Best Fried Foods Around the World

The ultimate list of the best fried foods from around the world

The USA celebrates National Greasy Foods Day on October 25.

So, if you love grassy food, National Greasy Day is the day to take a short break from your wholesome diet.

Let’s be honest, fried foods may not be the best diet choice, but from time to time it’s okay not to be too harsh to ourselves and to allow ourselves some grassy food with no regrets.

One of the best occasions for a short self-pampering with fatty foods is National Greasy Foods Day.

And here’s a list of the best-fried foods from around the world to honor National Greasy Foods Day.

BEST FRIED FOODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

If you are looking for some fried foods ideas, this fried food list covers the best fried foods items in the world: from fried vegetables (zucchini, eggplants, artichokes, bell peppers…), and fried meat (Wiener schnitzel, hamburger, ćevapi...), to fried fish and seafood (breaded mussels, fried fish…) and fried cheese (halloumi).

This collection includes fried main dishes (fish and chips, poutine…), fried snacks (falafel, samosa, chips, onion rings, arancini …), fried desserts (leche frita, fritule, churros, torrijas, Apfelküchle ..) and more.

Fried food around the world:

1. FALAFEL FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

Delicious falafel is one of the best-fried foods ever!

To tell the truth, falafel is one of the favorite fried foods of millions of people across the world. Including me. Give me falafel with hummus and I am perfectly happy!

Traditional Middle Eastern falafel balls are made of deep-fried chickpeas, fava beans, or both with some amazing spices and herbs.

Deep-fried falafel balls are often wrapped in a pita sandwich or eaten alone as a part of the meze (the Middle Eastern appetizer).

Yummy falafel originates from the Middle East. In fact, falafel is believed to originate from Egypt where is called ‘tameya‘. However, falafel balls are a popular Middle Eastern food. These fried vegetarian fritters are traditional Egyptian food, traditional Lebanese food, traditional Jordanian food, traditional Palestinian food, and traditional Israeli food.

Nevertheless today falafel is one of the most popular street foods in the world.

2. FRIED SPRING ROLLS FROM VIETNAM

Crispy chả giò is some of the best Vietnamese food.

Fried spring rolls are a traditional Vietnamese dish made of deep-fried minced meat wrapped in rice paper.

Today fabulous Vietnamese fried spring rolls are served as a popular appetizer not only in restaurants in Vietnam but across the globe (Asia, Europe, North America …).

Without a question, globally popular Vietnamese fried spring rolls are some of the best fried foods in the world.

3. LECHE FRITA FROM SPAIN – Spanish fried milk pudding

Fried milk, or leche frita in Spanish, is one of the most popular traditional Spanish desserts.

Crunchy from the outside but soft from inside Spanish fried milk definitely deserves its place on the list of the best fried foods in the world.

Leche frita is made by frying cooked milk, fleur, and sugar. Traditional leche frita comes with glossy sugar glaze and aromatic cinnamon powder.

Sweet leche frita originates from northern Spain, but today it can be found in restaurants and in pastry shops throughout Spain.

4. TEMPURA FROM JAPAN

There’s no special need to explain why Japanese tempura dishes are some of the best fried foods in the world.

Battered and deep-fried meat, seafood, or vegetables are made to perfection in Japanese tempura. Fantastic tempura is made with plain all-purpose fleur, egg, and ice water.

Let me just say that no visit to Japan is complete without enjoying authentic Japanese tempura.

5. FRIED DIM SUM FROM CHINA

Fried Chinese dim sum dishes are some of the most popular fried foods in the world.

Deep-fried crispy wonton wrappers stuffed with meats, vegetables or seafood are some of the most delicious fried foods to go for!

6. FRIED SAMOSA FROM INDIA

No one can deny, fried samosa pastries are among the best fried foods in the world.

Samosa dishes originate from India, but they are some of the favorite dishes throughout Southeast Asia.

Deep-fried samosa is one o the most popular street foods in India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. Flaky and crispy samosas are some of the best fried snacks in the world.

