Seafood lovers, get ready for a culinary journey! From Asia’s delicate sushi to the hearty stews of South America, the ocean has inspired some of the world’s most iconic and unforgettable dishes. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 globally celebrated seafood dishes that reflect the flavors and traditions of their homelands. Whether you're planning your next meal or your next trip, this list is your passport to the best seafood around the world.
What Makes a Seafood Dish Truly Global?
Global seafood dishes are more than just popular—they carry culture, history, and flavor. These meals often feature locally caught fish or shellfish prepared in ways that reflect a region’s climate, spices, and lifestyle. From quick street food to elegant fine dining, seafood has found its way into almost every cuisine on earth.
Top 15 Must-Try Global Seafood Dishes
1. Ceviche – Peru
This refreshing dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice (usually lime) is the pride of Peru. It's often served with onions, chili, and corn, and is a perfect representation of coastal Latin American cuisine.
2. Chilli Crab – Singapore
A spicy, sweet, and savory crab dish soaked in a rich tomato-chili sauce. It’s messy, it’s flavorful, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
3. Sushi & Sashimi – Japan
Raw fish, expertly sliced and presented, is a Japanese culinary art. Sashimi highlights the purity of the fish, while sushi pairs it with vinegared rice and toppings like wasabi or seaweed.
4. Bouillabaisse – France
This Mediterranean fish stew from Marseille blends various kinds of seafood with tomatoes, saffron, and herbs in a deeply flavorful broth. Traditionally served with rouille and crusty bread.
5. Bacalhau – Portugal
Dried and salted cod is the foundation of hundreds of Portuguese dishes. "Bacalhau à Brás" with scrambled eggs and potatoes is a comforting classic.
6. Paella de Mariscos – Spain
This Valencian rice dish is a celebration of land and sea. Loaded with mussels, prawns, squid, and sometimes lobster, it’s cooked in a wide, shallow pan for the signature socarrat (crispy rice).
7. Lobster Roll – USA (Maine)
Succulent lobster meat tossed in mayo or butter, served in a toasted bun. Simple, indulgent, and iconic of New England summers.
8. Fish Amok – Cambodia
A creamy curry steamed in banana leaves, made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, and kroeung (Khmer spice paste). Delicate and rich in flavor.
9. Grilled Sardines – Portugal & Morocco
Fresh sardines, grilled whole with salt over open flames, are a summer tradition along the Atlantic. Eat with your hands and a glass of vinho verde or mint tea.
10. Tom Yum Goong – Thailand
Hot and sour shrimp soup made with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and chilies. A punchy, aromatic dish that wakes up your palate.
11. Cacciucco – Italy (Tuscany)
A rustic seafood stew from Livorno, made with a medley of fish, squid, mussels, and clams simmered in tomato-wine broth. Best served with garlic-rubbed toast.
12. Clam Chowder – USA (New England)
Thick, creamy, and full of clams and potatoes. This soup is a soul-warming staple in the northeastern U.S.
13. Matjes Herring Salad – Germany
Pickled herring mixed with apples, onions, and sour cream is a northern European classic. Tangy and refreshing.
14. Green-Lipped Mussels – New Zealand
Large, sweet mussels served steamed or baked with cheese or garlic butter. A Kiwi favorite packed with flavor and nutrients.
15. Pescado a la Veracruzana – Mexico
White fish fillet baked with a zesty tomato, olive, caper, and chili sauce. A coastal fusion of Spanish and indigenous flavors.
Why These Dishes Matter
Each dish on this list is more than a recipe—it's a story. These seafood traditions reflect local environments, seasonal ingredients, and centuries of culinary evolution. Eating them connects you to distant coasts and ancient methods of preparation. In a world that’s becoming more interconnected, food remains one of the purest forms of cultural identity.
Ready to Taste the World?
Whether you’re cooking at home or exploring a new city, seeking out these iconic global seafood dishes is a delicious way to learn about the world. So grab your fork—or your fingers—and dive in.
