Cultures across the globe are different in so many ways. But no matter where you go in the world, there is no way around the fact that grief and tragedy exists. In times of great sadness, people look for comfort and relief, and something that also crosses cultures is that comfort is often given in the form of food.
Comfort food exists everywhere. And while what we think of as comfort food in the United States is not the same as what the people of Zimbabwe or Japan think of, the purpose is the same. It's to provide nourishment, and more than anything, it's a show of love in a time of suffering.
Here are seven traditional comfort foods from all around the globe:
1. Hot and Sour Soup
In Chinese culture, a traditional hot and sour soup is a must when times are tough. One of the reasons it's considered a comfort food is because it's packed with nutrients. Plus, its warmth makes for a cozy, relaxed feeling. Hot and sour soup is typically made with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts in a simple vegetable broth made "hot" by pepper and "sour" by vinegar.
2. Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is one of the most well-known British dishes, but it's a classis comfort food. The dish involves delicious beer-battered fried fish and thick-cut "chips," or fries. Fish and chips is usually made with white fish such as cod, haddock, or pollock. It's definitely not the healthiest way to eat fish, but that's really not the point.
3. Casseroles
In US culture, casseroles are pretty much a standard go-to when it comes to providing loving support. Family, friends, and neighbors have been dropping casseroles on doorsteps for decades. And it makes sense. Whether it's chicken and broccoli or a noodle dish, casseroles are great because they can serve a lot of people at once. They also can be put away to enjoy later.
4. Moussaka
Casseroles exist in other countries, too. They just look a bit different. Moussaka is a Greek dish that typically involves layers of oven-baked eggplant, potatoes, and a meat sauce under a layer of savory custard. Essentially, it's Greek lasagna.
5. Pozole
Pozole is a standard comfort food in Mexican culture. It's also often served at holiday celebrations. It's a flavorful soup containing pork and hominy corn. But the magic is really in the toppings. You can add lettuce, avocado, and more, and it's usually served with tortillas.
6. Poutine
People all over the globe have gotten the memo about poutine, because, well, it's downright delicious. But poutine comes from Montreal, Canada. The dish involves stacks of crispy fries covered in gravy and cheese curds. It's easy to make and definitely provides that warm, satisfied feeling of pure comfort.
7. Magwinya
It's not just Americans who love their sweet treats. In Tswana, South Africa, deep-fried donuts, called magwinya or "fat cakes," are a staple. They're basically just donuts in the form of balls. They are usually eaten for breakfast but make a great treat at any time.
