If you're an adventurous food traveler, you know that some destinations are culinary must-visits, while others might leave your taste buds wanting. In a recent discussion among food enthusiasts, the question of which country has the least appealing cuisine sparked a lively debate. Join us as we reveal the top 12 countries with the least favored food, according to these well-traveled foodies.
Scotland
One person said: "Scottish cuisine is basically based off a dare" [sic] and with options such as haggis (made from the liver, heart and lungs of sheep) and crappit heid (hollowed-out and stuffed fish heads), I'm bound to agree. In general Scottish food seems to consist of potatoes, root vegetables, and parts of the animal I'd rather not eat. So while I'd love to travel there for the scenery and the miniature cows, I'll definitely not be expecting a great foodie experience!
The Philippines
I quite enjoyed Filipino food, but a lot of foodies disagree with me. Some chalk it up to inconsistency, with the "same" dish cooked in different ways depending on where you go, and others to specific strange dishes that might turn you of their cuisine for good. For example, one Filipino person mentions salted pork blood stew and sweet spaghetti with Vienna sausages - and I agree, that doesn't sound too good. That being said - I still dream of the adobo I had in Malapascua and the best tuna of my life which I enjoyed in Cebu.
Russia
As a 7-year-old kid, I went to Russia for the summer with my family and proceeded to eat only cookies for the duration. I thought it was just me being a picky kid, but apparently, a lot of foodies agree with 7-year-old me. While some mention specific Russian restaurants that do serve good food, and some like their bread, others have been put off the cuisine after being served dishes such as chicken feet in jello.
England
Despite being the home country of a lot of top chefs, England is not known for its amazing cuisine. One person sums it up as: "They spent centuries conquering the world in search of spices and decided not to use any of them.". They do have some bright spots though, like fish and chips, but most of it really is quite bland.
Kazakhstan
One person who is married to a woman from Kazakhstan says: "I am not a fan of boiled meat, especially if it is horse; fermented horse milk, or dried fermented milk. There are a few dishes that are ok, but the lack of strong spices or seasoning make this something I don't enjoy much." [sic] and goes on to say that while they did have some decent food while visiting Kazakhstan, it was mostly in restaurants serving cuisine from other countries.
Norway
While Norway boasts breathtaking fjords and natural beauty, its cuisine may not be the primary draw for foodies. Traditional Norwegian fare revolves around simple and hearty dishes like lutefisk and rakfisk, which can be acquired tastes. However, the country's seafood offerings, such as salmon and cod, are exceptionally fresh and well-prepared, so if you do decide to go there, stick to that. And don't miss their sour cream porridge, it's a lot better than it sounds!
Iceland
Many foodies who have been to Iceland agree: beautiful country, horrible food. And to make matters even worse, you're paying a lot for the "pleasure". I haven't tried Icelandic food myself, but with "delicacies" such as fermented shark, I'm not sure I would like to, either...
Canada
Canada's culinary scene is diverse and evolving, but it is still far from a top-tier destination for food-centric travel. While you might enjoy classic Canadian dishes like poutine and butter tarts, the country is better suited for trips savoring its vast natural landscapes and outdoor activities than for foodie journeys.
Mongolia
Mongolian people have traditionally been nomadic, and this shows in their cuisine. It consists mostly of dairy products, meat, and animal fats, with a general lack of grains and vegetables. Why? Well, growing grains and vegetables requires you to stay in one place for a longer amount of time. According to many foodies, the food is also quite bland and lacking in flavor.
Australia
It might not be obvious what is actually authentic Australian food, as compared to, for example, British food, but one person who has lived in Australia mentions food such as kangaroo meat, bread with margarine and sprinkles, and spaghetti on toast being very Australian. Another user mentions Australian BBQ, which he says does not hinge on the flavors of a marinade or dry rub but on how well-burnt the meat is. His words exactly: "We just take quality meat and burn it well."
The Netherlands
Here's another country that wants to lay claim to the great invention of "bread with margarine and sprinkles". The rest of their traditional cuisine otherwise mostly consists of pickled fish, different types of pancakes, and deep-fat fried foods. And the everyday cuisine does not seem to be any better. According to one foodie this is what a week of food can look like: " Boiled potatoes, boiled vegetables, a piece of overcooked meat and some packaged gravy is what most Dutch kids eat 5/7 days a week. The other day it’s bread for dinner(no joke) and Sunday more than likely you’re eating Fries and some other deep fried snacks." [sic]
North Korea
If you were considering North Korea for your next foodie trip, then you might want to reconsider. And not only due to the political climate. North and South Korea have some food in common, but the quality of North Korean cuisine has been marked by their sociopolitical challenges. So while (South) Korean food is delicious, North Korean food can be seen to be more lacking. If you do still go there, you can look forward to dishes such as cold noodles and dog meat soup.
Source: Reddit
Peter bittner
Yes, what a rubbish review. America should be on it as number one!
Dbyron
This article is nothing but cliche and nonsense.
P
Canada? Really? If you haven't been here to taste the INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY OF FOOD IN THE METROPOLITAN CITIES, you shouldn't be writing about it. Turkish, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, Persian, Chinese, Egyptian, French, Brazilian, Spanish, Greek - the list is endless. This article could NOT be farther from the truth on this one.
Jeff Ambrose
So if you have Canada on there (with zero explanantion I must say) then you will also need to put the United States. As we both share the same affinity for bbq and smoked meats, some of the best quality meats in the world. Canada doesnt even really have a food menu per say as it has a blended mix of cultured foods (just like the U.S.). What a misguided placement on the list (with ZERO explanation I remind). So very odd