Oh, the humble potato! There are few foods as beloved as these root vegetables. Not to mention the diversity of dishes that feature potatoes as the star of the show! While more popular in certain cuisines, potatoes are consumed in pretty much every corner of the globe. To highlight the versatility of potatoes in world cuisine and to showcase some of the best potato recipes, Expat Explore has put together this list of the tastiest potato dishes around the world!
Related: Discover how the countries of the world eat their French fries.
Tuck into these 11 famous potato dishes around the world:
1. Frites, Belgium
Starting with what is possibly everyone’s favourite side dish, let’s talk about the French fry. Or rather, Belgian frites. Apparently, these delicious crispy potato sticks were discovered by American soldiers during WWI who called them “French fries” due to French being the predominant spoken language of Belgium. While fries are enjoyed in a variety of ways all over the world, it’s hard to beat the beauty of Belgian frites. Be sure to try Moules-Frites (mussels and fries), Belgium’s national dish or simply enjoy your frites on their own dipped in mayonnaise. C’est bon!
Related: Learn more about Belgian frites when you visit the Frietmuseum in Bruges!
2. Cepelinai, Lithuania
There’s a joke that says basketball is the second religion of Lithuania. However, we’d say that potatoes are a close third! Many traditional Lithuanian dishes feature potatoes, including their national dish. Cepelinai are a type of potato dumpling usually stuffed with minced meat but occasionally with curd cheese and topped with indulgent pork lard and sour cream sauce. Another star potato dish is Bulvetai Bulynai, known as “latkes” in other parts of the world. These potato pancakes are ultra-crispy and are best served with sour cream and salmon!
Related: Visit Lithuania on a tour through the Baltics.
3. Tortilla de patata, Spain
Travelling onwards to Spain, this next dish is often referred to as a Spanish omelette. However, tortillas are quite unlike boring old omelettes. Especially the tortilla de patata which has made our list thanks to the chunks of soft potato which make this Spanish staple one of the most popular tapas in Spain. There’s even a debate as to which way is the best. Well done, medium or soft – if you like your eggs runny, go for the soft but if not, go for a solid, well done tortilla!
Related: Choose how you’d like your tortilla done on our Taste of Spain tour!
4. Gnocchi, Italy
Our next dish is sort of a combination of dumplings and pasta. To make authentic Italian potato gnocchi, mix potato with wheat flour, egg and salt. Gnocchi is then cooked in salted water, much like pasta, and served with a variety of sauces. The most traditional of which is a simple butter and sage sauce. Depending on where you are in Italy, different variations of gnocchi may be found such as gnocchi made with ricotta.
In Verona, Venerdì Gnocolar (Gnocchi Friday) is celebrated on the last Friday before Lent. This night acknowledges when, in 1531, wealthy families distributed all the necessary ingredients to make gnocchi in order to end a terrible famine. This day is celebrated with a parade led by Papà del Gnoco – essentially a Gnocchi Santa!
Related: Visit Verona and sample its gnocchi on our Italian Delights tour.
5. Pierogi Ruskie, Poland
Another dumpling to make our list of the best potato dishes around the world is the ever-popular Polish pierogi. Made with a simple dough of flour and water, pierogi can be filled with a variety of ingredients. However, the filling that’s made our list is a combination of creamy minced potato and curd cheese which are topped with crispy fried onions and served with sour cream. Pierogi Ruskie (Ruthenian pierogi) as they’re called are like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. In Poland, pierogi are eaten at all kinds of celebrations including Christmas and the annual Pierogi Festival in Krakow!
Related: Along with Krakow, these are the top places to see in Poland.
6. Vada Pav, India
If you’re a vegetarian or even vegan, India is one of the best places to travel to! Countless traditional Indian dishes and street food snacks are vegetarian or vegan. One of the best Indian street food treats comes from Mumbai and takes the simple potato to a whole new level. Vada Pav is like a burger with a patty made out of boiled potato, green chilli, garlic, mustard seeds and a variety of spices. This dish has become so significant in India and among Indian communities around the world that 23 August has been named World Vada Pav Day!
7. Poutine, Canada
Returning to the fry form of potato, Canada is next on our potato-loving list with their national dish. Poutine is essentially French fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy creating a rich flavour and indulgent texture. This oh-so-satisfying junk food is considered an important symbol of Quebec cuisine. Montreal even hosts the annual La Poutine Week which is (somewhat unsurprisingly) the world’s largest poutine festival. Over 700 restaurants participate and are encouraged to come up with creative ways to make poutine for the festival. This has resulted in some truly out-there toppings from foie gras and lobster to Mapo tofu and kimchi!
Related: Enjoy a free day in Quebec to eat as much poutine as you please on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape.
8. Kumpir, Turkey
Fans of baked potatoes simply have to pay a visit to Turkey! If you’ve ever dreamed of baked potatoes piled high with as many ingredients as your heart desires, then Ortakoy, a coastal neighbourhood in Istanbul, is where you need to be. Kumpir is a popular Turkish fast food which usually consists of a baked potato filled with cheese and topped with sauces and salad. However, in Ortakoy, Kumpir is taken to the next level where you can fill it up with meat, sausages, pickled cabbage, olives, cheese and more!
Related: Fill up your potato on our Highlights of Turkey tour.
9. Potatoes au gratin, France
When it comes to innovative and expert cooking techniques, France has always been at the forefront of the culinary world. The French take on potatoes is no different! As one of the most common ingredients in French cuisine, you’ll find these spuds in everything from fine-dining restaurants to home-cooked meals. Gratin dauphinoise, also known as potatoes au gratin or scalloped potatoes in the USA, is one of France’s finest potato creations. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered, covered with butter, cream and cheese and baked until golden brown in the oven. C’est magnifique!
Related: Try these French recipes at home.
10. Colcannon, Ireland
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a nation that has as much appreciation for potatoes as the Irish. Ireland was the first European country to adopt potato crops in the 17th century and, as the potato became a vital staple food, the Irish Potato Famine devastated the country. This horrific period of starvation had a direct impact on the Irish diaspora and it was actually Irish immigrants who brought potatoes to the USA in the 18th century. Today, the potato is celebrated as an integral part of Irish culture and cuisine and is seen as a national symbol of identity.
The best way to experience Irish potatoes is with a traditional Irish mashed potato dish called Colcannon. This is best enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day, during Ireland’s cooler winter months or really on any other day of the year. Colcannon is a dish of mashed potatoes, cabbage and herbs. It can contain a variety of other ingredients such as ham, leeks or onions and is an excellent choice as a side dish or a main. A similar favourite is Champ, an Irish potato dish of mash, scallions, butter and milk.
Related: Celebrate the Irish potato on our Irish Explorer tour!
11. Shepherd’s Pie, United Kingdom
Just hopping across the border to the United Kingdom, we’re tucking into our last, but certainly not least, delicious potato dish. Shepherd’s Pie, also known as Cottage Pie, dates back to the 18th century. However, its origin is disputed with some saying the dish came from Ireland, others claiming it’s from Scotland. Whoever made it first, this minced meat and mashed potato pie has become a staple of British cooking. Of course, Shepherd’s Pie isn’t the only potato favourite in the UK. There’s the classic fish and chips, hearty bangers and mash and bubble & squeak (potatoes cooked with cabbage) to name a few!
Related: Keen to explore the UK? Join our Great Britain tour!
The world may be a big place but there are a few things that unite us all and potatoes are certainly one of them! Did we miss any of your favourite potato dishes? Let us know in the comments.
Are you hungry for adventure? Have a look at Expat Explore’s upcoming tours and get a taste of the globe!