Looking for a way to spice up your next get-together? Look no further than the entire world. Hosting an international food party is a fun way to bring global flavors and cultures into right into your home — no passport needed! Choose a mix of delicious dishes for your guests to try, get some worldly decorations, pack your comfy pants, and get ready to jet set your tastebuds.

Simple Bolognese
Photo by Food Network

Step 1: Choose your countries and dishes.

There are 195 countries in the world so it may seem absolutely impossible to narrow down. It’s best to choose dishes you know people will want to try — nothing too obscure — while also considering a variety of flavor profiles. It’s a great practice to choose a country and then select its national dish. Here are some of our favorites:

Main Course:

CountryDishFlavor ProfileIngredients
ItalyRagu alla Bolognese Rich, savory, and meaty with a hint of sweetnessGround beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatos, tomato paste, red wine, milk, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
MexicoMole MadreComplex, rich, and spicy with a slight bitterness from the chocolateVarious dried chilies (ancho, pasilla, mulato), tomatoes, garlic, onions, dark chocolate, almonds, raisins, sesame seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, chicken broth
IrelandIrish StewHearty, savory, and comfortingLamb or beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, salt, pepper, beef or lamb broth
JapanCurry RiceMildly spicy, savory, and slightly sweetChicken or beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, Japanese curry roux, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice
BrazilFeijoadaRich, smoky, and heartyBlack beans, pork (various cuts), onions, garlic, bay leaves, oranges (for serving)
EgyptKoshariSavory, tangy, and slightly spicyRice, lentils, pasta (usually macaroni), chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper
GreeceMoussakaWarm, savory, and slightly spicedEggplant, ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, garlic, béchamel sauce, cinnamon

Desserts

CountryDishFlavor ProfileIngredients
Australia & New ZealandPavlovaSweet, light, and fruityEgg whites, sugar, cornstarch, white vinegar, vanilla extract, whipped cream, fresh berries
TurkeyBaklavaSweet, rich, and nuttyPhyllo dough, walnuts or pistachios, butter, sugar, water, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon
FranceCrème BrûléeRich, creamy, and sweet with a crunchy caramel topHeavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla bean, caramelized sugar crust
ThailandSticky Rice with Mango and Coconut MilkSweet, creamy, and fruityGlutinous rice, ripe mango, coconut milk, sugar, salt
IndiaKulfiSweet, creamy, and aromaticMilk, sugar, cardamom, saffron, pistachios or almonds
Levant RegionKnafehSweet, rich, and floralShredded phyllo dough or semolina, sweet cheese, sugar syrup, rose water or orange blossom water, butter, pistachios
MoroccoCornes de GazelleSweet, nutty, and aromaticAlmond paste, orange blossom water, cinnamon, sugar, flour, butter

Step 2: Create your menu and plan.

Once you’ve selected your dishes, it’s time to prep them. Whether you’re planning to cook everything yourself, divvy up the recipes to guests for a potluck-style gathering, or have the entire thing catered by local restaurants, there is a lot of organization to do. Make sure you consider any dietary preferences and food allergies. You should also take note of proper serving instructions and make sure you have plenty of space to store warm and cold dishes when they’re not being served.

Photo by Max Saeling on Unsplash

Step 3: Prepare in advance.

A party focused on foods means a lot of needed prep time. To keep things as smooth as possible, find some things you can prepare in advance. Marinate your meats. Cook dishes like feijoada, moussaka, and Irish stew ahead of time — early prep can also enhance flavors as the ingredients have time to work together. Chop any veggies and fruits you’ll be using and store them in airtight containers.

Step 4: Set the scene.

Create your own little Olympic Opening Ceremony-inspired vibe by incorporating decorations and colors that represent the countries you’ve chosen. Get some flags, maps, or cultural symbols. Create an international playlist that features traditional music from the countries you’ve selected. And choose some unique table settings to capture a global feel.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy.

Set up a buffet-style serving area where guests can sample dishes from each country. Provide labels with the name of each dish and a brief description (we’ve done most of the work for you in the tables above). Encourage guests to try a bit of everything and enjoy the diverse flavors. Consider trying each dish individually as a group so you can discuss it. You can even take a final vote on which dishes were best.

Conclusion

An international food dinner party is a delightful way to experience global cuisines without leaving home. By carefully selecting your dishes, using readily available ingredients, and choosing dishes that will appeal to most of your guests, you can create a memorable culinary journey for your guests. The world’s flavors are right at your fingertips. Bon appétit!

Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan.