5. Peking duck, China

If you travel to China, you have to visit Beijing. If you visit Beijing, you just have to try the capital’s signature dish – Peking duck. Most are surprised when the chef comes out of the kitchen, artfully and thinly slides the skin (and a little bit of meat) off the duck, serves it on a plate, then leaves with most of the meat. Do not be shocked; that’s the authentic way to eat Peking duck. Wrap the sliced skin with a thin pancake, add green onions, drizzle with some sweet bean sauce, and voila, you’ve just made the most sought-after dish in Beijing. And don’t worry, Chinese chefs don’t like to waste anything. The extra meat is used for soups, or can be packed for take-out.

4. Sushi, Japan

The Japanese are known for their attention to detail, and they do not spare any efforts, even for something that’s to be devoured. Some are deterred from eating uncooked fish, but I am a big fan of sushi. Not only are they beautiful to look at (especially if prepared correctly by an experienced sushi chef), but you can truly taste the flavors of fish this way. The Japanese are known for longevity, and perhaps the secret is in their seafood-rich diet. Whether that’s true or not, I’ll just keep eating my sushi.

3. Chocolate, Mexico

Can you imagine a world without chocolate? I can’t. Without chocolate, Valentine’s Day would lose its sweetness and Easter would lose its fun. Most importantly, it would be a world with one less comfort food to mend a horrible day. How terrifying.

2. Neapolitan pizza, Italy

Forget about the “toss-it-all” pizza. Simplicity is beauty. Real Neapolitan pizza is made with just pizza dough, tomatoes, olive oil, salt and basil (the marinara pizza doesn’t even have cheese.) It takes good-quality ingredients and a pair of skillful hands to make. Fortunately, eating it is not that complicated.

1. Massaman curry, Thailand

Bow to the king of curries and the world’s favorite food - Massaman curry. When you think of curry, the first country that comes to mind for most is India. If that’s the case, just have a spoon of Massaman curry and you’ll know how much you’ve been missing out. Massaman curry is the same combination of spicy, coconutty, sweet and savory flavors, just like in most other curries. However, something about it gives it more character. They say that the secret is in the Massaman curry paste. Sadly, I don’t know what that secret is, but I do know that Thailand is not known as the “Land of Smiles” for nothing. With the world’s favorite food available at almost every street corner, why would anyone not smile?