When we think of comfort food, our minds often wander to classics like mac and cheese, fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. While these beloved staples are timeless, there’s a whole world of comfort food out there waiting to surprise and delight even the most nostalgic food lover. From savory stews in the Middle East to fried dough treats in South Asia, comfort food isn’t limited to just what we know—it stretches across cultures, flavors, and cooking traditions.
If you’re looking to broaden your comfort food horizons and try something new that still delivers that satisfying, soul-soothing warmth, here are some unexpected comfort dishes from lesser-known cuisines. These meals not only pack a punch of flavor but also offer a twist on the classics, taking comfort food to new, delightful heights.
1. Bulgogi Jjigae (South Korea) – Comfort Food with a Kick
Dish: Bulgogi Jjigae (Bulgogi Stew)
Where to Find It: Jinju (Los Angeles, CA)
When you think of Korean comfort food, your mind might jump to kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) or bibimbap (rice bowl with vegetables and meat). However, one of the most comforting—and lesser-known—dishes is bulgogi jjigae. This hearty stew features marinated beef bulgogi, simmered in a savory broth with vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and tofu. The dish brings together the rich flavors of sweet and savory bulgogi with the umami of the stew base. It’s satisfying and nourishing, perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something warming and filling.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a bowl of steamed white rice and side dishes like banchan (small Korean appetizers) for the full experience.
2. Fesenjan (Persian Stew) – A Nutty, Sweet & Savory Delight
Dish: Fesenjan (Pomegranate and Walnut Stew)
Where to Find It: Shirin Restaurant (Los Angeles, CA)
Comfort food often involves hearty stews, and Persian cuisine offers one of the most uniquely comforting dishes in the form of fesenjan. This rich, slow-cooked stew is made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, giving it a deeply savory, slightly sweet flavor profile. It’s traditionally made with chicken or duck, but you can also find it made with lamb or beef in some variations. The result is a lush, flavorful dish that is both warming and complex. Fesenjan is often served with rice and makes for an unforgettable comfort meal.
Pro Tip: Try the dish with a side of saffron rice for an added layer of aromatic flavor.
3. Pastelón (Puerto Rico) – The Caribbean’s Comfort Food Lasagna
Dish: Pastelón (Plantain Lasagna)
Where to Find It: La Fonda Boricua (New York, NY)
When you think of lasagna, you probably picture layers of pasta, cheese, and meat, but in Puerto Rican cuisine, pastelón takes a similar concept and gives it a tropical twist. Instead of noodles, this hearty casserole uses sweet plantains as the base, layering them with ground beef (or pork), cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. The result is a savory-sweet comfort food that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s the perfect fusion of sweetness from the plantains and richness from the meat and cheese, much like a Caribbean-style lasagna.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a side of arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) for the ultimate Caribbean feast.
4. Manti (Turkey) – Little Dumplings of Comfort
Dish: Manti (Turkish Dumplings)
Where to Find It: Antique Garage (New York, NY)
While dumplings are a beloved comfort food across many cultures, manti—Turkish dumplings—bring something a bit different to the table. These tiny, hand-pinched dumplings are filled with spiced ground beef or lamb and are often served with a yogurt-based sauce and melted butter. The combination of warm, delicate dumplings with the tang of yogurt and richness of butter makes for a deeply satisfying dish. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a full meal, manti will hit all the right notes of comfort.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra garlic yogurt on the side to elevate the dish.
5. Curry Laksa (Malaysia/Singapore) – A Spicy Comfort Classic
Dish: Curry Laksa (Spicy Coconut Soup)
Where to Find It: Laksa King (Melbourne, Australia)
For those who crave a comforting soup that’s spicy, tangy, and filling, curry laksa should be on your radar. This Malaysian and Singaporean dish consists of thick rice noodles swimming in a rich, aromatic coconut milk broth infused with curry spices. Topped with ingredients like shrimp, chicken, tofu, and bean sprouts, laksa is a satisfying comfort meal that’s both spicy and creamy. Its complex flavor profile—spicy, sweet, and savory—is a total knockout.
Pro Tip: Add a spoonful of sambal (chili paste) for an extra kick.
6. Bacalhau à Brás (Portugal) – A Twist on the Classic Fish and Chips
Dish: Bacalhau à Brás (Codfish with Potatoes and Eggs)
Where to Find It: Casa Portuguesa (Lisbon, Portugal)
While fish and chips is the quintessential comfort food of the UK, Portugal takes comfort food to the next level with bacalhau à brás. This dish features salted cod (bacalhau) shredded and sautéed with thinly sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, and eggs. It’s a savory, slightly crispy dish that’s often topped with parsley and olives for extra flavor. The saltiness of the cod combined with the soft potatoes and creamy eggs creates a rich, hearty meal perfect for colder months.
Pro Tip: Enjoy it with a glass of green wine (vinho verde) for a refreshing contrast.
7. Moussaka (Greece) – A Layered Comfort Classic
Dish: Moussaka (Eggplant and Meat Casserole)
Where to Find It: Kavouras (Athens, Greece)
The Greek version of a comfort casserole, moussaka combines layers of eggplant, ground lamb (or beef), béchamel sauce, and cheese into a melty, comforting dish that hits all the right savory and creamy notes. This dish, often served with a side of salad or crusty bread, is a favorite during colder weather when you’re craving something rich and filling. Its layers of hearty meat, soft vegetables, and creamy sauce make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Pro Tip: Moussaka pairs perfectly with a glass of retsina (a Greek white wine).
8. Koshari (Egypt) – Hearty and Filling
Dish: Koshari (Rice, Pasta, Lentils, and Chickpeas)
Where to Find It: Abou Tarek (Cairo, Egypt)
Koshari is Egypt’s answer to a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness. A mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, all drizzled with a tangy tomato sauce and topped with fried onions, this dish is simple, hearty, and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food after a long day, offering both plant-based protein and carbs in one bowl. It’s incredibly filling, yet light enough that you won’t feel sluggish afterward.
Pro Tip: Add a dollop of garlic vinegar or hot sauce for extra flavor.
9. Arepa (Venezuela/Colombia) – Cornmeal Comfort
Dish: Arepa (Cornmeal Cake with Fillings)
Where to Find It: La Areperia (Miami, FL)
In Venezuela and Colombia, the arepa is a beloved street food that brings comfort with every bite. This cornmeal-based dish is pan-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be filled with a variety of fillings like shredded beef, cheese, avocado, or even eggs. It’s a versatile comfort food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether stuffed with savory meats or served with a simple spread of butter, arepas will give you the comfort you crave.
Pro Tip: Try it with a side of guasacaca (Venezuelan avocado sauce) for an added creamy touch.
10. Kedgeree (UK/India) – A British-Indian Fusion Comfort Food
Dish: Kedgeree (Smoked Fish and Rice)
Where to Find It: The Ledbury (London, UK)
This Anglo-Indian dish combines flaky smoked fish (often haddock), boiled eggs, and curried rice into a hearty, satisfying dish. The combination of spices, smoked
fish, and rice creates a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Though it originated in India during British colonial times, it’s now a beloved breakfast dish in the UK and a perfect choice for a comforting start to the day.
Pro Tip: Serve with a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the dish.
Final Thoughts
Comfort food doesn’t have to be limited to the familiar dishes we’ve grown up with. Across the globe, there are hidden gems of hearty, soul-satisfying meals that offer a new way to experience comfort. Whether you’re craving a rich stew, a crispy fried dish, or a hearty casserole, these lesser-known comfort foods promise to surprise your taste buds and satisfy that need for a warm, filling meal. So the next time you’re in the mood for comfort food, why not step outside the box and try something new from a different culture?