Different countries have national dishes that often surprise both locals and tourists alike.

What is a National Dish?

A national dish is a culinary dish that is strongly associated with a particular country or region. It reflects the culture and tradition of that area.

Surprising National Dishes

• Haggis (Scotland) – A dish made from sheep’s offal, famously surprising to many due to its unusual ingredients.
• Surströmming (Sweden) – Fermented herring that has a strong odor, catching many off guard.
• Poutine (Canada) – The combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy surprises those unfamiliar with it.
• Balut (Philippines) – A fertilized duck egg eaten in its shell is surprising to many outsiders.
• Kimchi (Korea) – Fermented vegetables that can be intense in flavor and aroma, surprising newcomers.
• Frog Legs (France) – Considered a delicacy, its taste and texture take some by surprise.
• Octopus (Various Countries) – Prepared in various ways, it often surprises those who are not accustomed to seafood.

List of Surprising National Dishes

Thought Map of National Dishes

– National Dishes
– Factors Influencing Surprise
 – Ingredients
 – Preparation Method
 – Cultural Context
– Examples
 – Haggis (Scotland)
 – Surströmming (Sweden)
 – Poutine (Canada)
– Audience Reactions
 – Curiosity
 – Disgust
 – Delight

Statistics on National Dish Surprises