When we travel our senses spring to life. Remember the way a building glittered in the sun, think about the touch of warm sand on your toes, and dream about how delicious a local dish smelled as it made its way to your table before you tasted the scrumptious food. Create those same memories at home by making these international favorites from around the world.  

Tacos (Mexico)

Picture the setting, crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, warm breeze floating through the air, cool margarita in hand, and a plate of tacos coming your way. Daydreaming about Mexico will make these delicious tacos taste just that much better. Try out this Food Network recipe below.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Poutine (Canada)

Who doesn’t love a dish where the main ingredients are French fries, cheese curds, and gravy? Whip up this Canadian specialty at home this week while you think about your next trip to bustling Toronto, post card worthy Banff, or exciting Vancouver.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Sheppard’s Pie (Ireland):

Baking dish with Shepherds pie made of minced or chopped meat, usually beef, topped with a crust of mashed potato

Throw on a thick sweater and some tweed, pour yourself a glass of Guinness and get ready for a comfort meal that will have you singing Molly Malone. A Sheppard’s Pie is a great meal for the whole family, and one you can make on days when you need a little comfort in your life. This dish will have you thinking of the Cliffs of Moher, a favorite Pub along a country road, or the exciting sound of a trad band. 

Click here for the full recipe.

Fish and Chips (England):

There’s nothing like popping into a small restaurant in England, ordering fish and chips and getting it wrapped in newspaper. The setting is uniquely English, and the crisp and flakey fish you are about to tear into is salty fried goodness. Don’t forget the ketchup/mayo combined dipping sauce for a truly authentic experience.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Pavlova (Australia)

Although this is a German dish, named after a Russian ballerina, it is most popular down under, in Australia. For sweets lovers, this meringue-based dessert is topped with whipped cream and fruit. Delve into its sweet deliciousness as you think of the next part of Australia you want to explore.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Kimchi (Korea)

For anyone who loves Korean food you will be familiar with this cabbage-based side dish. Kimchi is great as a side to a traditional Korean meal, or as a garnish on top of soups, rice and noodle dishes. Picture yourself in a trendy restaurant in Seoul ordering Kimchi with dumplings. Try out the recipe below to get you in your next vacation mood.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Satay (Indonesia)

Satay will transport you to an Indonesian food market, where you order your grilled chicken skewers topped with delicious local sauces. This simple dish generally served with peanut sauce, is popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei. Try out the recipe below to get you in the mood to head east.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Butter Chicken (India)

No need to order out tonight, you are making India’s famous butter chicken at home. This delicious tomato-based dish is served with white basmati rice and a side of naan. Check out the recipe below to picture yourself eating in a restaurant in Mumbai before setting off on your next adventure.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Aji (Peru)

This South American sauce is named after the Aji pepper, which is a main ingredient of the dish. Served throughout Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru, Aji consist of tomatoes, cilantro, Aji peppers, and onions. It can be described similarly to salsa and goes great with meats and empanadas. Envision the Andes Mountains in the backdrop as you eat at a local cafe and enjoy your first bites of Aji.  

Click here for the full recipe.

Pao de Quiejo (Brazil)

Pao de Quiejo or Brazilian cheese bread is a snack and breakfast option. Essentially a small cheese roll, this dish is a favorite of locals and tourist alike. Try out your expertise on this great snack option to have you waking up to the warm humid weather in Rio de Janeiro before starting another day of fun in the sun. 

Click here for the full recipe.

Amber Zakem

Amber Zakem has worked in the travel industry since 2014. Although, her love of travel began far before that. Amber grew up visiting cousins stationed throughout Europe and worked as an Au Pair in Germany for a year between High School and College. She started working at a local travel agency in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, after graduating from Central Michigan University. Amber began working for MAST Travel Network in 2016 and is the Social Media Specialist. She runs the MAST Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat and she teaches twice monthly webinars to travel agents on using social media to promote travel. Amber has continued her passion for travel and social media by also teaching a course at Moraine Valley Community College in their Hospitality program.