7. FISH AND CHIPS FROM ENGLAND

Fish and chips are a synonym for England.

This classic English dish is enormously popular across the country. Even more, fried battered fish with chips is not only well-liked in the UK but also throughout the Commonwealth.

Famous fish and chips are an essential item of the traditional menus of every British chippy (fish-and-chip shop). It also is a popular take-away food in Britain and the Commonwealth.

Ask Brits for their favorite fried dish, and don’t be surprised with the answer.

8. POTATO CHIPS FROM THE US

Potato chips were made for the first time in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1853.

While potato chips were invented in the USA, today potato chips are some of the most popular fried foods in the world ever.

As a matter of course, deep-fried thin slices of potatoes are highly addictive snacks enjoyed across the globe.

9. FRENCH FRIES FROM FRANCE OR BELGIUM

Hot french fries are some of the favorite snacks around the world.

Although there’s a dispute about the origins of French fries (some claim them to be from France, some from Belgium), everybody agrees that french fries are some of the most popular fried foods in the world.

The deep-fried potato strips are best enjoyed with various toppings like melted cheese, curry sauce, gravy, ketchup, mayonnaise …

Deep-fried french fries are also a part of many famous dishes like British fish and chips and Canadian poutine to name a few.

10. CARCIOFI ALLA GIUDEA FROM ROME

Jewish-style fried artichokes are some of the most unique traditional food from Italy.

Carciofi alla Giudea is one of the most famous dishes from Rome and one of the most popular dishes from Italy. The dish was invented in the Jewish ghetto in Rome in the 16th century when Pope Paul IV forced Roman Jews to live in a secluded ghetto with a shortage of food.

Today delicious Jewish-style artichokes are one of the most favorite dishes of Romans and Italians.

12. DEEP-FRIED ONION RINGS FROM THE UK

If you want to try some of the most popular British foods ever, go for deep-fried onion rings.

Believe it or not, deep-fried onion rings originate from the UK. The first recipe for deep-fried onion rings was found in The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined cookbook written by John Mollard dating back to 1802.

Crispy deep-fried onion rigs are a staple dish of British Cuisine and American Cuisine.

13. ĆEVAPI FROM BOSNIA

Ćevapčići, or ćevapi, are grilled or fried tiny sausages made of minced meat (usually beef, but can be also pork, lamb, or mixed).

But when talking about fried foods in the world, I have to mention fried ćevap from Bosnia.

Ćevapčići is the national dish of Bosnia, but they are actually it’s eaten throughout the Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Croatia …).

They are typically served in ‘somun’ or ‘lepinja’ flatbread with chopped onions, kajmak cheese, and ajvar spread. 

14. WIENER SCHNITZEL FROM AUSTRIA

Wiener Schnitzel is the national dish of Austria and one of the top famous foods in the world. 

This traditional Austrian dish is made of sliced and breaded veal fried in fat (lard or butter). The fried breaded veal cutlet is one of the most popular dishes in Austria, Europe, and beyond.

No trip to Vienna and Austria is complete without tasting authentic Wiener Schnitzel!

15. FRIED HALLOUMI CHEESE FROM CYPRUS

Mouthwatering Fried halloumi is one of the favorite fried foods in the Middle East.

Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk.

Halloumi originates from Cyprus, but it’s popular in the Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian cuisines too.

Try fried creamy halloumi cheese and you will find your next favorite cheese!

16. PESCAITO FRITO TAPAS FROM SPAIN

Fresh fish and olive oil always make a winning combo in Mediterranean cuisine.

Fish and seafood dishes are among the most popular Mediterranean dishes. Fried fish and seafood from Spain are especially praised.

Spanish fried fish tapas are common food you can find in almost every corner of Spain.

Fried fish in Spanish is called pescaito frito. Deep-fried fresh anchovies (boquerones fritos), prawns, calamari rings, small squids (puntillitas) are some of the best fried foods in Spain and beyond.

17. TIGRES FROM THE BASQUE COUNTRY

Do you like shellfish and breadcrumbs?

