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This is the second part of an ongoing series where we look at the National foods of every recognised country, this entry discusses food, eating, and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine so please continue at your own discretion.
Welcome to the second part of The World’s National Dishes where we explore each country and their National Dishes. This series aims to educate about the diversity of culinary tastes around the world, I am not from the majority of these countries, and have not personally tried many of these dishes myself so if I get any information wrong please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Since many countries don’t have an official National Dish, and I wanted to represent every country for this series I’m using the Wikipedia list which you can find here – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_dish some countries have multiple dishes, others have dishes similar to other countries, I intend to discuss them all. I’ll be going through the countries in alphabetical order. Without further ado let’s get right into The World’s National Dishes from the countries beginning with the letter B.
Bahamas 🇧🇸
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Bahamas is bordered by USA to the northwest, Cuba to the southwest, and Haiti and Dominican Republic to the Southeast. The official languages are English and Bahamian English, it’s capital is Nassau, it has a population of over 400 thousand, and its current Prime Minister as of September 2021 is Philip Davis. The country has one official National dish which is…
Crack conch with Peas and Rice
The National dish of Bahamas is Crack conch with Peas and Rice. Conch is a large sea snail, a traditional dish in Bahamas since before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. The mollusc’s shells (the conch) are traditionally used for tools and instruments. The snail in this version of the dish is deep-fried and served with peas which is actually a mix of bacon, tomatoes, onions, various seasons and rice. But the snail can also be eaten raw or cooked. Sea snails are considered an endangered species and therefore makes it more expensive.
Bahrain 🇧🇭
The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island country in Western Asia situated on the Persian Gulf. Bahrain is situated between Qatar and the Northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, it’s capital is Manama, it has a population of over 1.4 Million, and it’s current Crown Prince and Prime Minister is Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as of November 2020. Bahrain has one National dish which is…
Kabsa
The National dish of Bahrain is Kabsa. Kabsa is a mixed rice dish which originates from Saudi Arabia. It’s often served on a communal platter often including Rice, Chicken, Vegetables, and a Mixture of Spices including Cardamom, Saffron, Cinnamon, Black Lime, Bay Leaves and Nutmeg). Kabsa is considered a national dish in all the countries of the Arabian Peninsula which consists of 7 countries including Bahrain.
Bangladesh 🇧🇩
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. Bangladesh shares borders with India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar to the southeast, to the south it has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal and is narrowly separated from Bhutan and Nepal by the Siliguri Corridor. The official language is Bengali, it’s capital is Dhaka, it’s the eighth-most populous country in the world with a population of over 169 Million, it’s current President is Abdul Hamid as of March 2013. Bangladesh has one National dish which is…
Rice and Fish (Particularly Ilish)
The National dish of Bangladesh is Fish and rice. Fish and rice are staples in many countries across the world having been eaten in Bangladesh for centuries. A particularly popular fish and the National fish of Bangladesh is the Ilish which is a species of fish related to the Herring in the family Clupeidae. The fish is a very popular and sought-after food in the Indian Subcontinent.
Barbados 🇧🇧
Barbados is an island country in the lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of the Americas, and the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. The official language is English, it’s capital is Bridgetown, it has a population of over 287 Thousand, it’s current President is Sandra Mason as of November 2021. Barbados has one National dish which is…
Cou-Cou and Flying Fish
The National dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou and Flying Fish. Cou-Cou is a dish consisting mainly of cornmeal and sometimes with breadfruit is prepared with steamed or fried Flying Fish. The dish is commonly served on Fridays in Barbados. The Cou-Cou is traditionally made using a utensil called a Cou-Cou Stick which is a stick made of wood and looks similar to a miniature cricket bat, making it the perfect size to stir Cou-Cou in a large pot.
Belarus 🇧🇾
As Belarus has decided to condone Russia’s invasion of Ukraine I must remind you that our full support goes towards Ukraine and the Ukrainians affected by the horrendous acts Russia and it’s Allies have taken against Ukraine and we encourage you to support Ukraine in anyway you can, the war is still ongoing and Ukraine still needs all the support it can get. Remember to check all sources before donating anything towards Ukraine. With that said we will be continuing with Belarus on this list in support of the innocent citizens within the country many of whom don’t support their government’s support of Russia. If you would like to skip to Belgium instead that’s completely understandable.
