden color. Bori-bori is especially popular during the cold winter months, although it is sometimes also consumed during the summer. It is recommended to serve bori-bori warm, sprinkled with parsley and accompanied by grated parmesan cheese on the side. The soup is very rich in nutrients, and there are many varieties such as the one with the addition of grilled chicken pieces. The word vori means ball, referring to the cornflour balls found in it.

Alcatra is a special cut of top sirloin. Large, long, and lean, this steak is prized for its succulence and a hearty beef flavor. The cut is often used for churrasco, the traditional Brazilian barbecue method. Alcatra is one of the largest cuts that's served as a part of churrasco. It should be perfectly seasoned with salt, then grilled with a layer of fat until most of it melts away, and the remaining fat becomes crispy. Before serving, it's usually expertly carved in respectable churrascarias.

Pavé is a popular Brazilian layered dessert cake that is similar to tiramisu and does not need baking. This layer cake consists of a combination of ladyfinger biscuits, cream, eggs, condensed milk, and chocolate. It is a traditional dessert in Brazil, where every household has its own variation, so there are recipes for strawberry, pineapple, white chocolate, coconut, and peanut pavé, amongst others. The only important thing is to serve the cake cold and enjoy its unique flavors, textures, and varieties.

Chile's favorite home-cooked meal, the soft and creamy pastel de choclo is a casserole-like pie that is also popular in Peru, Argentina and Bolivia. It consists of ground beef, black olives, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and corn flour dough called choclo. Corn plays a key role in the dish, and unsurprisingly so – it was worshipped by the ancient Incas whose most important god was the Corn God. Corn was so important to Incas that their chief, believed to be a descendant of the gods, planted the first corn seeds every year. According to anthropologists, the dish probably originates from the Spanish conquerors who hired tribal cooks to make them a meal as a reminder of home. The cooks implemented corn dough into a dish similar to empanadas, and pastel de choclo was born. Nowadays, large raisins are sometimes incorporated into the pie, while the pie itself gets sprinkled with sugar before baking, ensuring that a caramelized crust develops on top. All that's left is to enjoy it while it's hot and consume a delicious slice of culinary history.

Leche de tigre is a Peruvian specialty consisting of ceviche juice that is left after the fish has been consumed. The milky liquid is sometimes made on its own with fish stock. There are numerous variations of leche de tigre, but each drink is characterized by its blend of numerous flavors: spicy, acidic, savory, creamy, and fresh. Some cooks like to make the drink more creamy by adding puréed fish into it, while others like to add milk in order to balance the acidity coming from the lime juice. Leche de tigre has a special place in most Peruvian households since it is considered an aphrodisiac and a great hangover cure. Sometimes, the drink is mixed with coconut milk, vodka, and white wine for the creation of a unique cocktail.

Parrilla is an Argentine word with two meanings – it can be used to describe a typical Argentine steakhouse restaurant, or it can denote a metal grill used for preparing the meat. The metal grill is a part of traditional asado barbecues. It comes in many shapes and sizes, but it typically consists of a main grill with a firebox (called brasero) on the side. Firewood or charcoal are loaded into the firebox, and once the embers drop to the bottom, the coals are placed under the main grill. The plate is often tilted on a decline so that the excess juices can drip downward in order not to cause any flare-ups. Parrillas can be found in numerous homes and restaurants in Argentina, and the meat grilled on it typically includes chitterlings, morcilla blood sausages, chorizo sausages, salchichas parrilleras, ribs, sirloin, skirt steaks, and tenderloin.

Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue method where juicy pieces, slices, steaks, and chops of beef, veal, lamb, pork, and chicken are placed on big skewers and grilled over wood fire. It started in the early 1800s when the Gauchos (European immigrants that settled in the Rio Grade do Sul area) would get together and start a fire, adding large portions of meat on skewers and slowly grilling the meat. In the restaurants, known as churrascarias, the skewers are paraded across the restaurant in a flashy manner, and the waiters circulate among the tables in order to show off the succulent meat to hungry diners. After the customers have chosen their preferred type of meat, it is sliced off the skewers to the dining plates. Also known as rodízio, the theme of this barbecue experience is all you can eat, so the customers should know to come with an empty stomach. Beef is the most popular option, although livers and hearts are especially rich and chewy. In Brazil, the meat will often be from the zebu, a succulent, lean breed of cattle with a hump that's especially popular in churrasco as a cut of meat called cupim.

Pan de bono is a traditional Colombian bread consisting of yuca flour, cheese, and eggs. The bread is shaped into bagels or balls that are slightly larger than golf balls. It is usually served warm with a cup of hot chocolate on the side. Some claim that the name pan de bono was created after an Italian baker in Cali who used to yell pane del buono (good bread), while others say that it is named after a place called Hacienda El Bono, where it was first made.

In Argentina, provoleta or grilled provoleta cheese is typically enjoyed before a meal as an appetizer. It's one of the staples of the Argentine bbq asado. The semi-hard provolone is the perfect cheese for the grill, because it's compact and firm. For asado, it is sliced about an inch thick, seasoned with a generous amount of oregano, maybe a light sprinkling of dried red chili flakes, and grilled until it just starts to melt in the center. Provoleta is best enjoyed topped with the garlicky chimichurri sauce and paired with crusty bread on the side.

Ceviche mixto is a classic Peruvian appetizer that differentiates itself from other types of ceviche by the addition of various seafood ingredients to regularly used fish. Those include shrimp, squid, octopus, clams, or scallops. A few mussels or small crabs are sometimes also added to the dish. The seafood is typically marinated in lemon juice, lime juice, celery juice, salt, onions, cilantro, and hot chili peppers. Ceviche mixto is often served with glazed sweet potatoes and Peruvian corn.

Literally translated to cheese bread, pão de queijo has its origins in the culinary inventions of African slaves, when they started to use the residue of the cassava plant. A fine white powder, or starch, was rolled into balls and baked. At the time, no cheese was added, so it was just baked starch, but at the end of the 19th century, when slavery ended, other foods started to become available to the Afro-Brazilians for the first time. In the state of Minas Gerais, the dairy center of Brazil, cheese and milk started to be added to the starchy balls, and pão de queijo was created. Today, it is a popular Brazilian snack or breakfast food that is also widely consumed in northern Argentina, sold at numerous coffee shops, snack bars, and bakeries.

Picanha is a fresh cut of beef that's especially popular and highly prized in Brazil. In the US, it's called sirloin cap, and in the UK, it's known as the rump cap. Picanha is situated on the back side of the animal, above the butt, where it sits on a fat cap. It's mostly used for churrasco – the meat is first grilled, then sliced off of a skewer. This cut holds very little fat in the meat, so it must be cooked perfectly in order not to make it tough. In Brazil, every churrasco has picanha, and all of the best churrascarias feature picanha on their menus. The name picanha is derived from the word picana, referring to the ranchers' pole used for herding cattle in Portugal and Spain. The technique was brought over to Brazil where the word picanha was used to refer to the part of the cow that was poked by ranchers with the pole.

Considered an epitome of Argentinean gastronomy and culture, asado (lit. roast; roasted) is much more than merely a meal. In Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and in a number of other South American countries, it is both a culinary and social event attended by friends and family to share the joy of outdoor cooking. Asado traditionally features a wide selection of grilled meats, mainly beef, which Argentina is most known for. The meat is cooked on a special brick-built grill called la parrilla, and the fire can either be made with charcoal (parrilla al carbón) or wood (parrilla a leña) which is more typical for the countryside and known as asado criollo, a term that indicates a more rustic, traditional style of grilling. First to go on the grill are chorizos (pork sausages), morcillas (blood sausages), and achuras (offal), followed by thinner beef cuts such as matambre (rose) and entraña (skirt steak), which are to be grilled hot and fast, as they would otherwise dry out.

Even though its name originates from Persia, barfi is an original Indian dessert which resembles a fudge. It belongs to a wider group of Indian sweets united under the name mithai. In Persian and Urdu, the name burfi denotes snow and ice, referring to the visual characteristics of this dessert in its simple, original form. It is made with a base of condensed milk solids (khoa or khoya), granulated sugar, and ghee, and the most common ingredients added to the base include nuts, usually pistachios, cashews, and peanuts. However, fruits, saffron, rose water, gram flour, or almonds are also found in some regional varieties. The additional ingredients affect the final appearance, consistency, and color of each type. When cooled, the dessert is cut into diamonds, circles, or squares. Barfi is eaten throughout the country but it’s especially popular in northern India, and it is a common dessert staple served on special occasions.

This traditional Vietnamese dessert consists of chewy layers that are typically made with puréed mung beans, tapioca starch, rice flour, and coconut milk or water. Traditionally, each cake has a pale yellow layer made with mung beans and a green layer that is flavored and colored with pandan leaves, while optional ingredients include durian or taro. Once steamed and chilled, the cake is usually cut into diamond shapes.

Pashmak is a traditional Iranian sweet, similar to cotton candy. It is made with flavored sugar syrup that is gently pulled until multiple thin and fragile threads are created. The final product resembles hair or wool, which is soft, yet dense and heavy, and is often referred to as angel’s hair. This traditional confectionery is believed to have originated in the Iranian city of Yazd, and today it is usually factory-produced. It is typically flavored with sesame, rose water, cardamom, orange blossom, saffron, vanilla, or pistachio. In Iran, it is not common to eat it on its own, and it is usually incorporated into other desserts. Because of its unusual and decorative appearance, pashmak is often served on top of cakes, ice creams, puddings, and drinks. Although this sweet treat is mainly produced in Iran, it can occasionally be found in international supermarkets around the world, packed in firmly secured bags.

Güllaç is a unique Turkish dessert that is the most popular during Ramadan. It consists of numerous layers of thin, cornstarch pastry which is soaked in rosewater-infused milk and stuffed with walnuts. Güllaç provides a healthier alternative to the sugar-laden lokma, baklava, and tulumba, which are mostly consumed after the fasting. The dessert dates back to the 15th century, its name derived from the words güllü and aş, meaning rosy dish. Originally, it was a staple at the palace during Ramadan, where it was a staple of the royal menu, especially for the circumcision ceremonies. It is recommended to garnish the dessert with pomegranate seeds and ground nuts such as pistachio, hazelnuts, or walnuts, giving it an additional, crunchy texture. Today, this light and easy dessert can be found at most Middle Eastern markets.

Mehalabiya is a creamy Arabian dessert, in many ways similar to the French blancmange. It is made with a mixture of milk and sugar, cooked and thickened with cornstarch, and usually flavored with orange blossom or rose water. While hot, it is distributed in smaller molds, left to set, and it is then served cold. This simple and satisfying dessert is eaten in slightly different forms across the Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, and North Africa. Depending on the region, it can be garnished with typical local ingredients such as pistachios, almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, or raisins. In many countries and regions, it is one of the favorite sweets served during the holy month of Ramadan, but it is also regularly served as a light restaurant dessert.

By far one of the most popular wagashi (traditional Japanese confections) types, dorayaki is a delicious snack consisting of a sweet filling sandwiched between two fluffy pancakes. Its name stems from dora, the Japanese word for a gong, which the dorayaki shape is reminiscent of, and although its origins are in fact said to be ancient, the popular treat took its current form in the early 1900s when it was reportedly first made as a sandwich by a Tokyo-based confectionery called Usagiya. Ever since, the term dorayaki has been denoting two small pancake-like patties glued together with the so-called anko or sweet azuki red bean paste. The pancake batter is typically flavored with honey, a splash of sweet rice wine called mirin, and even a touch of soy sauce. Being a part of an overall Japanese wave of nostalgia for foods from the Showa Era (1926-1989), dorayaki is once again becoming more and more popular, while most manga and anime fans may remember it as the favorite snack of the blue robot-cat Doraemon, a manga series character from the 1970s.

Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet treat, presented as rice flour and sugar dumplings skewered on a bamboo stick. Some region-specific versions use other types of flour (such as potato or millet flour) or different ingredients such as green tea or azuki bean paste. Dango has been consumed in Japan since the Jomon period, when the forest nuts were pounded into flour that was then used to make the dish. Today, there are numerous varieties of dango, such as anko, cha, kuri, niku, teppanyaki, denpun, bocchan, sasa, kinako, and hanami dango. The most popular variety is called mitarashi dango, coated in a sweet, soy sauce-based syrup, and the dish is commonly accompanied by green tea, like the majority of dango sweets.

Ma'amoul is an ancient cookie filled with fruits and nuts such as dates, walnuts, and pistachios. The cookies are traditionally prepared for Easter, festivals, and celebrations, and they are typically shaped into balls or domes. In order to differentiate the cookies, the walnut version is usually shaped into a dome with a round top, the date ma'amoul is shaped into a dome with a flat top, while the pistachio ma'amoul has an elongated, oval shape. It is not uncommon for the cookies to be topped with powdered sugar for extra sweetness, and they are often served with coffee or tea during the day in many Middle Eastern households.

Invented in Miyajima (Itsukushima) in the early 20th century, momiji manjū are Japanese sweet cakes filled with red bean paste. The dough is typically made with wheat, eggs, sugar, and honey. This manjū variety is characterized by its maple leaf shape, which represents Momijidani – a famous spot in Hiroshima for looking at maple leaves. Nowadays, this treat has many variations, so it can also be flavored and filled with custard cream, green tea, chocolate, or cream cheese, while some makers even batter the completed momiji, then deep-fry it.

Peanut powdered mochi is a sweet and sticky rice ball with a peanut powder coating. This Taiwanese sweet treat consists of a steamed mixture of glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Small bite sizes of the sticky dough are pinched off with chopsticks and then dipped into powdered peanuts. Sometimes filled with the peanut powder mixture, the soft rice balls make for a simple dessert or a sweet snack. They are best consumed while still warm, accompanied by a cup of tea. Peanut powdered mochi is sold by numerous Taiwanese street vendors.

Hanami dango are sweet mochi rice dumplings on a skewer, and each of them has a different color – pink is used to symbolize cherry blossoms, white represents the remaining snow of the past winter, and green is used as a herald of spring, representing the color of young grass. The dessert is named after a popular Japanese tradition of hanami, meaning flower viewing. It is believed that the practice dates back to the Nara Period (710-794) or Heian Period (794-1185), and nowadays it typically takes place in late March in Kyushu or mid-May in Hokkaido. It is recommended to serve hanami dango with green tea on the side.

Bananas are the star ingredient in this classic Vietnamese dessert which can be steamed (hấp) or baked (nướng). It usually consists of sliced bananas and a creamy combination of condensed milk, sugar, coconut milk, and optionally bread, eggs, or shredded coconut. Depending on the ingredients and the cooking procedure, the cakes can vary in shape and texture, while other varieties come in a form of banana fritters or incorporate additional ingredients and flavorings. Steamed versions are often served sprinkled with sesame seeds and doused in coconut milk.

Ube halaya is a famous Filipino dessert made with purple yam. It is easily prepared by cooking mashed purple yams in plain milk, coconut milk, or condensed milk alongside sugar and vanilla essence. When set, it results in a slightly sweet treat that has a sticky texture and a unique purple color. Even though it can be eaten plain, ube halaya is often incorporated into other Filipino desserts or eaten as a creamy spread. It can be served well-chilled or lukewarm and is usually sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes or latik - the crispy Filipino coconut curds.

Hailing from Shiraz, this traditional Iranian dessert is prepared with toasted wheat flour and walnut-stuffed dates. Toasted flour, which is usually enriched with cinnamon, sugar, and cardamom, makes the bottom and the top layer of the dessert, while the center is filled with stuffed dates. Ranginak is prepared in round cake pans and usually comes topped with ground pistachios. The cake is traditionally served chilled, usually accompanied by freshly brewed tea.

Buko pie is a traditional Filipino dessert which consists of a flaky pie crust combined with creamy coconut filling. It is prepared with buko, the young coconut flesh which is cooked alongside plain or condensed milk, cream, and sugar until it transforms into a thick and creamy custard. According to popular belief, it was invented by Soledad Pahud, a native Filipino who spent some time working in the United States. After she had returned, she wanted to adapt the traditional American apple pie with locally available ingredients. Together with her family, she invented buko pie, a dessert which soon became a favorite throughout the country. Apart from being a delicious dessert, buko pie is one of the most popular Filipino souvenirs.

Bülbül yuvası is a unique Turkish dessert made with phyllo dough that is shaped into rings which are then traditionally filled with ground pistachios, although hazelnuts, almonds, and walnuts can also be added, if desired. After the dessert has been baked, it is sprinkled with a syrup consisting of sugar, water, and lemon juice. The name of this sweet treat means nightingale’s nest, referring to its visual appearance. It is recommended to serve bülbül yuvası with a cup of coffee or a glass of Turkish tea.

Dadar gulung is a traditional Indonesian dessert consisting of a thin rice flour crêpe that is filled with grated coconut. Pancake batter is traditionally infused with pandan leaves which add flavor and impart a vibrant green color to the pancakes, but modern varieties often employ green food coloring instead. When baked, the crêpe is filled with a combination of freshly grated coconut, cinnamon, and dark palm sugar (gula melaka). Apart from Indonesia, this colorful and appealing dessert can be found under various names in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

Deep-fried qottab pastries are traditional Iranian sweets consisting of soft wheat dough wrapped around almond or walnut fillings. They are usually generously spiced with cinnamon, rose water, cardamom, and orange blossom, then shaped into round or crescent forms. Small in size and dusted with powdered sugar, they are a staple dessert served at numerous Iranian festivities and celebrations. Even though they originated in Yazd, nowadays these delectable sweets are prepared and enjoyed throughout the country.

Supangle is a popular Turkish dessert consisting of a base layer of cake pieces that are topped with rich chocolate pudding. The pudding is made with milk, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, butter, and dark chocolate. Supangle is traditionally garnished with ground walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or shredded coconut. Due to the fact that it is typically served cold, a scoop of ice cream is a welcome addition on top. Although the name supangle comes from soupe anglaise / zuppa inglese, it bears no resemblance to that dessert.

Butsi balls are the Filipino version of traditional Chinese jian dui sweets. They are made with glutinous rice flour that is formed in small round shapes and stuffed with a variety of sweet fillings such as sweetened mung bean, creamy lotus, red bean paste, or shredded coconut. Butsi are usually coated in sesame seeds and fried until golden. Even though they originated as a traditional Chinese delicacy, their Filipino adaptation has become incredibly popular. With their crispy shell, chewy texture, and creamy filling, they can be enjoyed as a satisfying dessert or a quick sweet snack.

Revani is a classic Greek and Turkish dessert made from semolina, sugar, and flour, with the additions of flavorings such as vanilla, lemon zest, or rose water, depending on the recipe variations. The cake is characterized by its overpowering sweetness, a result of soaking the cake in sugar syrup after it has been baked. It is usually prepared for celebrations and festivities when it gets decorated with desiccated coconut, ground pistachios, almonds, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. Although the dish is mostly associated with Greece and Turkey, it is found in numerous other cuisines of the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa, and it is named differently in each region. Revani is very popular in Turkey ever since the Ottoman period, and it is believed that the name of the dish originated from the time when the Ottomans conquered the city of Yerevan. The cake also goes by basbousa and nammoura.

One of Turkey's most popular sweets after baklava, these semolina cookies are baked until golden-brown, then doused in a thick, lemon-infused syrup, which makes them particularly moist and tender. Şekerpare (lit. piece of sugar) is a classic dessert made in every Turkish household, sold in every bakery and pastry shop, and appearing on nearly every restaurant menu. This sugary treat is also traditionally prepared for various family celebrations and religious festivities like Şeker Bayramı, marking the end of Ramadan. Şekerpare cookies are most often enjoyed with Turkish coffee, but they're also an essential part of any traditional afternoon tea time spread.

Gaz is the Iranian variety of nougat. Nowadays it is mostly prepared with a blend of egg whites, sugar, and nuts, but the original gaz consists of slightly different ingredients. The raw gaz is an exudate of an insect, which is found and collected from wild tamarisk trees. After it has been collected, it is melted, sieved, mixed with nuts, then flavored with typical aromas such as rose water and saffron. Finally, gaz is shaped into logs or rectangles and cut into smaller pieces. Traditionally produced gaz is a seasonal ingredient, native to the city of Isfahan, which is abundant with tamarisk trees. Since it is a rare ingredient, raw gaz is often mixed with egg whites or entirely substituted with a blend of egg whites and sugar syrup. Gaz is a popular sweet treat across Iran and is traditionally associated with special and festive occasions. Since it transports easily, it is one of the favorite Iranian souvenirs. Iranians prefer to eat it as a snack alongside warm tea or sherbet.

The name of this traditional Turkish fig pudding translates as sleeping figs. It comes from the tradition of soaking figs in warm milk and then letting them rest overnight so the dish can be enjoyed the next morning for breakfast. İncir uyutması are usually served drizzled with molasses and sprinkled with chopped walnuts. Today, the sleeping figs are also often enjoyed as a dessert, though a version called teleme has been a typical goat herders' snack for centuries before, particularly in northeastern Anatolia.

Shahi tukray, which translates to emperor’s morsels, is a Pakistani dessert that is believed to have its roots in the Mughlai cuisine. The dessert consists of crispy slices of fried bread drenched in a mixture of hot sugar syrup and a cardamom-and-saffron-scented milk sauce enriched with chopped almonds and pistachios. This bread pudding is a typical sweet treat in India as well, where it is known as double ka meetha, meaning a sweet dish made from bread. In both Pakistan and India, shahi tukray is traditionally prepared on important occasions and religious holidays such as Eid and Ramadan Iftar. The sweet and milky dessert can be consumed at room temperature or chilled, and it can optionally be adorned with gold or silver leaves.

Usually associated with northern Indian regions, this refreshing treat combines thin falooda noodles and kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream made with slowly simmered whole milk that is flavored with pistachio, rose water, and saffron. The whole dessert is often elevated with various additions such as sweet basil seeds, jelly, or rose water, and it is frequently garnished with crushed nuts. Traditionally enjoyed during the summer, kulfi falooda is commonly prepared at home, but can also be found on the menus of traditional restaurants or at specialized street stalls.

Brazo de Mercedes is a traditional rolled cake originating from the Philippines and dating back to Spanish colonial times. The dessert consists of a sheet of fluffy meringue that's filled with custard. The custard ingredients usually include egg yolks, vanilla, condensed milk, and lime or lemon zest, while the meringue is made with egg whites, cream of tartar, and sugar. The meringue is baked, the custard is spread over the meringue, and the cake is then rolled with the filling rolled inward. Brazo de Mercedes is often served on large serving platters and then sliced into smaller pieces.

Cendol is a traditional Southeast Asian dessert that appears in numerous variations throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. In its basic form, the dessert consists of thin strips of jelly noodles that are typically tinted and flavored with pandan leaves and are then served in a sweet combination of coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and usually crushed ice. Due to its popularity, the variations may include numerous additional ingredients such as red beans, jackfruit, or durian, while the jelly noodles can be made with tapioca, and rice or mung bean flour. The origin of cendol is vague, but it is believed that it was modeled on a similar Javanese dessert known as dawet, though the first written mention of cendol is found in Malaysia, and it dates back to 1932.