If so, you will love spicy breaded mussels from the Basque country! Just to say, traditional Basque foods are absolutely amazing.

Basque tigres refer to stuffed mussels. Spicy tigres are traditional Basque appetizers.

Basque tigres are prepared in the way that steamed whole mussels are left in the shells, topped with bechamel sauce made with dry white wine and a pinch of Espelette peppers, and then all together fried with dry breadcrumbs.

18. FRIED PADRON PEPPERS FROM GALICIA, SPAIN

Tiny blistered green peppers from the municipality of Padrón in Galicia are some of the most popular Spanish tapas.

Fried Padrón peppers are typically mild in taste, but be aware as there’s always the possibility to encounter a spicy pepper! Tasty Padrón peppers are sprinkled with coarse salt and served hot!

Honesty, I don’t know anyone who has tried pimientos de Padron (Padron peppers) in Spain, and hasn’t been raving about them!

Pimientos de Padron are the most delicious fried peppers ever and some of the most popular food in Spain!

19. FRIED EGGPLANT FROM TURKEY

Fried eggplants originate from Turkey.

Patlıcan kızartma or patlıcan kızartms are staple of the Turkish cuisine.

Fried eggplants are prepared in Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, the Middle East, and India. But if you are interested in the very best fried eggplants, check out Turkish patlıcan kızartma.

20. FIORI DI ZUCCA FRITTI FROM ITALY

Fiori di zucca fritti are a classic Italian dish.

As a matter of fact, fried zucchini flowers belong to Cucina Povera (The Kitchen of the Poor, aka peasant cooking) in Italy. Just put battered zucchini flowers in hot oil and you’ll get one of the most incredible Italian dishes – traditional Italian fried zucchini blossoms.

Italian fried zucchini flowers are unarguably some of the best-fried foods around the world.

21. ARANCINI FROM SICILY

Arancini are traditional Italian stuffed and deep-fried rice balls originally coming from Sicily.

Looking like oranges, they are typically filled with minced meat, mozzarella cheese, béchamel sauce, ham, and peas.  Today tasty arancini are a popular finger food of traditional Italian cuisine.

Italian arancini are some of the yummiest fried foods in the world.

22. KOKIS FROM SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan kokis is one of the most amazing fried foods from around the world.

Yummy kokis is made from rice flour and coconut milk. Flower-shaped kokis are a traditional Sri Lankan appetizer and a dessert. Kokis is one of the festive Sri Lankan dishes prepared for the Sinhalese New Year celebrated on 13 April or 14 April.

Don’t forget to try crispy deep-fried kokis when in Sri Lanka!

23. POUTINE FROM CANADA

This list of best-fried foods around the world continues with iconic Canadian poutine.

Poutine is the national dish of Canada. This simple dish consists of french fries with cheese curds topped with gravy.

Canadian poutine is a simple dish but exceptionally toothsome.

24. CHURROS FROM SPAIN

Deep-fried Spanish churros are some of my favorite fried foods from around the world.

Churros con chocolate are the most popular Spanish dessert eaten for breakfast in Spain.

Churros are long and fried Spanish doughnuts typically sprinkled with sugar and sometimes even cinnamon.

Spaniards indulge daily in sweet churros along with coffee for breakfast. Typical Spanish breakfast includes dipping churros in dark chocolate along with a cup of coffee.

If you want to do as Spaniards do, have some churros con chocolate for breakfast in Spain!

25. FRITULE FROM CROATIA

Croatian fritule are some of the most delicious fried pastries in the world.

Tasty Croatian fritule are similar to Venetian frìtole, Italian zeppole, and Dutch oliebollen. These small Croatian donuts come with raisins inside and are flavored with rum and lemon rid. They are typically sprinkled with sugar, but sometimes they can be topped with cinnamon or hot chocolate. Yum!

They are traditionally made at Christmas time and Carnival time in Croatia. Although they originate from the coastal part of Croatia (Istria and Dalmatia), today you can find them in all parts of Croatia.

If you are planning to visit Christmas markets in Zagreb, deep-fried Croatian fritule donuts are a must-try!

