10 Countries That Are Voted to Have the Worst Food
Trying food from different parts of the world is one of the most enjoyable things about traveling. Some countries surprise you with incredible flavors, while others leave you wondering what you just ate. Over time, travelers have shared their honest opinions, and certain places keep popping up for having food that just doesn’t hit the mark. Here’s a look at 15 countries often voted to have the toughest menus to love.
Iceland
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A plate of fermented shark called hákarl often comes up first when people talk about Icelandic food. Locals enjoy it during festivals, but many visitors admit the pungent smell alone is enough to keep them away. Add the high cost of simple meals, and travelers often plan ahead with snacks.
Ireland
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A meal in Ireland often means simple ingredients with a lot of history behind them. Potatoes, cabbage, and boiled meats are rooted in survival during lean years, but today they can feel plain to outsiders. At family gatherings, people still enjoy these dishes with affection. Travelers used to bold seasonings may leave wondering where the flavors went, even though the atmosphere at the table is always warm.
The Philippines
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Many travelers expect bold flavors from Southeast Asia, yet Filipino food often surprises them in unexpected ways. Sweet spaghetti with hot dogs and a pork blood stew called dinuguan turn up at celebrations, leaving newcomers puzzled. Rice is present in nearly every meal, and fried options dominate menus. Some visitors feel the dishes jump between salty, greasy, and sugary without much balance.
Kazakhstan
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Family gatherings feature Kazakhstan dishes with respect and pride, yet many travelers admit they found themselves missing bold flavors. Steppe traditions shaped this country’s food, and that history still shows. Horse meat appears frequently, along with kumis, a fermented horse milk drink that is served proudly but isn’t easy for everyone to handle.
Norway
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Norway offers spectacular scenery, yet its traditional food can leave diners puzzled. Dishes like lutefisk, which is made by soaking fish in lye, and rakfisk, fermented fish, test even adventurous eaters. Many supermarkets stock processed items at very high prices, while fresh produce can be scarce.
England
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Rather than begin with criticism, it’s worth noting that England gave the world fish and chips and hearty Sunday roasts. Still, some dishes baffle travelers, like the black pudding made with pig’s blood and fat. A full English breakfast can top 1,000 calories, which surprises many looking for lighter fare.
China
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In massive cities like Beijing and Shanghai, visitors rave about regional specialties. Yet, street food in some areas gets attention for the wrong reasons, from questionable hygiene to dishes like stinky tofu with its unmistakable smell. Some travelers report stomach troubles after rural meals, even though the recipes themselves are traditional and long‑respected.
Russia
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A common story shared by travelers involves sitting down to soups full of mystery meats or seeing chicken feet set in a gelatin mold. Russian cuisine often relies on heavy starches, sour cream, and minimal seasoning, which feels dull to many outsiders. Pelmeni dumplings and borscht have their fans, but overall reviews are mixed.
Sweden
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Tourists often love meatballs, but they probably can’t imagine opening a can of surströmming. The fermented herring’s intense smell makes outdoor eating almost a requirement. Moreover, blood pancakes, which are sold ready‑made in grocery stores, also catch travelers off guard.
Australia
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Vegemite is the first taste that comes to mind when people talk about Australian food, and it’s rarely a gentle introduction. Meat pies and lamingtons show up at picnics and bakeries, but most travelers pass through without strong opinions either way. Restaurants cost plenty, so the grocery store is usually the backup plan.
The Netherlands
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A Dutch table often features stamppot, pickled herring, and bread-heavy meals. These dishes are practical because they are designed for colder months and tight budgets, but many find them uninspiring. Fried snacks like bitterballen bring variety, though some travelers say the overall cuisine feels borrowed and simplified compared to neighbors like Belgium or Germany.
Cuba
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Cuban cuisine reflects years of rationing and limited supplies, and that influence shows in everyday meals. Commenters note that bread tastes past its prime and burgers have unusual textures, while street stalls sometimes sell pizzas with sweet toppings that may be strange enough for the rest of the world.
Poland
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Poland is famous for pierogi – those doughy pockets filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat, and they show up at nearly every meal. Kielbasa sausages and hearty stews keep plates full, especially during long winters.
Ukraine
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In Ukraine, big bowls of borscht and plates of varenyky dumplings are staples that locals enjoy year‑round. The dishes are hearty and built for cold weather, but travelers often notice a softer approach to seasoning. Potatoes and cabbage appear so often that some visitors joke they’ve become part of the national color palette. While cities like Kyiv offer more adventurous options, traditional meals in smaller towns tend to keep things simple and rustic.
Mongolia
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Think of a table with mutton, marmot, and fermented milk products, and you start to understand Mongolia’s cuisine. Vegetables rarely appear and spices are minimal, which might be a result of a nomadic life and harsh weather.