Buzz
Before sharing my list of fast national dishes, I must admit that Jamie’s previous compilation, 'Top 10 National Dishes You Should Try,' has had a big influence on me. The key distinction, however, is that Jamie’s (awesome) list focused on traditional national dishes that often require a lot of time and effort to prepare—like moussaka, which can take hours. On the other hand, my list is dedicated exclusively to fast food. And by the way, Jamie, thanks for introducing me to Bigos and Kimchi—they're delicious! Also, a big shout-out to my amazing Katie. Without you, this list wouldn't be half as good, and you know it.
10. Pierogi - Poland
Eastern European cuisine is gaining more global recognition, just like Eastern European boxers who have been dominating in various weight classes from middleweight to heavyweight for the past 15 years. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, they’ve been making their mark in professional boxing. And with dishes like Pierogi, I’m all for this movement.
The true origin of this dish remains uncertain, as it is said to stem from the broader region of Central and Eastern Europe. However, in the West, particularly in Europe and the United States, the Polish version of Pierogi is the most widely recognized and beloved.
Pierogi are dumplings made from unleavened dough. They are first boiled and then typically fried or baked in butter with onions. These dumplings are traditionally filled with ingredients like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, minced meat, cheese, or even fruit. Pierogi can range from sweet to savory to spicy, and they are considered Poland’s national dish. The term 'Pierogi' is plural; the singular 'Pieróg' is seldom used, as a typical serving consists of multiple Pierogi—trust me, one is never enough.
9. Sushi Japan
I believe there aren’t many people today who haven’t at least heard of sushi or tried it. What makes sushi unique is its key ingredient—sushi rice. While the fillings and toppings vary, sushi can be prepared in both traditional and modern ways, resulting in very different dishes. The global rise in sushi's popularity has led to variations, particularly in North America and Europe, though these are rarely found in Japan. Many of these adaptations, like the famous California roll, were created to cater to Western tastes, and since then, many new rolls have emerged.
A little advice from me to anyone reading this list: avoid sushi that contains pufferfish fugu. If not prepared properly, it can lead to severe poisoning. In fact, the Emperor of Japan is forbidden from eating fugu, as it is considered too dangerous – he probably knows best.
8. Spring Rolls Origin: China
The term 'spring roll' is widely used in the West to refer to a variety of rolled appetizers filled with different ingredients, similar to the Chinese Chūn Juǎn (春卷, which translates to 'Spring roll'). The name originates from this Chinese dish. Versions of 'spring rolls' in East and Southeast Asia are known by different names depending on the region, cooking methods, types of wrappers, and fillings. These rolls can be sweet or savory, baked or fried. Savory spring rolls are commonly filled with vegetables, and baked versions tend to be larger and more flavorful!
I've had them at several Chinese restaurants, and my favorite is the fried ones with chicken and vegetables inside. Spring rolls have become a common appetizer in Western restaurants, including well-known places like TGI Fridays and the Hard Rock Café, among others.
7. Burrito Mexico
Though it may not be widely popular across Europe, Burrito remains one of the most iconic fast foods in North and Central America, undoubtedly earning its place on this list. Also referred to as taco de haring in Mexico, Burrito is a staple of Mexican cuisine. It typically consists of a soft wheat flour tortilla, folded or wrapped around various fillings. In Mexico, you might find only refried beans or meat as the main ingredients. Meanwhile, in the United States, it is common to encounter burritos filled with a variety of items like rice (Mexican-style or plain), beans, lettuce, salsa, meat, avocado, cheese, and sour cream, with sizes often larger than those found in Mexico.
Regrettably, due to the scarcity of Mexican fast food spots in Europe (at least in the countries where I have lived the most – Greece, France, and Italy), I haven't had much exposure to Mexican cuisine. The few Burritos I had back in the 1990s at Taco Time in Glyfada, Athens were decent, but I doubt they were anywhere near the authentic ones you can find in Mexico and the United States. Please, can we have more Mexican restaurants spread across Europe?
6. Fish and Chips UK
Widely regarded as the quintessential British fast food, fish and chips are also a staple in countries like Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (though they originally hail from England). In the UK, this dish is often simply referred to as 'the chippy.' It consists of battered fish, deep-fried until crispy, served alongside chips, and generously sprinkled with salt and vinegar. Eating authentic fish and chips has become a must-do experience for tourists in the UK. Personally, I fondly remember the joy of leaving a club late at night and savoring fish and chips wrapped in newspaper! It was the perfect remedy to stave off a hangover... if only the EU hadn't brought in those pesky health and safety regulations!
