If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

J.R.R Tolkien

Feast your eyes and your stomachs on these delicious meals from all over the world. Keep those bellies full when you travel while also sampling food that each country specializes in. Take a look below (bring snacks if you’re feeling peckish) to see my latest installment of this food loving series.

England

1. Sunday Roast — When I was living in England I would look forward to this like no other. It features roasted meat (lamb w/mint is common), roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, gravy, and a variety of vegetables.
2. Fish and Chips — If you’ve gone to England and not eaten fish & chips, have you really been to England? My favorite is cod battered and fried with big, thick chips/fries.
3. Meat Pies — I could eat these every day for the rest of my life. The most well-known of the meat pies is Shepherd’s Pie with meat and veggies on the bottom and mashed potatoes adding a delicious layer on top. There are also meat pies of countless varieties encased in flaky pastries. Hungry yet? I am.
4. Bonus: Curry — Most people I’ve encountered are surprised when I say the best curry I’ve ever had was in England. Man oh man were they incredible. Do yourself a favor and get one or 90 of these on your next trip.

Hungary

1. Gulyas/Goulash — This is the stuff of foodie dreams. Chunks of hearty meat and vegetables are cooked in a paprika sauce and sometimes served with pasta. It’s about mid-way between a soup and a stew and it’s complete heaven.
2. Halaszle/Fisherman’s Soup — Hungarians know how to use paprika to the best of its abilities. This soup is made with a variety of fish, traditionally from the Danube River, and gets its distinctive color from the paprika.
3. Langos — Do you love fried bread? How about with cheese on top? Add some cream cheese and you’ve got this famous dish! It might be simple but man is it a fiesta for your taste buds.

Serbia

1. Sarma — One of the most famous dishes from this country features simple ingredients. Take some cabbage or wine leaves and wrap seasoned rice and minced meat inside. This is seasoned with garlic and paprika and cooked for several hours on the stove. YUM.
2. Kobasica — This sausage dish is steeped in mystery where the seasoning is involved. Every meat (except pork) is traditionally used to make the sausage. While the exact spices might not be known, be prepared for a slightly spicy kick to the taste!
3. Pecenje — Served hot or cold this meaty dish can feature pork, lamb or goat. Don’t be surprised if the whole animal comes out on a platter. This dish is usually more common during festivals or celebrations.

France

• Pastries — The list of pastries from this country could and has filled many books. Let them fill your tummy the next time you find yourself in the land of buttery, flaky baking perfection.
• Cheese & Bread Platters — I could love off of the cheese and bread, especially baguettes. Nothing says France more to me than going to a local market to buy a fresh-baked baguette, cheese, and some sliced meat to munch on as I walk around exploring.
• Coq au Vin — Where are my chicken and wine lovers? This dish mixes those two in a rich combination complete with mushrooms. There are several versions that vary mostly in which type of wine they use. Red burgundy is the most common, but there are many more to choose from!

Netherlands

• Poffertjes — The dutch love their pancakes and this traditional dish is a great example of that. These are small pancakes that are baked in a skillet and served with melted butter and icing sugar. These are a year-round treat but are most common around Christmas and the new year.
• Pickled Fish — More specifically, herrings are the preferred fish for this dish. They are prepared in vinegar, spices and cider and are usually served as a snack.
• Bitterballen — If you love finely chopped beef or veal seasoned to perfection that are them rolled in breadcrumbs and fried you need to get yourself to the Netherlands just to try this.