Phirni is a dessert made with ground rice that's cooked in milk and flavored with almonds, saffron, and cardamom. A favorite in North India, it is most often prepared for special occasions or festivals such as Diwali and Karwa Chauth. Traditionally served in small clay bowls known as shikoras, phirni is always eaten well-chilled and garnished with nuts, rose petals, and often with silver paper or chandi warq to make it even more luxurious.

Naan berenji are light and crunchy Iranian cookies made with rice flour. They are usually flavored with rose water or cardamom, formed into flat, round shapes, then decorated with poppy seeds, pistachios, or barberries. These traditional cookies are typically prepared and enjoyed on Iranian New Year as a light afternoon dessert accompanied by a warm cup of coffee or tea. Even though they are eaten throughout the country, naan berenji cookies from the Kermanshah region are believed to be the most authentic variety.

Es teler is a refreshing combination that usually consists of jackfruit, avocado, coconut, condensed milk, syrup, and shaved or crushed ice, but the variations may include other ingredients such as flavored jelly and different types of fruit. This dessert, which is often classified as a drink, is mostly associated with Java, and it's believed that it originated sometime in the 1960s. Es teler is served in bowls, and since the fruit is either diced or sliced, the dessert is usually enjoyed with a spoon.

Usually sold by street vendors, this steamed cake is prepared with glutinous rice flour that is flavored and colored with pandan leaves. The mixture is traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes, while the center of the cake is filled with palm sugar. When steamed, the cake is usually dusted with freshly grated coconut. Kue putu and similar varieties of these convenient green-colored snacks are also found in Malaysia and the Philippines, and some believe that they might have been inspired by puttu—a similar snack of Indian origin.

These Indonesian rice balls are prepared with glutinous rice flour shell that is wrapped around a palm sugar filling. The outer shell is usually colored green, traditionally with the help of pandan or dracaena leaves, while the whole cake is coated with desiccated coconut. The origin of klepon is typically associated with Java, while the same treat is better known as onde-onde or buah melaka in some parts of Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Malaysia. It should be noted than on Java, the term onde-onde typically refers to Chinese jin deui rice balls. Klepon balls are traditionally served in banana leaves, and when freshly prepared, the filling is liquid and should be consumed with care.

Dou fu fa is a popular Asian dessert consisting of creamy tofu topped with various savory or sweet garnishes. It is made with coagulated soy milk to create a tofu product with a mild taste and an incredibly soft consistency. Like other varieties, soft tofu probably originated in China, but it has soon spread out to other Asian countries where it still represents one of the most versatile sweet treats. Even though it is mainly enjoyed as a dessert, usually topped with sugary or ginger infused syrups, in some regions, especially in northern China, it is topped with savory complements and enjoyed as a creamy snack. Dou fu fa, with its numerous versions and local names, is mainly sold by street hawkers or served as a part of traditional dim sum meals.

Ruam mit is a popular Thai dessert made with ingredients such as coconut milk, sugar, tapioca pearls, corn, lotus root, sweet potatoes, beans, and jackfruit. Each bowl typically includes starchy noodles that are flavored and colored with various ingredients, and which may come in the shape of thin strips or more elaborate decorative forms. There is no set recipe for ruam mit, so each cook or street vendor adds their own ingredients to the mix. It is often consumed as a cool refreshment on hot summer days, topped with shaved ice. In Thailand, it is one of the cheapest desserts, and each bowl typically costs around 15 baht. Interestingly, in Thai language, ruam means get together, and mit refers to friends, so it can be said that ruam mit is a meeting of many desserts in one simple, flavorful dish.

Nata de coco is a unique Filipino specialty that is made with fermented coconut water and usually eaten as a dessert. After days of fermentation, it transforms into a jelly-like substance with a soft, chewy, and gelatinous texture. Plain nata de coco is pale white and almost translucent, neutral in flavor, and usually cut into large cubes. It initially appeared in the Philippines and became incredibly popular in Japan during the 1990s. Nowadays, it is found in a variety of different flavors and shapes, and even though it can be eaten plain, it is usually incorporated in refreshing fruit salads, yogurts, ice-cream, and drinks.

Taho is a sweet Filipino dessert which consists of fresh soft tofu doused in arnibal syrup and sprinkled with plump sago pearls. Similar desserts can be found in numerous Asian countries, and most of them call for the usage of the softest tofu variety, known as silky tofu, which has a tender and creamy texture and an incredibly soft consistency. Shortly heated or steamed, it is covered in sweet arnibal syrup (made with melted brown sugar) and enriched with mild vanilla flavors. Usually, the dessert is topped with chewy sago pearls which are similar in appearance and texture to tapioca. Taho is usually sold by street vendors who sell this traditional delicacy in the early morning as a sweet, protein-packed breakfast.

Kabak tatlısı is a classic Turkish dessert consisting of candied pumpkin. The pumpkin is peeled, cut, then baked in its own juices with sugar. When baked, it is traditionally topped with crushed walnuts and thick clotted cream called kaymak. If desired, a few cinnamon sticks or cloves can be added to the pumpkin pieces before baking. This dessert is especially popular during autumn and winter.

Falling in the group of popular lumpia snacks, turon is the famous Filipino treat made with saba plantains and jackfruit. The fruit is sliced lengthwise, dusted in brown sugar, enclosed in thin wheat wrappers, then fried until golden and crispy. Like other lumpia varieties, turon was also developed from the Chinese spring rolls and represents one of the most common sweet versions of the dish. Before it is served, it is commonly drizzled with caramel or sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds. It is usually sold by Filipino street vendors and enjoyed as a sweet snack or a satisfying dessert.

This traditional Indian dessert is made with different types of flour that are mixed with sugar and shortening, then shaped into balls. Like many other dishes in India, laddu appears in numerous varieties and is created with a myriad of different ingredients. Tiny laddu balls can be made with various types of legume flour, most commonly chickpea flour, wheat flour, and even coconut flakes. Dried fruits or nuts are often incorporated to provide sweetness and modify the flavor. This old Indian confectionery was primarily created with flour and jaggery. The introduction of white sugar, spices, and an array of dried fruits led to the creation of more elaborate versions. The original laddu had a long shelf life and was predominately eaten as a snack and often used as a health remedy. Today, it is mostly served on special occasions and brought to temples as an offering to the Gods. Different varieties can be found across the Indian subcontinent, and typically each region has their favorite laddu type.

Made with a special kind of dehydrated bread soaked in sugar syrup, the delicious ekmek kadayıfı is traditionally prepared during Turkish religious celebrations such as Şeker Bayramı (lit. festival of sweets), which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This simple, yet bountiful dessert is topped with a dollop of thick Turkish clotted cream called kaymak, and it is served sprinkled with either roughly crushed pistachios or walnuts. For those who like their desserts to be a little lower on the sweet scale, the sugar syrup can be flavored with lemon juice, which adds a nice hint of fresh tartness to this heavily sweetened bread pudding. It is believed that ekmek kadayıfı originated in Afyonkarahisar, but today this popular Turkish dessert can be enjoyed in restaurants and patisseries across the country.

Gulab jamun is a dessert based on milk solids that are kneaded into a dough, shaped into balls, and deep-fried in ghee. The balls then get soaked in a sugary concoction flavored with saffron, green cardamom, and rose water. When served, gulab jamun is often garnished with dried nuts to further enhance its flavors. The name of the dish is derived from two words: gulab, meaning rose, and jamun, referring to the purple-colored jamun berry fruit. It is believed that the dessert originated from an Arabic dessert called luqmat al-qadi, which became popular during the Mughal era, when Indian cooks at the palace kitchens adapted their cuisine by combining the newly arrived Persian ingredients with their own Hindu flavors. Nowadays, gulab jamun is often prepared for weddings and during the Diwali festival, both in India and in Trinidad and Tobago, where gulab jamun is also quite popular.

Turkish tulumba is a hot water dough fritter traditionally found in the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire, particularly throughout the Middle East and the Balkans. Even though tulumba (lit. pump) was named after a special tool used to make it—a kind of syringe with a star-shaped nozzle—in Iranian cuisine they call it bamiyeh; in Egypt balah el-sham, and datli in Iraq; while in the rest of the Arab world tulumba fritters are also known as asabe Zainab (lit. Zainab's fingers). These deep-fried, crisp-shelled treats deliver a serious kick of sugar as they are soaked in thick, sometimes lemon-flavored syrup. In Lebanon and Syria, they often use orange blossom and rose water for flavoring, while Gulf countries add cardamom and saffron as well, and in Morocco they use heated honey instead of syrup. Tulumba was typically prepared during Ramadan and enjoyed cold, but today, this classic Turkish dessert has become one of the most popular street foods, sold by numerous street vendors who fry it up fresh on the spot, and serve it warm, sprinkled with crushed pistachios.

Fènglísū are Taiwanese pineapple cakes, one of the country's most popular desserts and souvenirs. The cakes consist of a buttery, crumbly crust that is filled with a tangy, slightly sweet pineapple jam. The name of the dish is derived from fèng lí, meaning pineapple, and sū, meaning shortcake. Originally, they were prepared during the period of China's Three Kingdoms Dynasty. The three kingdoms were separated into Wei, Shu, and Wu kingdoms, and the emperor of Shu wanted to marry a sister of Wu's emperor, so he sent a large pineapple cake as a gift. Today, the cakes are much smaller and are one of the best-selling souvenirs in Taiwan. It is recommended to serve the cake warm, preferably with a cup of hot tea on the side.

Mochi, the tiny cakes made out of glutinous rice, are an important part of Japanese cuisine and culture. The preparation of mochi starts with a time-consuming process of pounding boiled or steamed rice, usually the glutinous mochigome variety until it forms into a thick and homogenous paste. Later it is rolled and shaped into small circular forms. Although its origins might be in China, mochi has been associated with Japan for centuries. It initially appeared during the Yayoi period, when it was only enjoyed by the aristocracy, up until the Heian period, when it became a food that was commonly prepared and served during religious festivities, as people believed it brings fortune and health. Mochi can be incorporated in savory dishes, usually soups and snacks, but most commonly it is made into a confectionery item. In its dessert form, mochi is usually dressed up with food coloring, creating a myriad of delightful color combinations. The most common confectionery is referred to as daifuku - round cakes filled with different ingredients such as the traditional red bean paste, strawberries, or ice cream.

Called rurki or rurki z kremem in Poland, this sweet specialty is a type of cream roll consisting of thin pastry that’s typically filled with whipped cream or pastry cream. It is often dubbed torpedo dessert due to its characteristic shape, and apart from Poland, there’s also a long-standing tradition of preparing this dessert in other countries. The origins of rurki are often associated with Turkey and Bulgaria, where the dessert is known as torpil tatlısı and funiiki s krem, respectively. There are many variations of this sweet delicacy regarding the ingredients used for its preparation, the appearance, texture, and flavor of the rolls, and the type of cream used for filling the pastry. In Poland, rurki cream rolls are usually long and crispy, wafer-like tubes filled with thick and subtly sweet whipped cream, and they’re a staple street snack. In other countries, the cream rolls resemble soft and buttery bread rolls with flaky texture, and they are usually filled with pastry cream or custard cream.

Havij bastani is a delicious and unusual Iranian take on an ice cream float. This refreshing dessert combines fresh carrot juice and a scoop of ice cream, preferably vanilla-flavored or more traditional saffron-infused version. Often considered as both a beverage and a dessert, havij bastani can be sipped or eaten with a spoon. It is always served in a glass, and it is usually topped with crushed pistachios, as well as cardamom or cinnamon.

