One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is experiencing new and exotic cuisines. Many of us are familiar with popular foods like pizza, sushi, and tacos, but there are countless lesser-known dishes to discover. In this article, we'll take a journey around the world to uncover some of the most underrated cuisines.

Peruvian

Peruvian cuisine is a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences. Some dishes that are worth trying include ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries), and ají de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce). Don't forget to try the national drink, Pisco Sour!

Sri Lankan

Sri Lankan cuisine is often overlooked in favor of neighboring Indian food, but it is truly a hidden gem. Using a variety of spices and coconut milk, Sri Lankan curries are bold and flavorful. Some must-try dishes include kottu roti (a type of stir-fry made with shredded roti, vegetables, and meat), hoppers (crispy pancakes made from fermented batter), and pol sambol (a spicy coconut relish).

Lebanese

Lebanese cuisine is often overshadowed by its more famous Middle Eastern counterparts like falafel and hummus. However, Lebanese food is just as delicious and varied. Some standout dishes include kibbeh (spiced meatballs), manousheh (a type of flatbread with a variety of toppings), and shawarma (marinated meat cooked on a spit and served in pita bread).

Korean

Korean cuisine has gained immense popularity in recent years, but there are still many underrated dishes to discover. Bibimbap (a rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg) is a staple, but don't overlook lesser-known dishes like naengmyeon (a cold noodle soup), pajeon (a savory pancake made with scallions), and dak galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken).

Colombian

Colombian cuisine is hearty and comforting, with a focus on meat, beans, and rice. Some must-try dishes include bandeja paisa (a platter of beans, rice, avocado, plantains, and grilled meat), arepas (corn cakes filled with cheese, avocado, and/or meat), and empanadas (fried or baked turnovers filled with meat, potatoes, and/or cheese).

Nigerian

Nigerian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with a focus on bold spices and stews. Jollof rice (a one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices) is a staple, but be sure to also try dishes like suya (spicy grilled meat), egusi soup (a thick stew made with melon seeds), and plantain chips (crispy fried slices of plantain).

Vietnamese

Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, light, and flavorful. Pho (a noodle soup with meat or seafood) may be the most famous dish, but there are many other delicious options to try. Banh mi (a sandwich filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and herbs), bun cha (grilled pork served with noodles and herbs), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls filled with meat, shrimp, and/or vegetables) are all worth trying.

There you have it – a whirlwind tour of some of the most underrated cuisines from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a homebody, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and broaden your culinary horizons.