Italian Cuisine is No Longer the Best in the World

In an exciting development for food lovers, Greece has been named the world's best cuisine for 2024/2025, surpassing Italy. This recognition comes from TasteAtlas, a well-known online food guide focusing on traditional and authentic cuisines.

TasteAtlas based its rankings on the opinions of over 477,000 verified users, who rated around 15,000 dishes and food products. This method ensures the rankings truly reflect people's appreciation for each country's food.

Here are the top five cuisines:

Greek Cuisine

With a score of 4.60, Greece's food is known for its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Notable Greek foods include:

• Fystiki Aeginas: Pistachios from Aegina, famous for their unique taste and quality.
• Fava Santorinis: A popular dish made from yellow split peas, originating from Santorini.
• Portokalia Maleme Chanion Kritis: Oranges from Maleme in Chania, Crete, known for their vibrant flavour.

Italian Cuisine

Scoring 4.59, Italy remains a favourite worldwide. Iconic Italian foods include:

• Pizza Napoletana: From Naples, this pizza features a simple yet delicious mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Also known as Parmesan cheese, it adds rich flavour to many dishes.
• Pomodoro S. Marzano dell'Agro Sarnese-Nocerino: San Marzano tomatoes, valued for their sweetness and low acidity, are key in Italian cooking.

Mexican Cuisine

With a score of 4.52, Mexico is the only non-European country in the top five, celebrated for its lively and varied food. Must-try Mexican dishes include:

• Quesabirria: A mix of quesadilla and birria, these tacos are filled with tender, slow-cooked meat and melted cheese.
• Chiltomate: A traditional salsa made with roasted tomatoes and chillies, offering a smoky and spicy taste.
• Chilorio: A slow-cooked pork dish from Sinaloa, seasoned with a rich chilli sauce, perfect for tacos or burritos.

Spanish Cuisine

Earning a score of 4.50, Spain's food is praised for its deep flavours and regional variety. Standout items include:

• Jamón 100% ibérico de bellota: Iberian ham from acorn-fed pigs, known for its delicate texture and rich taste.
• Pimentón de la Vera: Smoked paprika that gives a unique flavour to many Spanish dishes.
• Azafrán de la Mancha: La Mancha saffron, a prized spice that adds depth and aroma to paellas and stews.

Portuguese Cuisine

Also scoring 4.50, Portugal's specialities highlight the country's rich maritime heritage and love for hearty meals. Notable Portuguese foods include:

• Pastel de Belém: Custard tarts with a flaky crust and creamy centre, a beloved Portuguese dessert.
• Azeite de Trás-os-Montes: Olive oil from Trás-os-Montes, known for its strong flavor and quality.
• Carne Barrosã: Beef from the Barrosã breed, famous for its tenderness and taste.

This change in rankings shows how global appreciation for different cuisines is evolving, with Greek food gaining more recognition worldwide. The focus on fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and regional specialities has brought Greek cuisine to the forefront, delighting taste buds everywhere.