Khoresht mast is a traditional Iranian dish hailing from Isfahan. Although it's often dubbed yogurt stew, khoresht mast is actually an unusual dessert that's often served as a side dish or an appetizer, made with a combination of sugar, rose water, yogurt, saffron, onions, egg yolks, turmeric, and crushed lamb neck meat. The combination is boiled and mixed thoroughly before the addition of walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. Once prepared, khoresht mast is cooled and topped with barberries before serving. In the past, it was served as a main dish in massive feasts that were held by kings.

Ballourieh baklava consists of a pistachio filling that is placed between two layers of shredded kataifi dough—similar to the one used in kunāfah. This baklava variety is lightly baked because it needs to retain its typical white color. When baked, it is doused in syrup and left to set, and it is then traditionally served cut into large squares. Although it is believed to have been invented in Aleppo, ballourieh baklava is commonly found in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and Jordan.

The soft nai huang bao are the traditional Chinese steamed buns which consist of a smooth leavened wheat flour dough filled with a creamy egg custard filling. Even though the fillings might vary in consistency, they are characterized by vibrant yellow colors and the sweet and rich buttery flavors. These round treats are usually enjoyed as a part of dim sum meals complemented with flavorful Chinese tea.

This type of baklava is made with shredded kadayıf dough rolled around ground or whole pistachio nuts. Just like most other baklava varieties, burma (lit. wringed; twisted) is baked, doused in a lemon-flavored syrup, sliced into bite-sized pieces and sprinkled with ground pistachios before serving. Burma kadayıf can also be made with walnuts, but pistachios are used more commonly.

This is the only Turkish baklava with a cream-like filling, made by boiling a mixture of milk and semolina into a thick clotted cream called kaymak. To make şöbiyet, phyllo dough sheets are cut into squares, brushed with melted butter, and layered atop one another, then filled with kaymak and chopped nuts—typically walnuts—and finally folded into triangles before baking. Like most other baklavas, when baked, şöbiyet is doused in a lemon-flavored syrup and sprinkled with either crushed walnuts or pistachios.

Mysore pak was invented in 1935 at the Mysore Palace by the royal chef Madappa. As the King Krishna Raja Wodeyar was ready to have his lunch, the chef began experimenting with a sweet dish, combining gram flour, ghee butter, and sugar into a syrup. When the King finished his lunch, the sweet cooled down and was served to the King, who loved it. The chef told him it was Mysore paka, the word paka denoting a sweet concoction. Soon, Mysore pak was proclaimed the royal sweet. Today, it is still known as the king of sweets in the South, and it is commonly prepared for numerous Indian festivities and celebrations, although it can also be found throughout India on various street stands.

Almond-flavored milk pudding is a light Turkish dessert that is believed to have originated during the Ottoman era and was named after a traditional bowl that dervishes used to collect money or other goods. It is prepared with a combination of milk, rice flour or cornstarch, sugar, and ground almonds, but the dessert is also sometimes additionally flavored with coconut. Keşkül is traditionally served well-chilled in small bowls, and usually comes topped with ground pistachios, almonds, or desiccated coconut.

Rasgulla is a traditional sweet that is usually served at the end of a meal, like many other Indian milk-based desserts. It is prepared from chhena paneer dumplings and semolina dough, cooked together in a sugary syrup. The origin of rasgulla is the subject of a heated debate, with West Bengal and Odisha both claiming to be the birthplace of the dessert. Bengalis claim that rasgulla was the byproduct of many culinary experiments in the state, while the people of Odisha claim that it was traditionally offered to Lord Jagannath for centuries. However, most food historians agree that the truth is somewhere in between. In recent years, both varieties got their own GI status in order to differentiate between the two. It's easy to differentiate them even without the GI status, as the Bengali version is more puffy and spongy than the Odisha version.

Taiyaki is a Japanese fish-shaped cake that is often consumed as a snack, made from flour and filled with azuki sweet bean paste. It is usually served warm and is often found at most taiyaki stands at any winter festival in Japan. Most people believe that this sweet treat originated in Tokyo during the Meiji era, but taiyaki became extremely popular in 1976 with the emergence of a beloved children's song called Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun (Swim! Taiyaki). It is said that the best taiyaki is characterized by a crisp shell that has been baked to a golden brown color, and although there are many different flavors and varieties of taiyaki today, the basic taiyaki still remains a favorite.

Kheer or payasam is an ancient Indian dessert, a creamy rice pudding that is made in several versions across the country. It is a common dish at numerous Indian ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations, although it can be consumed any time of year. Kheer is made by boiling rice, wheat, or tapioca with milk and sugar, and it can be additionally flavored with dried fruits, nuts, cardamom, and saffron. It is believed that the dessert originated 2000 years ago in the Lord Jagannath Temple in Orissa. Originally, it was prepared as an offering to the gods, a practice that spread to other Hindi temples where the recipe was slightly changed. Today, it is said that a wedding is not fully blessed if kheer is not served at the wedding celebration, and the tradition is still being practiced by the newlyweds.

This internationally known, decadent, and sugar-packed dessert is usually made with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, which is deep-fried and then bathed in syrup or honey. The origin of lokma fritters is ancient but often debated. It is presumed that they first appeared in Greece or Turkey, though some suggest Arabic origin. The dish is considered to be one of the oldest recorded desserts in Greek history. It is said that the pastries were even given to winning Olympians as a treat and were called honey tokens. Loukoumades, or loukmades in Cyprus, can be found throughout the streets of Greece, in shops selling nothing else but this caloric dessert. Alternatively, loukoumades can be topped with Greek cheese, chocolate, sesame seeds, or walnuts. In Turkey, lokma fritters are best enjoyed while still warm. They are drizzled with honey or syrup and can occasionally be sprinkled with either ground cinnamon, walnuts, or pistachios. The name probably stems from from Arabic luqma, meaning bite or mouthful, and it is said that lokmas were first prepared in Turkey by the sultans' cooks in palaces of the Ottoman Empire, though the oldest documentation of a similar dish was even found in the tomb of Ramses IV.

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are usually made from natural, plant-based ingredients such as grains and azuki beans. The sweet treats are typically served with tea and are classified into three categories: namagashi (fresh confectionery), han namagashi (half-dry confectionery), and higashi (dry confectionery). Wagashi is characterized by its design, so in spring, when cherry blossom is in full bloom, the producers make wagashi in cherry blossom shapes, using cherry petals or leaves. The origins of these sweets date back to the Yayoi Era when there was nothing more than natural nuts, fruits, and berries, so wagashi was influenced by the grain processing skills introduced from China. Most of the basic forms of wagashi seen today are derived from that era. The introduction of sugar helped in further development of wagashi, and during the early Edo Period, the sweets developed into numerous varieties and started to be used at tea ceremonies, given as gifts, or consumed as afternoon snacks.

These sweet cheese rolls are a typical dessert commonly associated with Levantine and Arab countries, though it is believed they originated in the city of Hama in Syria. The dessert is made with a combination of semolina, water, rose water, sugar, and cheese - traditionally Akkawi or Majdoola cheese, though modern variations often replace it with the widely available mozzarella. All ingredients are combined and heated until they form a soft, pliable dough which is then rolled into thin sheets. The filling is made with ashta—thick clotted cream—which is piped before the sheets are rolled into thin logs. The rolls are then sliced into small bite-size pieces and are typically served drizzled with syrup and garnished with rose petal jam and ground pistachios.

Aamras is essentially puréed mango pulp that is typically eaten as a dessert. It is made with ripe and juicy mangos that are sliced or diced and blended into a creamy, sweet, and fragrant mixture. The finely puréed cream usually gains the sweetness from ripe mangos, but it can be additionally sweetened with jaggery or sugar. It is sometimes merely elevated with the addition of saffron, dry ginger, or cardamom, but its simplicity allows room for alteration and the creation of numerous varieties. Classic aamras is a typical summer dessert, but canned varieties are available all year round. Even though it is often regarded as a dessert on its own, aamras may also be accompanied by poori bread, steamed rice, and dal. This creamy delicacy is usually associated with Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, and it is commonly served at festive occasions.

Awameh is a sweet Syrian dish consisting of small balls of dough which are fried in hot oil and soaked in honey, cinnamon, or sugar syrup. Sometimes, awameh is sprinkled with sesame seeds. The name of the dish means floater in Arabic, referring to the way the balls float on the surface while being fried.

Patbingsu is a popular South Korean dessert, its name meaning red bean ice flakes. It consists of shaved ice, condensed milk, and sweet azuki bean paste. It is often topped with pieces of Korean rice cakes known as tteok, fresh fruit, or cereals, although there are numerous variations with different toppings that are added according to personal preference. Patbingsu is at the peak of its popularity during summer, although it is typically available from May to October. The treat is praised for its combination of flavors and textures - crunchy, creamy, and chewy. Although the dish is composed of a number of distinct layers, all ingredients are customarily stirred together before consumption until the shaved ice melts, transforming it into a kind of sweet, cold soup. Originally, patbingsu was prepared as street food in the late 1950s, but today it can even be found in upscale restaurants.

Pichi-pichi is a Filipino dessert consisting of three key ingredients: grated cassava, sugar, and water. The concoction is steamed until it develops a firm, glutinous texture, and it is then rolled in desiccated coconut. The dessert is especially popular during merienda, parties, and celebrations. This delicate, sticky treat was originally invented in the Quezon Province.

Ras malai is a popular Indian dessert consisting of white cream, sugar, milk, and cardamom-flavored paneer cheese known as chhana. Almonds, cashews, and saffron are often added to the dessert. Ras malai is of West Bengali origins, and is sometimes described as a rich cheesecake without a crust. The name of the dessert is a combination of two Hindi words, ras, meaning juice, and malai, meaning cream. It is typically served chilled and garnished with cardamom seeds or dried fruits. This delicious dessert is most popular during the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Spongy, tender, and aromatic, this Bengali classic is usually served at the end of a meal.

Interestingly, this classic Turkish chicken breast pudding doesn't taste like chicken at all—instead, it is often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, and is more reminiscent of a thick, creamy, and smooth milk or rice pudding, both in flavor and appearance. Tavuk göğsü has its roots in a medieval French dessert called blancmange, and it was once prepared for the Ottoman sultans living at the Topkapı palace. Today it is considered one of Turkey's signature delicacies that is found in coffeehouses across the country.

This traditional Thai rice pudding is a favorite way to finish any Thai meal. The dish is prepared with glutinous rice that is first steamed, then doused in sweetened coconut milk. Lastly, the rice is served sided with slices of fresh mango. This simple dessert is incredibly popular, and it can be found at virtually any eatery in Thailand.

One of the most famous Chinese desserts is the classic egg tart, a delicious pastry consisting of a flaky outer shell with a creamy, but firm egg custard in the center. The origin of this traditional Chinese dessert is vague. It is believed that it grew out of Chinese contacts with western culinary traditions, but it is also likely that some form of an egg custard existed before the influence of the West. Chinese egg tart variety is believed to be a cross between the classic British egg custard, which is much creamier than the Chinese tart, and the famous Portuguese tarts, known as pastéis de nata, which are especially popular in Macau. Egg tarts first appeared in the Chinese region Guangdong, to eventually be taken to Hong Kong and Singapore where they also became one of the most beloved desserts. The main characteristic of the Chinese variety is the rich cream, which is firm and thick, with a strong and enhanced egg flavor. Both crumbly shortbread pastry (usually made with lard) and the crunchy puff pastry can be used as a shell.