26. TORRIJAS FROM SPAIN – Sweet Spanish French toast

When talking about sweet fried foods in the world, I have to mention sweet Spanish torrijas.

Spanish torrijas are basically soaked slices of bread in milk and wine with spices (cinnamon, typically). The soaked bread is dipped into a beaten egg and fried in oil.

Cinnamon as a spice is always used for the preparation of Spanish torrijas. But, sometimes even some lemon peel and cloves can be added.

Torrijas is a typical Spanish dessert prepared during Lent and Easter. Fried torrijas are typical Carnival desserts in northern Spain (Asturias and Cantabria) and in the Canary Islands as well.

27. APFELKUCHLE FROM GERMANY

German Apfelküchle are some of the best fritters in the world.

This traditional German pastry is made of dipped in batter and fried sliced apples. Unlike classic apple fritters, German Apfelküchle fritters have a similar texture to pancakes.

They originate from the Baden-Württemberg, the bordering region of Germany, France and Switzerland. But nowadays yummy German Apfelküchle fritters are enormously popular in the rest of Europe and the USA too.

28. SUFGANIYOT FROM ISRAEL

Sufganiyot are popular Jewish jelly donuts traditionally prepared for Hanukkah.

Jewish sufganiyot are some of the most delicious donuts from around the world.

These puffy donuts were brought to Israel by Jews from Europe but soon got accepted widely among the Jewish community during the Hanukkah holiday. Frying food in oil honors the miracle of the menorah oil that miraculously burned for eight days.

Sufganiyot donuts are some of the most popular Israeli foods.

29. FRIED EMPANADAS FROM LATIN AMERICA

Fried empanadas are some of the best fried foods from around the world.

Empanadas originate from Spain, but they are some of the most popular foods in Latin America and the Philippines.

Stuffed with meat or vegetables fried empanadas are some of the most delicious fried foods in the world.

30. CROQUETTES FROM FRANCE

Deep-fried croquettes are some of the most beloved fried foods in the world.

Croquettes are eaten in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.

They were invented by Monsieur Escoffier, the founder of classical French Cuisine in 1898. Monsieur Escoffier and Monsieur Philias Gilbert have written the first recipe of croquettes.

Needless to say, croquettes are some of the most popular side dishes around the world. Breaded croquettes are some of the most famous snacks around the world too.

31. SCOTCH EGGS FROM ENGLAND

When you boil an egg, wrap it up with breaded sausages and then deep-fry all together, you get one of the most popular British dishes ever.

The delicious Scotch egg is traditional British picnic food, strongly beloved by all true Brits.

Ask Brits for the best fried foods in the world, fried Scotch egg will certainly be on the list!

32. HAMBURGER FROM THE US

We can not talk about fried foods, but not to mention American hamburgers.

Hamburgers might originate from Germany, but the USA is the country where these delicious sandwiches got so popular. Even more, the yummy hamburger is the national dish of the USA.

Are hamburgers some of the best-fried foods? Maybe not, but they are definitely among the most popular fried foods worldwide.

33. POPCORN FROM THE US

Popcorn is one of the favorite fried snacks around the world.

Popcorn as a popular snack was invented by Charles Cretors of Chicago who created the first mobile popcorn cart in the 1880s. Since then modern popcorn conquered the US first and then the rest of the world too.

You might be surprised but when you shallow-fry popcorn kernels in a saucepan with a small amount of oil, you get a wholesome snack.

Stovetop popcorn is a wholesome snack. Popcorn has lots of fiber, few calories, and a low energy density. Actually eating popcorn you could lose on your weight. Just don’t salt it too much and don’t use sugar or butter either.

34. GALANI FROM VENICE

If you are going to Venice for the Venice carnival, you should try a traditional Italian carnival pastry called galani.

Fried galani strips are sweet and thin pastry strips sold in every bakery and pastry shop in Venice. Galani pastries are also known as Venetian crostoli. Deep-fried Galani or Venetian crostoli are some of the best Italian desserts from Venice!