The Republic of Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. Belarus is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northeast. The official languages are Belarusian and Russian, it’s capital is Minsk, it’s the twentieth-most populous country in Europe with a population of Over 9.2 Million, it’s current Prime Minister is Roman Golovchenko as of June 2020. Belarus has one National dish which is…
Draniki
The National dish of Belarus is Draniki which is a shallow-fried pancake made from grated or ground potato, matzo meal of flour with a binding ingredient of either egg or applesauce. It can be eaten sweet or savoury with condiments such as apple sauce, sugar or sour cream or cottage cheese based on preference. The dish originated in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe and has different variations across different countries.
Belgium 🇧🇪
The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwestern Europe. Belgium is bordered by The Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest. The official languages are Dutch, French and German, it’s capital is Brussels, it’s the twenty-second most densely populated country in the world being the sixth in Europe with a population of Over 11.5 Million, it’s current Prime Minister is Alexander De Croo as of October 2020. Belgium has four national dishes which are…
Frites
The first of four National Dishes of Belgium is Frites. Frites also known across the world as French Fries or Chips are potatoes which are cut into even strips, dried and fried in a deep fryer. They are served hot and usually with salt and a condiment of the consumers choice. Their origin is disputed to be from either France or Belgium. The first mention of Frites is in a 1775 Parisian Book with the first recipe in the French cookbook, La cuisinière républicaine in 1795. This would imply they are of French origin but that doesn’t undermine the history and importance they have in Belgium where they are a national dish and commonly served with mussels or steak.
Carbonade Flamande
Carbonade Flamande is a Flemish beef or sometimes pork and onion stew made with beer (favourites include Oud Bruin, Brune Abbey Beer and Flanders Red), thyme, juniper berries, mustard, and spiced bread. The dish is often served with frites, boiled potatoes or stoemp which is a Belgian puréed or mashed dish made of potatoes or other root vegetables. The dish is popular in Belgium, France, The Netherlands and French Flanders.
Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a Belgium stew dish often made with either fish or more modernly chicken also known as Kippenwaterzooi. The dish originated in Flanders with its name being derived from Middle Dutch terms referring to the act of boiling or ingredients being boiled. The dish was famously a favourite of Charles V, Roman Emperor who ate the dish despite suffering from Gout.
Chocolate Mousse
Belgium is famous for it’s chocolate so it’s no surprise a chocolate dish would make it as one of their National dishes. Mousse can be eaten either sweet or savoury, sweet mousses are often made with whipped egg whites, or whipped cream sometimes both and flavoured with one or more flavours. Mousse is often served chilled. The earliest reference to a mousse like dish can be dated back to as early as 1768.
Bhutan 🇧🇹
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas located in Southern Asia between China and India. The official language is Dzongkha, it’s capital is Thimphu, it has a population of Over 720 Thousand, it’s current Prime Minister is Lotay Tshering as of November 2018. Bhutan has one National dish which is…
Ema Datshi
The National dish of Bhutan is Ema Datshi. Ema Datshi is a dish made from hot chilli peppers and cheese. Different types of chilli peppers can be used which can be dried or fresh. The cheese is made from homemade, made from either cow or yak milk. The fat is removed from the curd to make butter and the remaining curd is used to make cheese, the liquid that’s left over is made into a soup which is eaten with rice meaning no part of the curd is wasted.
Bolivia 🇧🇴
The Plurinational State of Bolivia is a landlocked country located in west-central South America bordered by Brazil to the North and East, Paraguay to the Southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest and west, and Peru to the northwest. The official languages are Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani and a further 33 indigenous languages, it’s capital is Sucre, it has a population of around 12 Million, and it’s current President is Luis Arce as of November 2020. Bolivia has one National dish which is…
Salteñas
The National dish of Bolivia is Salteñas these are savoury pastries filled with beef, pork, or chicken mixed in a sweet and lightly spiced sauce containing olives, raisins and potatoes. Vegetarian alternatives are also available. The dish can be found throughout Bolivia and was created in their modern form by Juana Manuela Gorriti in the 19th Century who later went on to marry President Manuel Isidoro Belzu.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest. The official languages are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, it’s capital is Sarajevo, it has a population of Over 3 Million, and it’s current Chairman of the Council of Ministers is Zoran Tegeltija as of December 2019. Bosnia and Herzegovina has two national dishes which are…
Bosnian Pot
Bosnian Pot is a type of stew that has been eaten in Bosnia and Herzegovina for centuries, it’s created by layering meat (often beef or lamb), vegetables (cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots) and herbs (parsley, garlic, and peppercorns) into a deep pot until it’s full. The ingredients are usually cut into large pieces.