Kasutera is a traditional Japanese sponge cake made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starchy syrup. This Nagasaki specialty is raised solely by egg foam, with no added butter or oil, and has a soft, moist, and spongy texture. The cake is also known as Castella, and was brought to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese merchants. Its name is derived from pao de Castela, meaning bread from Castille. Today, it is common to find Nagasaki kasutera in many variations, with flavors such as chocolate, green matcha tea, brown sugar, or honey. It is a popular gift and a nice souvenir to give to friends or relatives. Kasutera is so adapted to the Japanese cuisine that there is even a baby kasutera, a small-sized version of the cake that is traditionally prepared for numerous Japanese festivals.

Tteok are traditional Korean rice cakes that are prepared with glutinous or non-glutinous rice. The cakes are incredibly versatile, and although they are mostly sweet and enjoyed as a dessert, some plain varieties can be incorporated into savory dishes. The usual preparation includes steaming, pounding, or kneading the rice until it transforms into a pliable dough which can optionally be enriched with different ingredients and shaped into various forms. The most popular tteok varieties include songpyeon, chapssaltteok, garaetteok, gyeongdan, as well as many more traditional and modern versions. The cakes are a staple at various special occasions in South Korea, but some are also enjoyed as a sweet, everyday dessert.

Daifuku, often referred to as daifukumochi, is a popular Japanese confectionery. It is usually shaped into small round balls, which consist of a chewy outer layer and a creamy, sweet filling. The daifuku shell is made with mochi, a glutinous ingredient created through the time-consuming process of crushing boiled or steamed rice. It is often tinted with different colors, most commonly pale pink and light green, creating a decorative and appealing treat. Each daifuku cake is filled with the luscious creamy and sweet content, and the most common is the traditional semi-sweet red bean paste, popularly called anko or tsubuan. Other popular fillings include chestnut, mocha, apricot, or caramel flavored creams and pastes, or occasionally ice cream. The most famous seasonal variety is the ichigo daifuku, filled with a whole strawberry wrapped in a thin layer of red bean paste. Daifuku is eaten as a dessert or a quick snack and it is usually served accompanied by a cup of refreshing green tea.

Shrikhand is a popular Indian yogurt-based dessert, combined with sugar and fruits in order to develop a rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor. In North India, it is usually served for breakfast, while in South India, it is commonly served as a dessert after the main dish. Shrikhand is also a festive dish that is made for Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna) in Maharashtra and Gujarat. There is a popular theory about the origin of shrikhand; it is said that the herdsmen used to hang curd or yogurt overnight so they could carry it more easily while traveling. The next day, they would collect the thick yogurt and combine it with dried fruits, nuts, and sugar to make it more flavorful during their long travels. Nutritious and filling, the dish is also very easy to prepare at home, where it is ofen served for breakfast or as a light dessert after a meal.

Ggul tteok are colorful Korean steamed rice cakes that are usually shaped into bite-sized balls. Translated as honey cakes, they are traditionally served drizzled with honey-infused syrup. Even though ggul tteok are often prepared plain, some varieties are filled with sesame and occasionally served dusted with roasted soybean powder. Available at many specialized shops, these chewy cakes are usually enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.

Namagashi, meaning raw sweets, is a Japanese sweet and a type of wagashi, consisting of natural ingredients such as fruit jellies or sweetened bean paste. It is considered an edible piece of art due to its beautiful design, reflecting seasonal and natural shapes such as flowers and leaves. Namagashi is especially popular during Japanese tea ceremonies, and because it is the most delicate of all types of wagashi and made daily, it must be consumed while it is still fresh, preferably accompanied by a cup of refreshing matcha tea. Today, every confectionery store in Japan usually has its own collection of unique, elegant, seasonal namagashi.

In its simplest form, bibingka is a simple Filipino cake that consists of rice flour and water. It was initially prepared in clay pots that were lined with banana leaves, which would impart a distinctive, smoky flavor to the dish. Bibinka is believed to have appeared under the foreign culinary influence, and the first written reference describing a similar cake dates back to 1751. Through history, bibinka was adapted with additional ingredients, and nowadays it is typically prepared with milk, eggs, coconut milk, sugar, and butter, while modern variations may include anything from grated cheese, salted duck eggs or grated coconut, and a variety of different sweet and savory toppings. This original Filipino delicacy is usually associated with Christmastime, and it is traditionally enjoyed after the mass on Christmas Day. Bibingka is also often served for breakfast.

Saffron rice pudding known as sholeh zard is an ancient Iranian dessert that was once served only on special occasions. The rice is cooked in water and then enriched with saffron and sugar, while common additions include slivered nuts and spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. Sholeh zard is typically served in individual-sized portions and comes garnished with ground cinnamon, slivered almonds, or pistachios.

Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream made with slowly simmered whole milk. Although the long-simmering process results in a loss of volume, it makes up for it with a delicious, nutty, caramelized flavor. The ice cream is characterized by its unusual, conical shape, a result of using traditional, special molds with tight-fitting lids. Kulfi is usually flavored with traditional Indian ingredients such as pistachio, rose water, and saffron, although some cooks prefer to flavor it with fruits such as berries. It is believed that kulfi was invented by the ancient inhabitants of the Himalayas during the Mughal Empire era. There are some main differences between kulfi and regular ice cream: kulfi has less air and is denser than regular ice cream, because the milk gets more concentrated through the cooking process. Today, kulfi can be made at home or found at street stalls, sold by vendors called kulfiwalas.

This Turkish sweet is made with a smooth, green, paste-like filling known as fıstık ezmesi (lit. pistachio butter). It is like a pistachio version of marzipan, and its bright green color is all-natural—it comes from the early-harvested Gaziantep pistachios. The delicious pistachio paste is wrapped around a single sheet of phyllo dough, just to hold its green goodness together, which is why this type of baklava is called either fıstıklı sarma or fıstıklı dürüm, meaning pistachio wrap or pistachio roll.

Iranian faloodeh is a traditional sorbet which consists of frozen sugar syrup infused with rose water and mixed with thin vermicelli noodles. According to popular belief, faloodeh originated in Shiraz and is one of the first sorbet varieties in the world, dating back to 400 BC. In Iran, it is usually served drizzled with fresh lime juice, chopped pistachios, or sweet cherry syrup, and enjoyed as a refreshing summer dessert.

Kaju katli, also known as kaju barfi, is a traditional Indian dessert characterized by its diamond shape, made with cashew nuts, sugar, cardamom powder, and ghee butter. This sweet treat often comes wrapped in an edible silver foil, signifying luxury and appreciation for the consumer. It is traditionally consumed during the Diwali festival, but it is also an ideal gift for friends and family on special occasions. Kaju katli is often prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha, the elephant god. Sometimes, saffron or dried fruits can be added to the dessert in order to enhance its flavors. In Indian culture, it is believed that by consuming kaju katli, one brings good luck and prosperity to his home.

This Turkish oven-baked rice pudding is made with water, milk, sugar, rice, and rice flour. It is a simple, light dessert that is said to have origins in the Ottoman cuisine. Although it has been traditionally flavored with rose water, the modern versions often incorporate vanilla as a flavoring. After cooking, fırın sütlaç is browned in a salamander broiler, and it is usually topped with either ground cinnamon or chopped hazelnuts before serving.

Leche flan is a Filipino dessert that is essentially a caramel custard consisting of milk, sugar, and eggs, with the addition of vanilla flavoring. Traditionally, it's oval-shaped due to the use of tin molds called llaneras. It is recommended to serve it chilled and coated with leftover caramel syrup. Leche flan is very popular at numerous Filipino celebrations and social gatherings. Originally, it was brought over to the Philippines during the Spanish colonization, so it is believed that it has origins in the regions on the border of Spain and France. Today, apart from being consumed on its own as a sweet treat, pieces of leche flan can also be added to halo-halo, another popular Filipino dessert.

The remarkable baklava is a luscious dessert created with layers of thin phyllo dough intertwined with chopped nuts, all doused in a sweet, viscous syrup. The popularity of baklava has long surpassed borders, regions, and ethnic groups to become a dessert whose origin and invention is claimed by numerous countries. It is probable that it has an Assyrian origin, dating back to the 8th century, from where it spread out throughout the region all the way to Greece. The Greeks altered the recipe and created the thin sheets, known today as phyllo dough, but modern-day baklava is believed to be an original Turkish creation. However, it is almost impossible to pinpoint baklava's exact place of origin, and the debate about its authenticity is still going on between Turkey and Greece. Traditionally, baklava is made with sheets of paper-thin pastry at the bottom, followed by chopped nuts which are then topped with additional pastry layers. The other traditional way suggests alternating layers of phyllo dough with layers of chopped nuts.

Chomchom is a traditional sweet from Bangladesh consisting of homemade cottage cheese called chana that is cooked in sugar syrup. It is often flavored with lemon juice and cardamom powder. The sweet treat can be served in a few different varieties – with chopped nuts, malai cream, or grated coconut.

Kalburabastı is a typical Turkish dessert consisting of small pastries drenched in a sweet syrup made with water, sugar, and lemon juice. It is especially popular during the Şeker Bayramı holiday. The pastry is usually made with butter, flour, eggs, walnuts, oil, and baking soda. This dessert is characterized by its riddled visual appearance shown as little markings on top where the dough has been pressed against a sieve. The name kalburabastı is derived from the Turkish words kalbur, meaning sieve, and bas, which means to press. Serve kalburabastı with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a similar variation known as hurme or hurmašice.

Fried bananas or plantains are a common everyday snack eaten throughout Indonesia. They come in numerous versions in which the fruit is simply fried in shallow oil, but more often sliced banana pieces are coated in batter before they are fried until golden. Besides numerous other varieties, fried bananas also appear under different names such as godoh biu on Bali or gedhang gorèng on Java. They are traditionally sold at street stalls and carts and belong to a group of gorengan dishes—Indonesian deep-fried snacks. The more elaborate version of pisang goreng are served dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, drizzled with chocolate, or accompanied by jams or ice cream. Similar banana-based dishes are found in other Southeast Asian regions and countries such as Singapore, the Philippines (maruya) and Malaysia (kuih kodok).

Bastani sonnati is a unique saffron-infused Iranian ice cream that was invented at the beginning of the 20th century by Akbar Mashti, the first ice cream vendor in Tehran. This frozen treat is made with a creamy mixture of milk or cream, frozen custard, and sliced pistachios. It is flavored with rose water and saffron and traditionally incorporates salep, an ingredient extracted from wild orchids. The vibrant yellow color and exotic flavors make bastani one of the favorite Iranian sweets. Iranians prefer to enjoy it in individual bowls, sprinkled with shredded pistachio, or served within two plain wafers, when it's known as bastani nooni ice cream sandwich.

A staple breakfast dish in Turkey, bal kaymak is a delicious combination of kaymak - a traditional dairy product produced from water buffalo milk, very similar to clotted cream - that is generously doused with honey. The dish is served as a spread or a sweet dip alongside tea or a variety of other traditional breakfast dishes and is typically paired with bread. Rarely, it is served as a dessert and it sometimes comes garnished with ground, chopped, or whole walnuts.

Dating back to the Ottoman times, kazandibi is a Turkish dish that can be translated to burnt bottom pudding, referring to the burnt bottom of the pan that it is cooked in. The dessert consists of butter, milk, rice flour, sugar, starch, and flavorings such as vanilla, rosewater, or ground mastic gum. In Turkey, kazandibi is usually served as thin ribbons which are then rolled, although it can also be served in thick squares. The caramelized top of kazandibi gives it an earthy flavor, which contrasts quite nicely with the sweet and milky flavors on the interior. It is recommended to pair it with a cup of hot Turkish coffee or tea.

İrmik helvası is a granular Turkish dessert made with semolina, butter, sugar, milk, and pine nuts. Although the ingredients are simple, the preparation of irmik helvasi requires great skills. Sweetened hot milk is stirred into the semolina with the addition of melted butter and pine nuts. The halva is then served in individual bowls, dusted with cinnamon and topped with a few sautéed pine nuts. This dessert signifies good fortune, so it is typically prepared during religious festivities and shared with friends and family.