5. Croissant France
A croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry known for its signature crescent shape, which is sometimes referred to as a 'crescent' in French. It's versatile enough to enjoy at any time of the day—whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and can be either sweet (as a dessert) or savory. In its homeland of France, croissants are typically served plain, without additional butter, allowing the natural flavor of the pastry to shine.
In the United States, thanks to the Greek American communities of Chicago and New York, it's common to find croissants filled with sweet fillings or toppings. Warm croissants might be stuffed with ham and cheese, or even a mix of feta cheese, tomatoes, and spinach—much like the savory versions originally enjoyed in Greece, where croissants were once only eaten as breakfast or dessert.
In countries like Germany and Italy, croissants are sometimes filled with Nutella, while in several Latin American nations, they're commonly served with coffee as a breakfast item or merienda. In Japan, bakeries and convenience stores often offer croissants glazed with sweetness or filled with chocolate. Croissants are also popular in many former French colonies, including Morocco and Vietnam, where they're called bánh sừng bò.
One thing is certain: croissants have become a global fast food enjoyed by millions around the world every day. From my own experience, the best croissants are the La Parisienne Almond Croissant and the classic ham & cheese croissant.
4. Souvlaki Greece
The Greek hamburger, or rather, the predecessor to the modern hamburger, is none other than souvlaki. This dish has ancient roots, dating back to the times of Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Aristotle, making it the most historic and ancient food on this list. Souvlaki consists of small cubes of grilled meat, often lamb or pork, skewered and typically served in pita bread, topped with sliced tomatoes, onions, and accompanied by tzatziki, a creamy cucumber-yogurt-garlic sauce. Though it's commonly known as 'gyro' or 'gyros' outside of Greece, its fame skyrocketed after the 2004 Olympics, becoming popular worldwide, including in places as distant as China. Despite its global reach, the true souvlaki can only be experienced in Greece—trust me, I've looked into it!
3. French Fries Belgium
Clearly, French fries are the winner here, and anyone who disagrees is simply out of touch! While there may be some differing opinions about the other entries on this list, everyone has their own personal favorites. It's easy to see why some may take issue with my picks, but one thing is undeniable—almost everyone has tasted French fries. In fact, some of the items on this list, such as burgers, souvlaki, and fried fish, are often paired with French fries. This alone speaks to the widespread love and popularity of this simple, yet beloved dish.
Despite what the name suggests, French fries actually originated in Belgium. The term 'French Fry' simply refers to the method of deep-frying. In Belgium, fries are typically sold in 'Friteries' or 'Frietkots,' where they are served with a variety of sauces or enjoyed on their own. A traditional way to enjoy these fries is with a generous dollop of mayonnaise.
When considering Western pop culture, I believe that fries reign supreme in the world of fast food, particularly in terms of both popularity and consumer preference. A fascinating historical tidbit: Shortly after the Wehrmacht invaded Belgium in May 1940, Hitler made an attempt to outlaw 'French fries,' as they were a key dietary staple for the Belgian resistance due to their affordability and ease of access.
2. Pizza Italy
Italy's national dish, and undoubtedly my personal favorite! Here’s the curious thing about pizza: if you're in search of the perfect pizza, you probably won’t find it in Italy. Speaking from experience (having lived in Pisa, Bologna, and Macerata for two years), I can genuinely say that I’ve had far superior pizza in other parts of the world. And before any nationalists argue – I didn’t shy away from trying! I sampled pizza at many different restaurants and pizzerias across Italy, and honestly, the results were consistently disappointing. Perhaps I’m exaggerating slightly, but in my view, pizzerias in the US and Greece consistently serve pizza that is far better than what you’d find in Italy. Once again, this is just my personal take, and I hold no ill will toward Italians or their cuisine. All I’m saying is that the one letdown during my time in such a stunning and historically rich country… was its signature dish!
1. Hamburger Origins: Germany; Rise to fame: USA
The word 'hamburger' comes from Hamburg, Germany, the country’s second largest city. While the roots of the hamburger trace back to 15th century Europe, it wasn’t until the large wave of emigration to the United States that these delicious ground beef patties truly gained widespread fame. Typically made from top-quality ground beef, served in a bun with a variety of condiments, hamburgers achieved global recognition thanks to iconic American chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, TGI Fridays, and the British Hard Rock Cafés.
My top three personal picks: The Beefeater from Thomas Cook, the Jack Daniels Burger from TGI Fridays, and the Legendary Burger from Hard Rock Café. The worst: The Big Mac!