Ćevapi
The second National dish of Bolivia and Herzegovina is Ćevapi which is a grilled minced meat dish made of two types of minced beef, often served in groups of five to ten on a plate or in a flatbread along with chopped onions, sour cream, kajmak, ajvar and salt.
Botswana 🇧🇼
The Republic of Botswana is a country located in the centre of Southern Africa bordered by Nambia to the west and north, Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the southeast and south. The official language is English with its National language being Tswana, its capital is Gaborone, it has a population of over 2 Million, and it’s current President is Mokgweetsi Masisi as of April 2018. Botswana has one National dish which is…
Seswaa
Seswaa as it’s known in the north of Botswana or Loswao as it’s known in the south of the country is a traditional dish made of beef or goat meat. Prepared using left over cuts of legs, neck and back. The meat is boiled until tender in a pot with salt and pounded, often served with pap, setampa or mabele. It’s prepared for ceremonies such as funeral, weddings, and national events.
Brazil 🇧🇷
The Federative Republic of Brazil is a country located in South America bordered by every South American country except Chile and Ecuador with Uruguay to the south, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia to the southwest, Peru to the west, Colombia to the northwest, and Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana to the north. The National language is Portuguese with dozens of different indigenous languages spoken regularly, its capital is Brasilia, it has a population of over 210 Million, and its current President is Jair Bolsonaro as of January 2019. Brazil has one National dish which is…
Feijoada
Feijoada is a stew made of beans (where it gets its name), pork, beef and variety of other ingredients such as bacon and sausage. The dish is often served with rice, oranges and assorted sausages. The dish is traditionally served on Saturday afternoons or Sunday lunch eaten throughout the day as opposed to all at once. It’s a soul food which is often eaten among extended family as they watch a football game or other social event.
Brunei 🇧🇳
Brunei is a country located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia bordered by the East Malaysian state of Sarawak which also divides the state into two disconnected segments of unequal size and the South China sea to the North. The official language is Malay with English being a second major language, the capital is Bandar Seri Begawan, it has a population of around 440 thousand, and its current Sultan and Prime Minister is Hassanal Bolkiah as of January 1984. Brunei has one National dish which is…
Ambuyat
Ambuyat is a starchy substance similar to tapioca starch eaten using bamboo chopsticks called chandas by rolling the starch around the prongs and dipping it into various different kinds of sauce. One of the most popular being Tempoyak.
Bulgaria 🇧🇬
The Republic of Bulgaria is a country located on the eastern portion of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe bordered by Romania to the north, the Black Sea to the east, Türkiye and Greece to the south, North Macedonia to the southwest and Serbia to the west. Its National language is Bulgarian, its capital is Sofia, it has a population of over 6 Million, and its current Prime Minister is Galab Donev as of August 2022. Bulgaria has one National dish which is…
Shopska Salad
Shopska Salad is a cold salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pepper and sirene. It’s made with ingredients whose colours resemble the Bulgarian flag. It originated in Bulgaria and was first mentioned in a Bulgarian cookbook in the year 1940.
Burundi 🇧🇮
The Republic of Burundi is a country located in east-central Africa, south of the Equator bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, Lake Tanganyika to the southwest, and The Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its National language is Rundi (Kirundi) but French is also widely spoken, its capital is Bujumbura, it has a population of over 12 Million, and it’s current Prime Minister is Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni as of June 2020. Burundi has one National dish which is…
Bokoboko
Bokoboko is a porridge like dish brought to Africa by Arab settlers it’s Middle Eastern name being Harees. It’s made from shredded meat, wheat and spices and flavoured with sugar and melted butter or ghee.
So that was it for the second part of The World’s National Dishes from the countries beginning with B. Our next entry in this series will be all the countries beginning with C. These entries take the longest time to compose out of any other series so we hope you enjoy them and appreciate all the work that goes into them. We plan on continuing this series to include every country in The World which is of course not a quick or easy feat. Thank you for checking out this entry for now I wish you bore da, prynhawn da, noswaith dda, or nos da wherever you are in the world and especially if you are from any of the countries mentioned in this entry byeee.
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