When it comes to food, everyone has their preferences, right? For me, my taste buds are on a world tour. Today, I thought I’d share my top 7 favorite cuisines, counting down from my least favorite to my absolute number one. @jennieberrie My food rankings are based on a reflection of what the filter showed me: foods I've never tried, and those that traumatized me as a child. For instance, I can never eat chicken butt or fish eye, although I recall my mom enjoying them. I also can't eat escargot. With the Paris Olympics underway, I'm seeing lots of escargot posts, which doesn't help, but doing it for the points 😁 Raw oysters are another no-go for me. However, I'm perfectly fine with stinky tofu. I adore shrimp but can't stomach the shells. Regardless of what's on my plate I ordered, I'll always finish it, savoring every bite and cherishing the moment, as I never know when I'll have the opportunity to taste it again. My parents, both from the Silent Generation, instilled this in me. They often spoke of the rice farmers' strenuous work, cultivating each and every grain by hand and meticulously preparing them for sale. They emphasized that by finishing every grain, we honored their labor. #foodie #foodlover #eatclean #familyvalues #culturalfood ♬ Food - Densky9 7. Mexican Cuisine I love the vibrant colors and bold flavors of Mexican food, even if it’s at the bottom of my list. There’s something about the combination of smoky chilies, tangy lime, and creamy avocado that I can’t resist. Classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales are staples, and I’ll never say no to a hearty plate of guacamole with chips. What stands out most to me about Mexican cuisine is the balance of textures and flavors. From the crunch of a crispy taco shell to the softness of slow-cooked meats like carnitas, every bite is a sensory experience. I also love how versatile Mexican food is, blending indigenous ingredients with influences from Spanish and other cultures. It’s the kind of food that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. 6. Italian Cuisine Who doesn’t love Italian food? Even if it's ranked just above Mexican on my list, there’s no denying its irresistible charm. When I think of Italian food, I think of warm, comforting pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and rich, savory sauces. From classic pasta bolognese to the simplicity of a margherita pizza, Italian cuisine is all about using high-quality ingredients to create dishes that feel like home. I’m a sucker for anything with olive oil, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese, so it's hard not to appreciate how Italian cuisine elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The variety of pasta shapes alone is enough to keep me coming back for more—each one designed to hold a specific type of sauce. And don’t get me started on the desserts. Tiramisu? Cannoli? Yes, please! 5. Chinese Cuisine Chinese food is a global favorite, and for good reason. It's an incredibly diverse cuisine with so many regional variations—from the spicy, numbing flavors of Sichuan to the delicate dim sum offerings of Cantonese cuisine. While there’s too much to cover in one blog post, I’ll say this: Chinese food offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, with dishes that can be savory, sweet, spicy, and everything in between. A steaming bowl of wonton soup or a plate of crispy Peking duck with pancakes is comfort food at its finest. I also love the stir-fries—quickly cooked with fresh veggies and tender meat or tofu in a rich, savory sauce. The balance of flavors (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter) in Chinese cooking is unmatched. And, of course, I can’t forget about my beloved bao buns—pillowy-soft with juicy fillings. 4. Vietnamese Cuisine Vietnamese cuisine has a freshness and lightness to it that I really appreciate. The first time I tried pho, I was hooked—it’s the ultimate comfort food. A fragrant bowl of pho, with its rich broth, tender noodles, fresh herbs, and optional protein (I’m partial to beef), is an experience that’s hard to beat. Vietnamese food is all about clean, fresh flavors, and there’s often an emphasis on herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint, which give dishes a bright, refreshing quality. But pho is just the beginning! From banh mi sandwiches, with their perfect mix of crunchy baguettes and savory fillings, to spring rolls and rice paper wraps, Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide variety of textures and flavors. What I love most is the harmony between the sourness of lime, the sweetness of hoisin, the spiciness of chilies, and the saltiness of fish sauce—every dish is a delicate balance. 3. Taiwanese Cuisine Okay, I’ll admit it: I may be a little biased because I’m Taiwanese, but for me, Taiwanese food is the ultimate comfort food. There’s something about the flavors and textures of the dishes that feel like home, no matter where I am. From the beloved beef noodle soup to xiaolongbao (those amazing soup dumplings), Taiwanese cuisine has an uncanny ability to balance savory, sweet, sour, and spicy in the most satisfying ways. I adore how street food is such a big part of Taiwanese culture. Whether it’s the savory delight of oyster omelets or the crispy, juicy goodness of Taiwanese fried chicken, these simple, yet delicious street snacks always hit the spot. And let's not forget the world-famous bubble tea (boba), which has become a global sensation but will always taste best back home. Taiwanese cuisine brings warmth and familiarity, with rich flavors that remind me of family gatherings and bustling night markets. It’s food that makes you feel good—whether you're at home in Taiwan or halfway around the world. 2. Thai Cuisine Oh, Thai food. If there’s one cuisine that constantly excites my taste buds, it’s Thai food. Known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, Thai food always delivers that perfect flavor punch in every dish. Whether it’s a tangy tom yum soup, a rich and creamy green curry, or a plate of crispy pad Thai, Thai cuisine has a way of making every bite feel like an explosion of flavor. I’m particularly fond of the use of fresh herbs and spices in Thai cooking—lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil add such a unique aroma to the dishes. And don’t even get me started on som tum (green papaya salad), which combines the perfect balance of spicy chilies, sweet palm sugar, salty fish sauce, and sour lime. Thai food is incredibly versatile and always leaves me craving more. It’s that good. 1. Japanese Cuisine And now, we’ve arrived at the top of the list—my ultimate favorite cuisine: Japanese food. To me, there’s something undeniably special about the simplicity and precision of Japanese cooking. Whether it’s a bowl of sushi, a comforting bowl of ramen, or the delicate flavors of kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining), Japanese cuisine is all about highlighting the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients. I’m especially obsessed with sushi. There’s an art to it—each piece is a perfect combination of vinegared rice, fresh fish, and sometimes a touch of wasabi or soy sauce. But Japan isn’t just about sushi. Tempura, with its light, crispy batter; takoyaki, the savory octopus-filled dough balls; and yakitori, grilled skewers of marinated meat, all have a special place in my heart. Japanese cuisine also emphasizes seasonal ingredients, which means there's always something new to try based on the time of year. The meticulous care and attention to detail in every dish make Japanese food stand out as something truly extraordinary. Plus, there’s the unbeatable combination of umami, the fifth taste, which you’ll find in everything from miso soup to soy sauce to bonito flakes. It’s just... perfect. Wrapping Up My Food Journey As you can see, my love for food spans a wide range of flavors, from the fiery spices of Thailand to the delicate, umami-rich dishes of Japan. Each cuisine on my list brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the balance of flavors, the variety of textures, or the simple joy of eating something new. I guess that’s the beauty of food—it has the power to bring cultures together, offer new experiences, and keep us coming back for more. What’s your favorite cuisine? Let me know in the comments below—I’m always curious to hear what dishes people can’t live without!
