17 Must-Make Dishes Every Foodie Should Try at Least Once

If you love exploring new flavors, you’re in for a treat. We’ve rounded up a list of must-try dishes that every true foodie should tackle at least once. These recipes hit all the marks: bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that little something extra. Whether you’re into spicy, savory, or something in between, there’s a dish here for you. Ready to find your next kitchen project?

Crispy Beef

Crispy Beef brings together tender strips of beef, stir-fried until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a great mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that every foodie needs to experience at least once. Serve it over steamed rice for a meal that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Singapore Noodles

Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate. — Singapore Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Singapore Noodles is a vibrant stir-fry with thin rice vermicelli, curry powder, shrimp, and crisp veggies. The dish has layers of flavor and just the right amount of heat. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple for noodle lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Pizza Carbonara

A close-up of a pizza slice topped with a runny egg yolk, grated cheese, bacon bits, and black pepper. — Pizza Carbonara. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

This Pizza Carbonara recipe takes the classic pasta dish and turns it into a pizza. Topped with crispy pancetta, a creamy egg sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s like biting into a plate of carbonara but with a perfectly crisp crust.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Carbonara

Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chunks of salmon in a skillet, with a fork lifting a portion. — Teriyaki Salmon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Teriyaki Salmon Noodles combines flaky salmon with chewy noodles and a rich, sweet teriyaki sauce. The dish has a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that any foodie will appreciate. It’s a perfect weeknight meal for those who love Japanese-inspired dishes.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Thai Fried Rice

Thai Fried Rice is packed with fragrant jasmine rice, tender chicken, eggs, and veggies. The flavors come together with a hint of fish sauce and lime. Every bite is an explosion of savory goodness that makes it a must-try for any fried rice fan.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and beef in a pan with chopsticks. — Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles is all about that perfect chew. The noodles are stir-fried with a mix of pork, shrimp, and crunchy vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s one of those dishes that shows just how good stir-fried noodles can be.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Szechuan Shrimp

Szechuan Shrimp is all about bold, spicy flavors. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a fiery sauce with garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. It’s a dish that leaves your taste buds tingling and is a must for anyone who loves heat.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background. — Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma is a game-changer. The chicken is marinated with warm spices and cooked quickly to juicy perfection in the Instant Pot. Serve it with flatbread and tangy sauce for a meal that rivals any takeout shawarma.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup. — Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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Chicken Hot and Sour Soup is a Chinese classic that hits all the right notes. The broth is rich and tangy with just enough heat to make it interesting. Loaded with chicken, mushrooms, and tofu, it’s a comforting dish every soup lover should try at least once.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork. — Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Birria is a rich, slow-cooked Mexican stew made with tender beef in a deep, flavorful broth. Serve it with tortillas or enjoy it on its own. This dish is a treat that anyone who loves hearty, spicy flavors must experience.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice. — Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mongolian Chicken is stir-fried to perfection with a sweet and savory sauce that clings to every bite. The chicken is tender and the sauce caramelizes just right. It’s a dish that’s hard to resist and one every foodie should try making at least once.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

A fork lifts a tantalizing forkful of noodles mixed with sausage and vegetables from a black skillet. The dish appears to be creamy and richly seasoned, reminiscent of dan dan noodles, with visible bits of meat and greens intertwined with the noodles. — Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles features chewy noodles coated in a spicy, umami-rich sauce topped with ground pork. The heat level is balanced with a hint of sweetness, making it a dish you’ll want to add to your noodle rotation.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Shrimp tacos on a plate with lime wedges. — Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos combine juicy shrimp with smoky chorizo for a taco that’s bursting with flavor. Serve them with a squeeze of lime and a bit of salsa for a satisfying bite. It’s a great way to switch up your taco night game.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic. — Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are crispy and packed with flavor. They’re coated in a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic, then fried until golden. These wings are perfect for anyone who craves that extra crunch with just the right seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is all about layers of spice. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled for a smoky, charred flavor. Serve it with naan or basmati rice for a dish that brings the taste of Indian street food to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side. — Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo features shrimp cooked in a rich garlic sauce with a squeeze of lime. It’s simple but packed with bold flavors that will have you coming back for more. If you’re a garlic lover, this dish is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Chicken Pakora

Chicken Pakora are crispy, spicy, and perfect for snacking. The chicken pieces are coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried until golden. It’s one of those dishes that makes you appreciate the magic of deep-fried goodness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora