Best cuisines on planet: Ukraine's ranking and dishes tourists love most

Top 5 countries with the best cuisines

Greek cuisine: simplicity that wins the world over

Greek cuisine regularly takes first place not because of complexity, but because of balance: minimal processing, maximum flavor. Must-try dishes include:

• Moussaka — a baked dish with eggplant, meat, and béchamel

• Horiatiki salad — the classic Greek salad, without unnecessary extras

• Souvlaki — skewered meat eaten by hand

• Tzatziki — a refreshing sauce perfect for hot weather

Greek food is praised for being light, versatile, and always appropriate.

Italian cuisine: when simple ingredients become iconic

Italy is the only country where two identical dishes can taste completely different in neighboring cities.

Must-try dishes include:

• Neapolitan pizza officially recognized by UNESCO;

• Carbonara pasta made without cream;

• Risotto — creamy, but without cream;

• Tiramisu — a dessert that never gets old

Italian cuisine is emotional comfort people understand everywhere.

Mexican cuisine: a burst of flavor and spice

Mexican cuisine ranks high not just for its spice but for the variety of traditions and local recipes.

Must-try dishes include:

• Tacos with dozens of filling options;

• Mole — a sauce made with chocolate and spices;

• Quesadillas — not always with cheese, despite popular belief;

• Guacamole — avocado sauce made from ripe avocado

Mexican food is for those who love bold flavors and daring combinations.

Spanish cuisine: food made for gathering

In Spain, food is a reason to gather, not just to eat.

Must-try dishes include:

• Paella — rice, seafood, and sunshine on a plate;

• Tapas — small portions to try everything;

• Jamón — ham with character;

• Gazpacho — a cold soup more refreshing than lemonade

Spanish cuisine reflects a lifestyle, not just a set of recipes.

Portuguese cuisine: an unexpected favorite

Portugal often surprises those who don’t expect major culinary discoveries.

Must-try dishes include:

• Bacalhau — cod prepared in dozens of variations

• Pastel de nata — the iconic dessert;

• Caldo verde — a simple, home-style soup;

• Grilled seafood — served without heavy sauces

Portuguese cuisine delivers a quiet gastronomic shock that leaves you wanting more.

Who else made the top 10

Japan ranked sixth, followed by Türkiye in seventh place, China in eighth, France in ninth, with Indonesia rounding out the top 10.

Where does Ukraine stand?

Ukrainian cuisine did not make the top 10 in the TasteAtlas ranking, but it consistently holds a strong position in the upper half of the Top 100, placing 44th overall. The highest-rated dishes include:

• Borshch

• Varenyky

• Syrnyky

• Chicken Kyiv

And that matters: global interest in Ukrainian cuisine is steadily growing, especially among travelers.