Sorbetes is a popular Filipino ice cream flavored with ingredients such as mango, chocolate, cheese, coconut, and purple yam (ube). Traditionally, it is produced from carabao milk and served in tiny scoops on sugar cones. Some Filipinos like to consume it sandwiched between bread buns, like a hamburger. Although it sounds similar to a sorbet, coming from the Spanish sorbete, it is not a sorbet, but a dirty ice cream, as the locals jokingly call it due to the fact that it is sold along polluted streets. Sorbetes can usually be found at numerous street carts throughout the Philippines.

Known as soufflé cheesecake in Japan and cotton cheesecake or Japanese cheesecake outside of Japan, this light and fluffy dessert is made by incorporating whisked egg whites into the cake mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, cream cheese), and the combination is then baked in a bain-marie. The Japanese cheesecake is more fluffy and sponge-like than regular cheesecake, and it's sometimes eaten cold, but most people prefer to eat it straight out of the oven while it's still hot, so it almost melts in the mouth. It was created by a Japanese chef Tomotaro Kuzuno who went to Germany in the 1960s and found käsekuchen, a type of German cheesecake. When Kuzuno came back to Japan, he wanted to prepare a combination of käsekuchen and the American-style cheesecake that was becoming popular at the time, and that's how Japanese cheesecake was born. Nowadays, if you want something extra sweet on your Japanese cheesecake in Japan, traditionally you'll get a topping of apricot jam.

Kunāfah consists of two crunchy layers of shredded and buttered kataifi or knefe dough, filled with a luscious cheese cream that's often flavored with orange zest and cardamom, then drenched in a sugar syrup infused with lemon juice and orange blossom water. Turkish künefe is traditionally made with Hatay, Urfa, or Antep cheese. It is usually topped with pistachios and is best served warm. Elegant and amazingly simple to make, this dessert is nothing short of what cheese-filled pastry dreams are made of. Some authors speculate that it originated from the pre-Islamic Syria, while others claim that the Palestinian city of Nablus is its birthplace - hence the name kanafeh nabulsieh. Nevertheless, this decadent dessert has been a part of a long culinary tradition in Turkey and Egypt, and it is listed as one of Egypt's national dishes.

Turkish ice cream is believed to originate from the city of Maraş—hence the name—and what really sets it apart from other varieties is its resistance to melting and a particularly dense, chewy texture. These qualities are brought by adding two thickening agents to the basic milk and sugar mixture: Arab gum, also known as mastic resin, and salep—a type of flour made from the root of the early purple orchid. In fact, in the Kahramanmaraş region, ice cream typically contains distinctly more salep than usual, which is why it is sometimes called kesme dondurma—from the Turkish kesmek, meaning to cut—which is the reason why this ice cream variety is usually eaten with a knife and fork. In Turkey, ice cream is commonly sold in the streets but also in specialized dondurması shops, whose owners will often go out of their way by producing their own salep, apart from using exclusively natural flavorings and milk from goats fed only with thyme, orchid flowers, and milkvetch.

The ancient Anatolian city of Antep, today known as Gaziantep, is Turkey's gastronomic capital famous for being home to the world’s finest pistachios and the delicious Antep baklavası. Originally an Ottoman legacy, baklava is regarded as one of the greatest creations from the pastry chefs at Topkapı Sarayı, the major royal residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Baklava was traditionally prepared for Eid-al-Fitr, also known in Turkey as Ramazan or Şeker Bayramı, a religious holiday when Muslims celebrate the ending of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Today, this Turkish treat is available year-round, and with more than 500 baklava bakeries in the city of Gaziantep, it is definitely not to be missed, especially during the pistachio harvest from midsummer to September, when these emerald-colored nuts are just the right size for baklava. To make this popular pastry, the finely crushed, genuine Gaziantep pistachios are generously spread between paper-thin sheets of phyllo dough which are brushed with melted butter and smeared with semolina cream.

Hotteok is a popular Korean pancake that is usually filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts such as peanuts and walnuts. It is commonly sold as street food at numerous Korean street stands, especially when the weather is cold. The pancakes can be either thick or thin, and are characterized by their crispy exterior and tender, chewy interior. It is believed that hotteok was invented in the late 19th century when Chinese merchants followed their country's soldiers to Korea. Many of them decided to stay in Korea, making Chinese versions of pancakes with savory fillings. However, the Koreans preferred the sweet fillings over the savory ones, and the Chinese then adapted the pancakes according to the Koreans' wishes, thus inventing hotteok. Today, there are many varieties of hotteok, including a number of versions with matcha, and a special version called bubble hotteok, which is baked over flames instead of being fried.

Tamalito is the Peruvian version of tamales. They are smaller and drier than tamales, but both are prepared in a similar fashion. Green maize is first combined with lard, and the combination is then filled with ground beef and wrapped in corn leaves before being tied with a string and steamed in a pot. Tamalitos are traditionally served as a light appetizer or a tasty side dish. It is recommended to pair them with salsa criolla.

Pabellon criollo is a traditional Venezuelan dish consisting of black beans, white rice, and slices of steak cooked with tomatoes. The word pabellon means flag, referring to the colors of individual components, which are arranged to resemble the national flag. The dish is sometimes also served with fried plantains, known as tajadas, along with arepas and white cheese. The plantains keep the food from slipping over the plate, and in that case, the dish is known as pabellon con baranda, where baranda means guard rail. If the dish is served with a fried egg on top, it is known as pabellon a caballo. Pabellon criollo is especially popular with Venezuelan cowboys, known as llanos.

A simple bun called chipa is the most common food staple in Paraguay. The famous bread is made with cassava flour, lard, and anise. It originates from the Native American people Guarani, indigenous to the Amazon area of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The origin of chipa dates back to the time when wheat was not present in South America, and cassava was the most commonly used starch in the area. In colonial times, the Jesuit missionaries introduced milk, eggs, and cheese to the indigenous people, which finalized the chipa recipe. The use of cassava starch and lard results in the crunchy exterior of the bun, while the use of anise gives the bread buns an unusual and unique flavor. Although chipas are eaten all year round in Paraguay, they have a significant importance during the Holy Week, so they are often prepared and eaten during the Easter festivities. For the people of Paraguay, chipas represent their daily bread which is eaten together with numerous main meals or as a snack. Traditionally, the buns are prepared at home, but they are also sold by many street vendors, called chiperas, especially along Paraguayan roads.

Arrumadinho is a complex Brazilian dish that is usually served as an appetizer. The dish is a combination of four elements that are neatly organized and served together as a complete meal. The essential parts are sliced, sun-dried beef, diced and mixed vegetable vinaigrette, beans, typically black eyed peas, and farofa – a toasted cassava flour mixture. All of the ingredients are seasoned with clarified butter, neatly arranged and served on a plate. The four elements of arrumadinho can either be mixed or consumed as individual dishes. A plate of arrumadinho is usually shared by a couple or a group of people, typically followed by a glass of cold beer or a freshly prepared caipirinha. The dish can usually be found in the northeast of Brazil, more precisely in the state of Pernambuco, where it is believed to have originated. It is often sold at food stands as a snack, but it is also commonly served as an appetizer in elegant restaurants.

Tigrillo is an Ecuadorian casserole-style dish made with a combination of mashed green plantains, cheese, and eggs. There are as many recipes as there are cooks, so some versions of tigrillo might include milk, ají hot sauce, or chicharrones (fried pork rinds). Queso fresco is one of the most popular choices for the cheese, and when served, tigrillo can also be served with a fried or poached egg on top. The dish is traditionally served for breakfast in Ecuador.

Cachorro quente is the Brazilian version of a hot dog consisting of a bread roll filled with sausage links, ground beef in a chunky tomato sauce with green peppers and onions, and melted cheese. The dish is traditionally served with a wide variety of accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, corn, grated carrots, fries, peas, or pico de gallo, depending on the customers' preference. The toppings are virtually endless, and each region in Brazil has its own preference.

Even though their name and origin stem from Italian tradition, pastafrola tarts have become an integral part of South American cuisine. They traditionally combine buttery shortcrust pastry and various fillings such as quince cheese, dulce de leche, guava, sweet potato jam, and various fruit preserves. The top of each tart is traditionally decorated with a wide lattice pattern that reveals the colorful filling. Pastafrola tarts can be enjoyed as a simple, appetizing dessert or a sweet afternoon snack.

Tortas fritas are fried biscuits from Argentina consisting of flour, butter, lard, milk, and baking powder. The dish is traditionally consumed with a cup of yerba mate, usually on rainy afternoons during autumn and winter. It is customarily served with fruit jams or dulce de leche on the side.

Encebollado is the national dish of Ecuador, a fish soup that is characterized by a large amount of onions. Very useful in curing hangovers, the dish is made with fresh tuna meat, cassava root, tomatoes, onions, coriander, and various spices. Tomatoes, onions, chili, coriander, and cumin form a pungent mix and a base for the soup, called sofrito, while pickled onions go either on top of encebollado or into it, giving it its name that is literally translated to onioned. The soup originates from Ecuador's coast during the time when the fishers were out at sea and made the soup out of necessity. As they had some spices, and fresh fish was readily available, encebollado was created and became widely consumed throughout the country. Today, consumers can choose their own condiments including toasted corn, banana chips, lime, mustard, and avocado. This traditional dish – a source of pride for the locals – can be found on various street corners, in small restaurants, hotels, and homes of people from various social backgrounds.

Curau is a Brazilian dessert made with the juice of an unripe maize, sugar, and milk. Once it has been cooked, it is poured into individual bowls and garnished with a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon. It can be eaten warm when it is more of a pudding-like consistency or cold when its texture will resemble a custard or a flan.

These soft crescent rolls are regarded as the Argentinian take on traditional French croissants. Even though they are very similar to the French variety, medialunas are slightly more moist, smaller, and a bit sweeter. There are two traditional types of medialunas; the larger version made with butter, and the smaller version made with lard. Both varieties are usually prepared plain, with a rum-and-sugar glaze on top. They are traditionally eaten for breakfast, ideally accompanied by a cup of strong coffee with milk, or as an afternoon snack served with yerba mate, a traditional Argentinian herbal tea. Argentinians prefer to eat them with sweet condiments, jellies, dulce de leche, or chocolate spreads. Even though they are easily prepared at home, medialunas can also be bought in panaderias–traditional bakeries found throughout Argentina.

This traditional Brazilian dessert is a type of creamy, caramel-coated custard flan. Although there are as many variations on the dessert as there are families in Brazil (and throughout Latin America), the standard ingredients of pudim de leite condensado include sweetened condensed milk, regular whole milk, eggs, and sugar. To make the custard, the condensed milk mixture is typically poured into round molds or cake pans that have been coated with a simple caramel sauce, before it is baked in a water bath until it’s become firm and set. According to popular belief, this simple dessert is thought to have evolved from an old Portuguese dish known as pudim de priscos, an invention that has been attributed to a certain Portuguese priest named Manuel Joaquim Machado, also known as Father Priscos. Earlier versions of pudim de leite condensado used whole milk instead of condensed milk, which made the entire process of making the dessert much more complicated and time-consuming.

