Comfort foods evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction.
Comfort foods are like a warm hug, self-care on a plate, which mitigates our worries, and provides a sense of satisfaction.
There is no denying that food is a common denominator that brings us comfort during stressful times, regardless of where we come from. Sometimes there’s nothing better than just indulging in some of the favourite comfort foods that evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a chilly day or for a delightful dish for your next family dinner, homemade comfort foods are sure to be at the top spot. They are like a warm hug, self-care on a plate, which mitigates our worries and provides a sense of satisfaction.
From dal and chawal in India to creamy mac and cheese in the USA, everyone has their special pick-me-up meal that just makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So, let us dive into some of the popular comfort foods from around the world that you should try.
Dal Chawal (India)
Nothing beats a plate full of hot dal rice. This classic Indian dish made with lentils and rice is a comforting dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth for many Indians around the globe. The lentil is tempered with green chillies, turmeric, ginger, and ghee for added flavour. This dish is not only satisfying, but it is also rich in essential nutrients like potassium, protein, and iron.
Mac and Cheese (USA)
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so comforting, mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food. It is made using macaroni, rich, creamy cheese sauce, and then baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Then, herbs and spices are added to give the dish a smoky and flavourful taste.
Onion soup (France)
Try this rich and warm French onion soup made of caramelised onions, rich beef broth, or chicken stock. It is an incredibly delicious and comforting dish served with crunchy toasted bread and gooey melted cheese. This soup, best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread, is definitely one of the go-to comfort foods not only in France but worldwide.
Shepherd’s Pie (United Kingdom)
This humble yet hearty dish is a slam dunk for a cold day when you’re craving to get some comfort from food. Made of well-seasoned ground meat and veggies such as peas, onions, carrots, and celery, the Shepherd’s Pie recipe is wholesome and incredibly satisfying. The ingredients are all cooked in a pot and layered with a generous filling of creamy mashed potatoes, crust, and cheddar cheese.
Pad Thai (Thailand)
Straight from the streets of Thailand, the stir-fried noodles dish has long become one of the most popular comfort foods worldwide. It is cooked with Thai spices, sweet and tangy tamarind sauce, shrimp, tofu, fresh bean sprouts, and palm sugar.
Poutine (Canada)
A Canadian delicacy consisting of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, poutine is a hearty and comforting meal.
Chicken Pho (Vietnam)
There is nothing as good as a bowl of piping hot Vietnamese pho on a chilly day. This comforting noodle soup consists of rich chicken broth, thinly sliced chicken, and rice noodles. Fresh herbs, aromatic roasted onions, and ginger are used to enhance its flavour.
Ramen (Japan)
A hearty noodle soup with a flavourful broth, ramen is a beloved Japanese comfort food. From the instant packs found in every corner of the world to award-winning ramen restaurants in Tokyo, ramen has developed into a global obsession.
