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    Home » Trending

    29 Global Comfort Foods I Make When I Miss Traveling

    Published: Oct 9, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Missing the joy of new places can come without warning. When that happens, nothing helps quite like a warm, familiar meal. Flavors have a way of bringing distant places closer. These 29 global comfort foods offer small moments of peace, one plate at a time.

    Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

    Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Soft, creamy, and full of warmth, this dish reminds me of home more than any other. Ginataang Langka takes simple ingredients and turns them into something deeply familiar. When I need comfort that feels personal, this is what I cook.
    Get the Recipe: Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

    Spicy Tofu Tacos

    Side view of tacos on a plate, one with bite taken out.
    Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Crisp edges, seasoned heat, and loads of flavor packed into a single bite. Spicy Tofu Tacos prove that plant-based comfort food can still bring global flair.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

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    Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

    Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Classic with a twist, these bring more heat and more personality to the table. Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs pack in smoky flavor and make for an unexpectedly exciting bite. Always a hit for gatherings or quick snacks with extra attitude.
    Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

    Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

    Grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs with herbs and lemon slices.
    Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    Bright herbs and charred edges bring out everything that’s good about simple cooking. Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs feel fresh and rustic all at once, channeling seaside dinners and outdoor grills. Ideal when meals need to feel casual but complete.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Bright, punchy, and totally addictive, this one never lasts long in my kitchen. I make Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad when I want a quick side that feels like it came from a Seoul street cart.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

    Sausage Tortellini Soup

    A spoon holidng sausage and tortellini soup over a bowl of soup.
    Sausage Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    Sausage Tortellini Soup pulls from rustic European kitchens, making it a dependable choice for when everything else feels like too much. Fills the room and the plate with something easy but meaningful.
    Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

    Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

    Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Rich broth, fresh seafood, and just the right level of warmth in every spoonful. Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew pulls influence from the coast and brings it home with rustic charm. Best made when something hearty and rooted in tradition is calling.
    Get the Recipe: Cioppino – Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

    Chicken Biryani

    Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
    Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Fragrant rice layered with spice and richness brings a different kind of calm to the table. With Chicken Biryani, every bite carries the depth and tradition of a dish made to be shared.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

    Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad

    Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    It’s the kind of side dish that feels like it belongs next to grilled meats at a roadside stand. Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad brings depth and crunch without asking for much. I make it anytime I miss those long outdoor meals from my travels.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Charred Corn Salad

    Air Fryer Carnitas

    Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crispy edges and juicy centers make these hard to resist from the first bite. Air Fryer Carnitas deliver big flavor fast, packed with that same energy found in taco stalls and street corners across Mexico. Perfect for quick meals that still feel like an experience.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

    Pain aux Raisin

    Pain aux raisins on a cooling tray.
    Pain aux Raisin. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    Buttery layers and bursts of sweet fruit offer more than just a treat. Pain aux Raisin brings a bit of French bakery comfort to mornings or slow afternoons. Works best when something soft and nostalgic is needed.
    Get the Recipe: Pain aux Raisin

    Spicy Moroccan Carrot Salad

    A bowl of carrots and parsley in a wooden bowl.
    Spicy Moroccan Carrot Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Sweet, crunchy, and spiced just right, this one turns heads more than expected. Spicy Moroccan Carrot Salad brings bold flavor without the need for heavy ingredients. Works well alongside richer dishes or stands alone when something lighter is welcome.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Moroccan Carrot Salad

    Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

    Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Rich flavors simmered together in one pot can say more than words ever could. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo brings the comfort of Louisiana cuisine with every spoonful. A go-to when bold, soulful food is the only thing that will do.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

    Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole

    Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A few pantry ingredients can become more than expected with just the right mix. Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole brings together texture and comfort without the extra steps. Keeps showing up on the table whenever something simple and warm is needed.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Rich without being too heavy, this is one of those dishes that just feels good to eat. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta reminds me of beachside meals that last well into the evening. It’s simple, quick, and always worth making again.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Szechuan Beef

    Szechuan Beef. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Deep flavor and numbing spice always take me right back to late nights in Chengdu. Szechuan Beef brings just the kind of heat that wakes up any weeknight dinner. One bite and I’m reminded why I keep this recipe close.
    Get the Recipe: Szechuan Beef

    Asparagus Fathead Quiche

    A white casserole with asparagus quiche.
    Asparagus Fathead Quiche. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Buttery crust, tender greens, and a filling that keeps things light—it’s everything I need in one dish. Asparagus Fathead Quiche feels like something from a quiet European café without the extra work. I like having it around when I miss slower mornings abroad.
    Get the Recipe: Asparagus Fathead Quiche

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Letting spices build low and slow always leads to something memorable. Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry brings in familiar flavors from across the globe without requiring constant attention. Ideal for slow, cozy meals with just enough kick.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

    Chilaquiles

    Overhead shot of chilaquiles on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.
    Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crunchy chips, rich sauce, and all the good things layered together—that’s what makes this one worth repeating. Chilaquiles take me back to slow breakfasts and crowded cafés in Mexico. It’s casual, flavorful, and always hits the mark.
    Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

    Chicken Sorrentino

    Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Layers of familiar ingredients turn into something unexpectedly rich and full of comfort. Chicken Sorrentino leans into Italian roots without going overboard, offering a dish that’s both classic and deeply warming. A favorite when nothing but deep flavor will do.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

    20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

    Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices.
    20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    Fast doesn’t have to mean bland when the flavors come together like this. 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado is a solid move for no-fuss nights that still need good food.
    Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

    10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Fast doesn’t have to mean boring, and this recipe proves it. 10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce turns a few ingredients into something that feels a little transportive. I keep it in rotation for nights when I want comfort with a twist.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    Low Carb Meatloaf With Cheese And Leeks

    Meatloaf with green leek around it.
    Low Carb Meatloaf With Cheese And Leeks. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Hearty, familiar, and still a little unexpected, this one checks all the boxes. I pull out Low Carb Meatloaf With Cheese And Leeks when I want something grounding that doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s been a quiet favorite whenever I need a break from the usual.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Meatloaf With Cheese And Leeks

    Char Siu

    Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
    Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Sticky, caramelized pork with a hint of spice always takes me back to Hong Kong’s busy food stalls. Char Siu isn’t complicated, but it’s the kind of dish that brings big flavor to any table. I turn to it when I need something bold but reliable.
    Get the Recipe: Char Siu

    Rasta Pasta

    Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Creamy heat and colorful peppers come together in a way that feels instantly familiar and exciting. Rasta Pasta blends Caribbean flair with comfort food ease, creating a dish that’s bold without being fussy.
    Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

    Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

    Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork has become one of those recipes I reach for when I need bold flavor without much effort. Nothing else hits quite the same when I’m craving a trip to the Caribbean.
    Get the Recipe: Smoked Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork

    Best Vegetarian Bolognese

    Best Vegetarian Bolognese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Rich, layered flavor doesn’t always require meat. Best Vegetarian Bolognese delivers that same depth I used to look for in cozy Italian trattorias. It’s my weeknight fix when I want something comforting without much fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Best Vegetarian Bolognese

    Thai Drunken Noodles

    Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some recipes bring instant energy with every bite, and this one nails it. Thai Drunken Noodles are fast, fiery, and full of the kind of flavor I miss from those late-night food runs in Bangkok. They never stay on the plate for long.
    Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

    Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

    Stacked taquitos on a plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Crispy on the outside with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos bring back memories of quick bites and bustling food trucks. They’re easy to whip up, but they never feel ordinary.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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