Here’s a culinary journey through some of the most authentic and beloved dishes from Mexico, Italy, Iran, and Armenia, celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of each culture: Here are some of my favorites,
Mexico: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of indigenous ingredients and Spanish influences, known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse regional specialties.
Mole Poblano: Often considered the national dish, Mole Poblano is a complex and rich sauce with dozens of ingredients, including various chilies, spices, nuts, seeds, and often a touch of chocolate. It’s traditionally served over turkey or chicken, and its preparation is a labor of love, often taking days. The depth of flavor is unparalleled.
Chilaquiles: A popular breakfast dish, chilaquiles consist of lightly fried corn tortilla pieces (totopos) simmered in a red or green salsa, often topped with crema, cheese, onion, and sometimes a fried egg or shredded chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a morning after.
Italy: Simplicity, Quality, and Regional Pride
Italian cuisine champions fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple preparations that allow the natural flavors to shine. Authenticity often lies in regional variations and adherence to traditional methods.
Risotto alla Milanese: Hailing from Northern Italy, this creamy rice dish is cooked slowly with broth until it reaches a rich, al dente consistency. The Milanese version is famously infused with saffron, giving it a distinctive golden hue and aromatic flavor, typically finished with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Lasagne al Forno: While many versions exist, the truly authentic Lasagne from Emilia-Romagna features thin layers of fresh pasta, rich ragù alla Bolognese (a slow-cooked meat sauce), creamy béchamel sauce, and plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.
Pizza Napoletana (Margherita): The quintessential pizza from Naples, recognized by UNESCO. It’s characterized by a thin, soft, and elastic crust with slightly charred edges, topped simply with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (buffalo or fior di latte), fresh basil, and olive oil. Its beauty lies in its minimalist perfection.
Iran (Persia): Aromatic, Hearty, and Visually Stunning
Iranian cuisine is known for its fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked stews (khoresh), and delicious kebabs, often utilizing saffron, dried limes, pomegranates, and fresh herbs.
Chelow Kebab: Considered the national dish, Chelow Kebab is a staple of Iranian hospitality. It consists of perfectly grilled skewers of marinated meat (often minced lamb or beef called Koobideh, or thin slices of lamb/beef called Barg, or chicken called Joojeh) served alongside fluffy, saffron-infused steamed rice (chelow), often with a pat of butter, a grilled tomato, and a sprinkle of sumac.
Ghormeh Sabzi: A deeply beloved and iconic Persian herb stew. It’s a rich, savory stew made with a blend of sautéed fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, fenugreek, chives), kidney beans, dried limes (limoo amani), and tender pieces of lamb or beef, slow-simmered to perfection. It’s typically served with chelow (rice).
Fesenjan (Khoresh-e Fesenjan): A luxurious and unique stew characterized by its distinctive sweet and sour flavor. It’s made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, typically cooked with chicken or duck, resulting in a rich, dark sauce. It’s a festive dish often served on special occasions.
Tahdig: While not a dish on its own, Tahdig is the crispy, golden crust of rice from the bottom of the pot, a highly prized delicacy in Iranian cuisine. It’s achieved by carefully layering rice with oil or butter and cooking it slowly to form a crunchy, flavorful layer. It’s often served as a separate, cherished part of the meal.
Armenia: Ancient Flavors and Comforting Traditions
Armenian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and often reflects its rich history and geographical crossroads, with influences from the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Lamb, yogurt, eggplant, and fresh herbs are prominent.
Khorovats (Armenian BBQ): A national obsession, Khorovats is Armenian-style barbecue, usually made with marinated pork, lamb, or beef, grilled over an open flame. Unlike some other kebabs, Armenian Khorovats often includes grilled vegetables like eggplant, tomato, and bell peppers alongside the meat, creating a smoky, tender, and flavorful experience.
Dolma: A widely beloved dish consisting of grape leaves (or sometimes cabbage leaves, peppers, or tomatoes) stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned minced meat (often beef or lamb) and rice. Armenian dolma is known for its rich flavor and is a staple at family gatherings and celebrations..
What country has the best food? That’s a tough one. Without consideration of gaining weight, I would think Mexico or or Italy. What would be your order? If I want a traditional, it’s going to be like soapz or like mole rice. If I want just like more Americanized like a quesadilla or tacos, right? Just the basic food with guac of course and anything Italian. I love all Italian food. But that’s without consideration. If I’m considering like fitness and not overeating and gaining too much weight, it’s got to be a Mediterranean type food or like a like Persian like kebab, Armenian kebab. Just rice, meat, lettuce, vegetables. What’s your favorite country that you visited outside of the States? I would say it’s tough. It’s a tiebreaker between Czech Republic and Prague specifically and Germany. My favorite car brand is Porsche. I love a German philosopher. There’s a lot of history to Germany that I really appreciate. And it’s beautiful when you drive there. Like the structure, they have trees over the freeway overpasses. It’s just a beautiful country. And they have some of the best watch makers in the world. People assume it’s Switzerland, right? But German watch makers. They’re specifically one of my dream watches that I’m not there yet, but is a brand called A Long and Zun. Uh it looks like a Lang and Sun, but it’s a Long and Zun. It’s one of the most beautiful herology pieces that you will ever see on the planet.
Dining and Cooking