10 Surprisingly Delicious and Unique Ethnic Foods My Mom Cooked for Me as a Kid

As a child, my mother’s kitchen was a culinary adventure. She was a master at creating dishes from her native country, as well as from other cultures around the world. These meals were not only delicious but also unique and often surprising. Here are ten ethnic foods my mom cooked for me as a kid that you may not have heard of or tried.

1. Mole Poblano

This traditional Mexican dish is a rich, dark sauce made from a variety of ingredients including chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. It’s typically served over chicken or turkey. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is truly unique and delicious.

2. Borscht

Borscht is a beet soup that originates from Eastern Europe. It’s vibrant in color and can be served hot or cold. My mom would often add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

3. Kimchi

Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine. It’s a fermented vegetable dish, usually made with cabbage and radishes, and has a tangy, spicy flavor. My mom would serve it as a side dish with almost every meal.

4. Baklava

This sweet pastry is popular in many Middle Eastern and Balkan countries. It’s made with layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey. My mom’s version was always perfectly crispy and sweet.

5. Dolma

Dolma is a dish from the Middle East that involves stuffing vegetables, usually grape leaves or bell peppers, with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. It’s a labor-intensive dish, but the result is worth it.

6. Paella

Paella is a Spanish rice dish that’s cooked in a large, shallow pan and typically includes a variety of seafood, chicken, and vegetables. My mom would make this for special occasions, and it was always a hit.

7. Tagine

Tagine is a Moroccan stew that’s slow-cooked in a special clay pot. It can include a variety of ingredients, but my mom’s version usually had lamb, apricots, and a mix of fragrant spices.

8. Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, usually beef. My mom would make this on cold days, and it was the perfect comfort food.

9. Pierogi

Pierogi are Polish dumplings that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from mashed potatoes and cheese to fruit. My mom would make a big batch and freeze them for quick and easy meals.

10. Feijoada

Feijoada is a Brazilian black bean stew that’s typically made with pork. It’s served with rice, collard greens, and farofa (toasted cassava flour). This was one of my favorite meals as a kid, and it’s still a comfort food for me today.

These dishes not only introduced me to a world of flavors, but they also taught me about different cultures and their culinary traditions. I’m grateful for the diverse and delicious meals my mom cooked for me as a kid.