1. Onion soup, France

Very few dishes are as comforting as French onion soup – a blend of mellow, slowly cooked, caramelised onions in a broth laced with white wine and cognac. It's thought that a version of the soup has existed since at least Roman times, but the modern version originated in 18th-century Paris.

 

2. Shakshuka, the Middle East

 Claimed as one of their own throughout North Africa and the Middle East, untangling the web of where shakshuka is from is simply impossible. All we know is that it's an incredibly tasty and filling dish that's become a popular breakfast and brunch meal throughout the world.

 

3. Laksa, Malaysia

A spicy, sweet, sour and fragrant soup from Southeast Asia, laksa is mostly associated with Malaysia. The origins are murky with several theories in different countries and a wide range of laksa exist, from regional varieties to differences in preparation. Typically, either a rich and spicy coconut milk broth or a sour asam broth made with tamarind, the soup is made with thick wheat noodles or rice vermicelli and served with chicken, prawn or fish.

 

4. Clam chowder, USA

Creamy clam chowder is Massachusetts' finest dish that's prevalent throughout New England. Made with potatoes, crushed oyster crackers and chunks of local clam, it’s a flavourful and hearty dish to have all year long. The most famous place to eat it, Legal Sea Foods in Boston, began life as a market frequented by Julia Child and has been cooking up perfect chowder for decades.

 

5. Gua bao, Taiwan

The popularity of bao buns has skyrocketed in the Western world in the last decade or so and while these steamed buns are Chinese in origin, it's the Taiwanese version that's proved to be the most popular. A traditional gua bao consists of slices of pork belly meat dressed with pickled mustard greens, coriander and ground peanuts.