Sure, we’re looking forward to sunshine, farmer’s markets, and plenty of fresh produce as we head into the summer season—but what about the ooey-gooey, deliciously decadent foods that we just can’t say no to, even when it’s 90 degrees outside? Today, we’re celebrating those greasy delights with a list of some of our favorite indulgent foods from around the world. Bon appetit, friends!
Deep-Fried Mars Bar (Scotland)
Apparently, deep-fried candy bars aren’t just a Midwestern delicacy—Scotland, in particular, is known for its deep-fried Mars bar, a battered and fried milk chocolate bar filled with caramel and nougat. Often found at fish and chip shops, this dessert is popular with children, and many consider it to be the unofficial dish of Scotland.
Acarjé (Brazil)
Acarjé are round fritters made from mashed black-eyed peas, chopped onions, and salt fried in palm oil. Once removed from the piping hot oil, acarjé are split in half and stuffed with a spicy filling made from shrimp or ground nuts. Though it was first created in Africa, you’ll find this dish sold from carts lining the streets of Bahia, Brazil, highlighting just one of the many ways African culture has influenced life in South America.
Khachapuri (Georgia)
Khachapuri is leavened bread topped with a pool of melty cheese that’s finished off with a perfectly runny egg. The national dish of Georgia (the country, not the American state), this tasty traditional treat is like your favorite cheesy bread got an upgrade—it’s literally made for ripping and dipping! Plus, it’s so important to the country that it even has its own holiday: National Khachapuri Day is celebrated on February 27th.
Aligot (France)
Let’s keep the cheese train chugging along! Pommes aligot is an indulgent side dish, popular in the mountains of Southern France, that’s made of mashed potatoes, butter, cream, and a whole lot of cheese. Its ooey-gooey, stretchy, and somewhat elastic texture makes it similar to a fondue, and it’s perfect for dipping, serving alongside a protein, or just eating with a spoon.
Jalebi (India)
Crispy, crunchy, sweet, and syrupy, jalebi is a decadent dessert (and sometimes breakfast) found throughout South Asia and the Middle East. A flour-based batter is fried in circular and squiggly shapes, then soaked in a saffron-scented sugar syrup to make this sticky treat. Often bright orange in color, jalebi can be eaten hot or cold and is commonly found at weddings, festivals, and holiday celebrations.