Feijoada or feijoada completa is Brazil's national dish, a hearty stew featuring pork and black beans. The dish is consumed throughout the country, and every family in Brazil has their own, special recipe. Sautéed greens, cheese rolls, rice, and fresh, sliced oranges are served as an accompaniment to the smoked pork and richly flavored black beans. Traditionally, it is prepared for Saturday lunch, so that the consumers may sleep it off. The beans are flavored with onions, tomatoes, coriander, and garlic, while pork meat can be additionally enriched with dried beef and smoked pork sausages. Before the main meal, consumers are offered caldinho de feijao, a bean broth served in shot glasses or small ceramic cups and garnished with pork rinds known as torresmos. The name feijoada is derived from the Portuguese word for beans, feijão, and it probably originated in the 1600s in Recife, on sugar plantations built by the Portuguese colonists, although some believe that it was created in Rio de Janeiro.

What harissa is to Moroccan cuisine and what mustard is to hot dogs in the USA, chimichurri is to steaks in Argentina. It is an aromatic mixture of parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, and hot red pepper flakes, although additional ingredients such as coriander or chopped tomatoes are sometimes also included in the combination, while others may be omitted as there are numerous variations on chimichurri. This vibrant green sauce (sometimes used as a marinade) is typically served alongside grilled beef steaks, but it also does wonders for grilled pork, chicken, lamb, fish, or duck, and it is quite common to pair it with Malbec wine. There are two theories about the origin of the name–one says that it was invented (and aptly named) by a British meat dealer called Jimmy Curry, and the other one says that it stems from the phrase "che mi curry", spoken by captive English soldiers who requested to eat curry after their unsuccessful attempt to invade Argentina, a Spanish colony at the time.

Cubanitos (lit. little Cubans) is an Argentine sweet and crispy wafer tube oozing a sweet filling. Wafer pastry is made by combining flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and (sometimes) egg whites. Once baked, the wafer is rolled into the shape of a Cuban cigar, hence the name cubanitos. Although the most common filling is dulce de leche (a milky caramel spread), this treat may come with various other fillings such as chocolate, lemon-flavored cream, pasta bon o bon (peanut cream), or whipped cream. The filled wafer tubes are also often covered with chocolate and garnished with chopped nuts or sprinkles. A common street food fare, cubanitos can be enjoyed on their own, usually as a late-afternoon sweet snack, or served as accompaniments to helado de dulce de leche (milky caramel ice cream) or vanilla ice cream. In Argentina, these filled wafer tubes are typically prepared for special occasions, and they are commonly sold at fairs such as the Feria de Mataderos.

Inchicapi is a creamy Peruvian soup made with chicken or hen meat, ground corn, peanuts, oil, cassava, and garlic as key ingredients. It originates from the Peruvian jungle regions of San Martin, Loreto, and Ucayali. Before serving, this traditional soup is usually garnished with chopped coriander.

Salsa de rocoto is a hot Peruvian sauce or dip that's a staple at most tables in the country. It is prepared with fiery red rocoto peppers, oil, and lime juice, with the occasional addition of parsley, cilantro, or milk. Due to the fact that this salsa is so popular in the country, there are numerous variations, ranging from medium hot to insanely hot, so be careful when trying it for the first time. Use the salsa with a variety of fish and meat dishes, potatoes, or try it in sandwiches.

Lomo a la pobre or bistec a lo pobre is a large meal that is popular in Chile and Peru. In its basic form, the meal consists of steak, fried onions, fried potatoes, and fried eggs. A large beef steak (usually rubbed with garlic) is fried, then topped with fried eggs with runny yolks, while onions and potatoes are served on the side. It is recommended to additionally enrich the meal with rice and salad. The name of this meal translates to poor man's steak, despite the fact that this dish is hearty and very nutritious. In Chile and Peru, it is almost always served for lunch.

Tequeños are a traditional Venezuelan snack consisting of fried wonton wrappers or empanada dough filled with cheese. It is believed that this snack originated from the city of Los Teques. Tequeños are usually served with various sauces and dips such as guacamole or salsa de palta. Although the snack got its start in Venezuela, it soon spread throughout Latin America. In Peru, tequeños are popular as an appetizer or an afternoon snack, and Peruvians sometimes add ham, lomo saltado, or aji de gallina to the cheese filling.

Aji Criollo or salsa de aji is a spicy Peruvian salsa prepared with a combination of yellow aji chili peppers and oil. The sauce is usually pleasantly spicy, but it can also be extremely hot and spicy, so one should be careful when tasting it for the first time. The sauce is traditionally used as an accompaniment to various meat and fish dishes, but it's also often used as a dip for french fries and tequeños.

Moqueca capixaba is a traditional Brazilian stew originating from the region of Espírito Santo. It is prepared with fish, lime juice, coriander, and vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and garlic, all nicely colored with annatto. Traditionally, the stew is cooked in a clay pot called panela de barro – the seafood should only be layered with other ingredients and the heat is turned up for the stew to simmer on its own. In some cases, chili peppers are added for a bit of heat. When served, moqueca capixaba is typically accompanied by white rice or a creamy manioc porridge called pirão.

It is not known why this unusual Brazilian dessert was named after the famous Shakespeare play, but the sweet and savory combination of Romeu e Julieta is beloved throughout Brazil, where it is served either as a snack or as a dessert. It is quick and easy to prepare Romeu e Julieta, consisting of a thick slice of fresh white cheese (usually queijo minas or canastra), and an equally thick slice of goiabada (fresh pulped guava, water, and sugar). The saltiness of the cheese pairs quite well with the gritty texture and sweetness of goiabada, and most Brazilians combine the two on a fork and consume it in a single bite. Since goiabada and cheese keep well and are a staple of most Brazilian homes, all it takes is to slice both ingredients and serve them on a plate, providing a great finish to the meal without being too heavy on the stomach. The combination is also available in a variety of other dishes, such as Romeu e Julieta on toast, in cheesecakes, and even on pizzas.

Bolo de rolo is a traditional Brazilian dessert with origins in the state of Pernambuco. This rolled guava cake is similar to a jelly roll cake or a Swiss roll; however, its preparation is much more complicated. It incorporates many delicate and thin sponge layers which are connected to form a giant sheet, spread with a layer of sweet guava jam, then rolled into a log. The most elaborate varieties of bolo de rolo can have up to twenty layers of sponge, which results in an unusual decorative spiral. Because of the intricate and time-consuming preparation, it is rarely made at home and can usually be found in pastry shops and supermarkets around Brazil. It is usually served sliced, to showcase the number of meticulously created jelly spirals. To balance the sweetness, slices of bolo de rolo are often served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.

Bandeja paisa, also known as bandeja de arriero, bandeja montanera and bandeja antioquena, is Colombia's national dish since 2005, a heavy, caloric meal traditionally served on a big, oval platter and intended to be eaten for lunch. Originally, the platter provided nutrition and energy to the farmers to keep them going for the whole day and there are a total of 13 ingredients used in the dish, including golden-fried chorizo sausages with lime, hogau sauce, cooked white rice, ground beef, plantain, arepa (a thin, fried corn cake), avocado, stewed red beans, fried pork belly, and a fried egg on top of it all. This behemoth of a dish is traditionally accompanied by a mazamorra – a milk-based drink that is served chilled and features smashed maize. Bandeja paisa is actually one of the highest protein-packed dishes on Earth and is especially popular in the Paisa region departments of Antioquia and a part of Valle del Cauca in Colombia. In 2005, when it became the national dish, it was suggested that the name gets changed to bandeja montanera in order to avoid the exclusion of people that are outside the Paisa region, which led to a huge public outcry.

A classic dish of the Brazilian Bahia region, bobó de camarão is a stew made with puréed cassava (bobó), fresh shrimps, coconut milk, and dendê palm oil. The word bobó comes from the Ewe people who were brought to Brazil as slaves, denoting a dish made with beans, although there are no beans in bobó de camarão as we know it today, due to the fact that the Afro-Brazilians enthusiastically took to cassava when they were first introduced to it. The dish is traditionally accompanied by rice on the side, and is a staple of most traditional Brazilian eateries and Bahian self-service restaurants.

Picarones are a staple of Peruvian street food, the tasty, deep-fried treats that are also often referred to as the Peruvian doughnuts. The dough is shaped into a ring and fried in hot oil, and picarones are then drizzled with a sweet cane syrup. It is believed that they were first prepared during the Spanish Viceroyalty in Lima and they were probably based on the Spanish buñuelos. The recipe was adapted by the locals who added sweet potatoes and squash to the dough, and a new dish was created. Picarones were later popularized by the nuns of Saint Claire's convent, and today they are especially popular during the religious festivities in October.

Arroz chaufa is a popular Peruvian dish with a great influence of Chinese cuisine. It consists of a combination of fried rice, meats, vegetables, and fruits. Most commonly, rice is fried with shredded chicken, salami, garlic, ginger, slivered almonds, eggs, chicken stock, soy sauce, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice, although there are numerous variations on the dish using ingredients such as fish, beef, pork, jerky, and even alligator meat. Once prepared, the dish is typically garnished with chopped scallions and coriander.

Arroz con camarones is a dish that is popular throughout Latin America, especially in Peru and Mexico. It consists of rice that is cooked in a flavorful shrimp broth, combined with shrimp, peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, garlic, and achiote, with the addition of finely chopped parsley used for garnishing. Arroz con camarones can be served with numerous accompaniments such as lime wedges, hot sauce, avocado slices, or fried plantains.

Often consumed on rainy or cold days by many Peruvians, aji de gallina is a spicy dish consisting of shredded chicken in a creamy sauce. It is traditionally served over rice and garnished with black olives and boiled potatoes. The sauce is made with aji amarillo chilis, garlic, onions, walnuts, cheese, and crustless bread, and it is usually flavored with spices such as cumin, pepper, oregano, turmeric, and parsley. It is believed that aji de gallina originated from a dish called manjar blanco, made with a combination of chicken, almonds, sugar, and rice. After its arrival in Peru, the people adapted it using local ingredients such as the aji chili, and a new dish was created in the process.

Feijão tropeiro is a traditional dish from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. A favorite dish of cattle rangers (tropeiros), it consists of beans that are cooked with salted or dried meat, manioc flour, and various flavorings, herbs, and vegetables. Today, there are numerous variations on the dish, so the type of beans and meat vary from one part of the country to the next. It is believed that the dish was invented during the Brazilian Colonial period, when tropeiros used to sell things while traveling on horses, bringing beans, manioc flour, and dried meat with them on long journeys.

Baião is a traditional folk dance of the Brazilian Ceará region, which was popularized by two musicians, Humberto Teixeira and Luís Gonzaga, in a song called Baião-de-dois (baião for two). The name of the song attached itself to the dish of the same name, consisting of freshly picked black-eyed peas and rice cooked together, reminiscent of a couple dancing the baião. The dish has numerous varieties throughout the region, so some cooks add dried beef (carne de sol), while the others add pork or cheese to the combination. Garnishes may include freshly chopped coriander and chives. The history of the dish dates back to the time of great difficulties, when food was scarce and nothing could go to waste, so, like many other dishes, this one was also created out of necessity, combining rice, beans, and kitchen leftovers.

A staple of Northeastern Brazil, carne de sol (lit. meat of the sun) - sometimes also called carne de sereno or simply jabá - refers to heavily salted, sun-dried meat. Carne de sol is traditionally prepared with either beef or goat meat, and the origins of this centuries-old meat preservation method are attributed to the so-called sertanejos, cattle ranchers living in the vast, semi-arid Brazilian hinterlands. Today, carne de sol is a delicacy found all across the country and, if not grilled or cubed and used in various stews, it is typically served with coalho cheese and accompanied by a thick manioc gruel called pirão or boiled cassava.

