1. Pizza
This Italian dish originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th or early 19th century as a flatbread topped with ingredients such as tomatoes, cheese, and various meats. Pizzas are typically made from a dough of wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt, and can be cooked using various methods including wood-fired ovens or domestic ovens. Over 5 billion pizzas are consumed worldwide each year, making it the most widely consumed pizza topping globally.
2. Sushi
Originating in ancient Japan around 2000 BCE, sushi is a traditional dish composed of small balls of vinegared rice, often served with raw fish and various toppings. The word "sushi" literally translates to "vinegared rice," and was originally cooked by grilling the rice over charcoal. Today, sushi is enjoyed globally, with an estimated 1.5 billion servings consumed each year.
3. Tacos
This traditional Mexican dish consists of small, folded corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or other fillings. The word "taco" originated from the Aztec language, meaning "half" or "in the middle," which refers to the shape of the dish. With over 3 billion tacos consumed annually worldwide, it is a popular and versatile meal option.
4. Burgers
This American classic consists of a ground meat patty served on a bun with a variety of toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments. The origins of burgers date back to the late 19th century, when food vendors began serving ground beef patties between bread rolls. Today, over 50 billion burgers are consumed annually worldwide.
5. Curry
Originating in the Indian subcontinent, curry is a popular spice blend that has evolved into various regional and cultural variations. The word "curry" translates to "sauce" or "relish" in the Tamil language, and has been used for centuries in ancient Sanskrit texts. With over 2 billion servings of curry consumed each year, it remains one of the most widely popular spice blends globally.
6. Dumplings
This traditional Asian dish consists of a dumpling filled with meat, vegetables, or other ingredients, boiled or steamed to perfection. The concept of dumplings dates back over 1,200 years to ancient China, where they were served as a food source and medicinal remedy. Over 700 million servings of dumplings are consumed annually worldwide.
7. Fried Rice
This popular Chinese dish consists of cooked rice mixed with vegetables, meat, or seafood, often wok-fried for added flavor and texture. Fried rice has a long history dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), where it was served as a food source for imperial troops. Today, over 4 billion servings of fried rice are consumed annually worldwide.
8. Ramen
This Japanese noodle soup originated in China but evolved into its own unique dish during the Meiji period (1868-1912 CE). The word "ramen" is believed to be derived from the Chinese term for noodles, "lāmiàn," which was later adopted into Japanese language. Over 1 billion servings of ramen are consumed each year, making it one of the most popular Japanese dishes globally.
9. Pad Thai
This national dish of Thailand originated in the early 20th century as a fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian flavors. The word "Pad Thai" translates to "stir-fry," which refers to the cooking method used to prepare the dish. With over 700 million servings consumed annually, Pad Thai remains one of Thailand's most beloved national dishes.
10. Quesadillas
This Mexican dish consists of a tortilla filled with cheese (and various fillings), cooked until crispy and melted. The origins of quesadillas date back to the 19th century, when indigenous people in Mexico began cooking tortillas over an open flame and filling them with cheese and other ingredients. Over 2 billion servings of quesadillas are consumed annually worldwide, making it one of the most popular Mexican dishes globally.