10 Surprising Food and Cuisine Facts from Around the World
Food is one of the most fascinating ways to understand a country’s culture. Every dish tells a story — from ancient traditions to modern adaptations. In this post, explore 10 surprising food and cuisine facts from around the world that will leave you curious (and maybe even hungry).
Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just love weird facts, this list has something for you.
Table of Contents
1. Japan Cuisine Facts – Raw Horse Meat Is a Delicacy
In Japan, basashi (raw horse meat ) is a popular dish, especially in the Kumamoto region. Served thinly sliced with soy sauce, it’s considered a delicacy and is often enjoyed with sake.
✅ Fun fact: Some restaurants even offer horse meat sushi!🍖
2. India Food facts – Home to the World’s Most Diverse Spices
India is the largest producer and exporter of spices , accounting for nearly 70% of the global spice market. Indian cuisine uses hundreds of spices in countless combinations, giving each region its unique flavor profile.
✅ Keyword tip: Best spices in Indian cuisine, Indian spice facts🌶️.
3. Thailand – Insects Are a Popular Snack
In Thailand, edible insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and silkworms are widely eaten and sold as street food. They’re not only a source of protein but also a cultural tradition.
✅ Did you know? Insects are considered a sustainable protein alternative🐜 .
4. France – Over 1,500 Types of Cheese
France is often called the “cheese capital of the world” with more than 1,500 varieties of cheese, including Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort.
✅ French saying: “Un fromage pour chaque jour de l’année” — a cheese for every day of the year🧀 .
5. Saudi Arabia – Camels Deliver Pizza in the Desert
In remote desert areas of Saudi Arabia, camels are used to deliver food, including pizzas, where modern delivery vehicles can’t go.
✅ Unique twist: Camel delivery services also exist for weddings and parties🐫.
6. Peru – Over 4,000 Varieties of Potatoes
Peru is the birthplace of the potato and is home to over 4,000 native potato types, varying in size, color, and flavor.
✅ Culinary treasure: Peru even celebrates a National Potato Day 🥔 .
7. Korea – Kimchi with Every Meal
Kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish with chili and garlic, is eaten with nearly every meal in South Korea. It’s a cultural staple rich in probiotics and history.
✅ Health tip: Kimchi is considered one of the healthiest fermented foods🌶️ .
8. United States – 100 Acres of Pizza Eaten Daily
Americans consume over 3 billion pizzas each year — that’s more than 100 acres of pizza daily! Pepperoni is the nation’s favorite topping.
✅ Fun fact: October is National Pizza Month in the U.S 🍕.
9. Vietnam – Pho for Breakfast
Unlike Western countries, Vietnamese people often start their day with pho, a fragrant beef or chicken noodle soup.
✅ Cultural insight: Pho is considered a comfort food and varies by region 🍜 .
10. Sweden – Rotten Fish Is a National Dish
Sweden’s infamous surströmming is a fermented herring that smells incredibly strong. Traditionally eaten with flatbread and potatoes, it’s a unique culinary experience.
✅ Pro tip: It’s usually eaten outdoors because of the smell 🐟 .
Conclusion
Food reveals far more than flavor — it tells the story of a nation’s culture, climate, and community values. From the raw horse meat delicacy in Japan to the overwhelming variety of cheeses in France, each dish is a reflection of history, geography, and identity. These surprising food and cuisine facts show how what we eat is shaped by tradition, necessity, and innovation.
What may seem unusual or exotic in one part of the world is often a cherished comfort in another. Whether it’s insects in Thailand, fermented fish in Sweden, or 4,000 types of potatoes in Peru, these country food facts remind us how diverse and fascinating global cuisine can be.
Food isn’t just nourishment — it’s an expression of national pride and daily life. These food facts can open your mind, expand your palate, and even inspire your next travel destination.
👉 Explore more food facts by country at CountryFact.com/Food-Facts and discover the delicious surprises the world has to offer.