Lomo saltado is a traditional Peruvian dish consisting of stir-fried marinated slices of sirloin or beef tenderloin, onions, yellow Peruvian chilis, and tomatoes. The dish is typically served with French fries and rice on the side, and can be found on the menus of almost all Peruvian restaurants, whether simple or upscale. The dish has had a big Asian influence due to the influx of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century. Over the years, some Chinese cooking techniques were combined with the Peruvian, and new dishes were invented, such as lomo saltado. Today, there are many variations on the dish, so beef can be replaced by chicken, when it is called pollo saltado. If the potatoes are replaced with noodles and vegetables, it is then called tallarin saltado. With its fusion of old and new worlds, lomo saltado still holds its status as one of Peru's most loved dishes.

Chivito is a delicious sandwich from Uruguay and the country's national dish. Meaning little goat in Spanish, a legend says that in the 1940s, a chef in a restaurant was asked to prepare roasted goat, but since he didn't have one - he made a sandwich with bits of just about everything he had in the kitchen, and chivito was born. The sandwich is filled with meat - slices of churrasco (grilled/roasted and thinly sliced beef), ham, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, melted mozzarella, and a topping of fried (or sometimes boiled) eggs. The sandwich buns should be quite large, such as ciabatta rolls. Optionally, it can be topped with olives, pickles, and cooked onions, while salsa golf - a popular mix of ketchup and mayonnaise, acts as a perfect condiment. It is a quite tall sandwich, due to all of the ingredients stuffed inside it. Praised by many world chefs because of the high-quality, grass-fed beef ingredients on the inside, chivito is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Arepa is a highly versatile cornbread made from ground corn dough or precooked corn flour. It is commonly consumed in Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. In Venezuela, arepa is eaten at any time of the day, throughout the whole country, and across all socio-economic groups. The golden disks with a crispy, browned crust are commonly stuffed with a variety of ingredients, and the combinations are seemingly infinite, from beans, cheese, and avocado to shredded beef and onions. For a Venezuelan breakfast, arepas are traditionally paired with a cup of strong coffee and hot dipping chocolate. Since they are not filled with anything for breakfast, they are commonly referred to as the viuda (widow). The name arepa comes from the word erepa, which is the indigenous word for this corn bread, as its origins are believed to be from the indigenous tribes across Venezuela, such as Timoto-Cuicas, Arawak, Carib, and Karina. Today, arepas are usually served at traditional eateries called areperas.

This empanada variety originates from Córdoba in Argentina, hence the name. It is sweet and savory because it's filled with beef, raisins, potatoes, olives, and white sugar. Other ingredients include hard-boiled eggs, onions, garlic, red wine, paprika, and cumin. These empandas are also juicier than most other varieties because they include tomatoes in the mix. The filling is enclosed in dough consisting of flour, egg yolks, lard or pork fat, water, and salt, just like most empanadas. Empanadas cordobesas are fried in hot oil or baked in the oven until browned.

These crispy Argentinian pastries are typically star-shaped, while the center is filled with quince or sweet potato preserve (dulce). They are usually deep-fried and then brushed with a sugar glaze. Optionally, they can be filled with dulce de leche and topped with colorful sprinkles. Pastelitos are traditionally enjoyed on May 25, a day commemorating the May Revolution and the establishment of the first independent Argentinian government.

Choritos a la chalaca is a Peruvian dish originating from the port of Callao. The word choritos refers to mussels, while a la chalaca means Callao-style. The dish is made by steaming the mussels, then topping them with a spicy salsa featuring tomatoes, corn, rocoto peppers, onions, lime juice, olive oil, and parsley. Choritos a la chalaca is traditionally served as an appetizer with a glass of cold beer on the side.

Sopa Criolla is a comforting and filling Peruvian soup. It's made with a combination of beef, onions, garlic, aji panca paste, tomato paste, stock, potatoes, angel hair pasta, evaporated milk, oregano, and eggs. Once it has been cooked, the soup is typically garnished with homemade croutons. It is believed that sopa Criolla was brought to the country by Italian immigrants. For the best experience, serve it on a chilly winter day.

Arepa Andina is a variety of Venezuelan arepas, distinguished from the regular arepas by the usage of wheat flour rather than the standard corn flour. This variety of arepa is popular in the Andes region, near the Colombian border, especially in the state of Mérida, where wheat has been cultivated since ancient times. Arepa Andina can be consumed plain, or filled with cheese and vegetables such as tomatoes. It is recommended to pair a plain arepa Andina with a hot cup of coffee.

Cuchuflí are popular Chilean sweet snacks that look like thin, crispy tubes with a texture similar to that of wafers. They consist of sugar, flour, butter, egg whites, and vanilla flavoring. These sweet treats are often filled with dulce de leche, but they can also be covered in chocolate. Nowadays, cuchuflí can be found almost anywhere in Chile – from bakeries, grocery stores, and supermarkets to street vendors and beach food stands.

Choclo con queso is a Peruvian meal that is often consumed as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish. Peruvian choclo is a type of corn with large kernels, nutty flavor, and chewy texture. When paired with creamy and salty cheese and a dab of butter on top, it results in choclo con queso (lit. corn with cheese). Although it can be found in restaurants, this delicious snack is most commonly bought from street vendors. In some modern interpretations, the dish can also be made into a baked casserole with added onions, cumin, flour, and milk.

Sánguche de milanesa is a popular sandwich hailing from Argentina, although it's also popular in Uruguay. The sandwich typically consists of a split baguette or long bread roll that's filled with milanesa, mayonnaise, tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce. Additional ingredients might include mustard, chimichurri, ham, or cheese. This sandwich is especially popular in the province of Tucumán, where it's sold in mostly family-owned sangucherías. In some eateries, sánguche de milanesa is accompanied by mashed potatoes or fries on the side.

Chancho en piedra is a Chilean salsa that is essentially a variation of pebre salsa with added tomatoes. Apart from the tomatoes, it contains garlic, chili peppers, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley or coriander. Once prepared, the consistency of chancho en piedra should be more sauce-like than the consistency of pebre. It is recommended to serve it with bread, sopapillas, or empanadas. The name chancho en piedra means pig on a stone or pig on a rock, referring to the preparation of this salsa in a stone mortar and pestle.

Tutu de feijão is a traditional Brazilian dish originating from the region of Minas Gerais. The dish is made with a combination of puréed beans (traditionally black beans) and cassava flour that's used as a thickening agent. Other ingredients used in the dish include bacon, onions, garlic, olive oil, parsley, and bay leaves. Although there are many variations on the dish, it's usually served accompanied by pork sausages, rice, eggs, or sometimes kale.

A specialty dish from the Brazilian regions of Pará and Bahia, maniçoba is a part of the feijoada family of Brazilian dishes. In addition to dried meat, salted pork, bacon, and sausages, chopped cassava leaves are used instead of beans which are commonly used in a traditional feijoada. One must be extra careful when preparing the dish due to the toxic cyanides found in cassava leaves, which is why they need to be ground and boiled for at least one week in order to remove the toxins. Since it is a lengthy process, maniçoba is mostly prepared for festivities and religious celebrations, when it's consumed by large groups of people. In Bahia, peppers and farofa are often added to the dish, while in Pará, the usual accompaniment is white rice.

These empanadas are a specialty of the region of Tucumán, and they are quite different than numerous empanadas found in Buenos Aires. Tucumanas are typically handmade according to old, traditional recipes, and are characterized by a crispy dough and ideal proportions of dough and fillings. The dough is made with wheat flour and beef fat, and it is then usually filled with beef, chicken, or tripe, along with other ingredients such as raisins, onions, hard-boiled eggs, paprika, and cumin. Authentic Tucumanas should be baked in a clay oven, and it is best to enjoy them with a glass of local wine on the side.

This traditional Peruvian delicacy is made with yellow potatoes and either tuna salad or chicken. Most often, the potatoes are molded or cut into circles, and the filling is sandwiched in between. The dish is flavored with mayonnaise, ají amarillo chilis, and lime or lemon juice. Causa rellena is typically served cold on a bed of lettuce, while the top is garnished with black olives, making it a perfect appetizer or a light meal on its own. It is believed that the dish was invented during the Pacific War. Food was scarce, and the Peruvian women started collecting potatoes and any other ingredients they could get their hands on. The women created causa rellena, then offered it to soldiers for the cause of defending their homes, hence the name of the dish.

Chupe de camarones is a popular Peruvian shrimp (or prawn) chowder with a long and unusual history. The chowder is typically made with fish stock, fresh shrimps, onions, eggs, milk, cheese, garlic, and yellow potatoes, while rice, beans, carrots, and peas are used often, but not always. The dish is traditionally served in deep bowls and garnished with parsley. In recent years, food historians have revealed that chupe de camarones actually evolved from a thick Arequipeño stew made with potatoes, llama meat, and herbs. The dish was called chuwa misa (lit. deep bowl) and was prepared before the 16th century. After the Spanish conquest, locals started to catch shrimps, preparing shrimp ceviche and shrimp sauteé in the process. The Spaniards brought some new ingredients to the region, such as milk and cheese, and added them to the shrimp sautée, resulting in the creation of chupe de camarones.

Milanesa napolitana is a traditional Argentine dish originating from Buenos Aires. It consists of a milanesa steak that's breaded, fried, then topped with a slice of ham, tangy tomato sauce, and thick slices of mozzarella, which will melt under the broiler. It is typically served with french fries on the side. If there are any leftovers, they can be used to make delicious sandwiches called sánguche de milanesa. Milanesa napolitana was supposedly invented in the 1930s or 1940s in a restaurant called Nápoli, hence the name.

Pan de yuca is a traditional bread consisting of yuca flour, eggs, and cheese. It is usually shaped into small, round balls. The bread is popular throughout Colombia and Ecuador, although there are variations on pan de yuca throughout Latin America. It makes for a delicious warm appetizer or an afternoon snack, preferably paired with a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.

Translated as chocolate cake, this no-bake Argentinian dessert was influenced by Italian cuisine and modeled on the famous Italian tiramisu. It is made with three Argentinian staple ingredients: chocolate biscuits, dulce de leche, and cream cheese. The cookies are softened in milk and layered with a combination of cream cheese and dulce de leche. The shapes of chocotorta can vary, while the biscuits can be soaked with chocolate milk, coffee, or even coffee liqueur. The most common theory about its origin says that it was invented as a part of a marketing campaign designed to promote Chocolinas chocolate cookies, and the recipe was included in the packaging. Chocotorta is rarely found in restaurants and remains a novel dessert outside of Argentina.

Salsa ocopa is a popular Peruvian sauce originating from Arequipa. It is made with queso fresco, aji amarillo chilis, milk, and huacatay, also known as Peruvian black mint, giving the sauce a unique flavor. The salsa is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, but it can also accompany pasta dishes, meat, fried yucca, hard-boiled eggs, or tequeños.

Rocoto relleno is the most famous appetizer from the Peruvian region of Arequipe, consisting of a spicy, oven-baked rocoto chili pepper stuffed with ground beef, pork, onions, and pieces of hard-boiled eggs. The stuffing is traditionally seasoned with cumin, chili paste, salt, and ground pepper. Rocoto is often served with a slice of mozzarella cheese melted on top of the stuffing. This flavorful appetizer is often accompanied by baked potatoes or various salads on the side.

Tiradito is a traditional Peruvian dish consisting of thinly sliced, well-chilled raw fish, chopped vegetables, and coriander, all drizzled with lemon and lime juices right before consumption, so the fish stays raw, unlike ceviche, where the fish is already cooked in citrus juices. The dish is most often served as an appetizer, and some cooks like to add their own touch – topping it with sliced onions, pickled jalapeños, boiled corn, and even crushed potato chips. It is believed that it takes a lot of skill and effort to make a perfect tiradito, but the most essential components while preparing it are a sharp knife and the freshest possible fish, which is the highlight of every tiradito.