Food can tell you a lot about a country, from its cultural traditions and trade routes to what brings families together around the dinner table every night.
Most of us fancy ourselves as a bit of a foodie because we know our way around an Italian menu, can roll our own sushi, or recognise a few classic curries. But when you step off the well-worn tourist track, global cuisine becomes far more varied, surprising, and downright fascinating than the staples you find in local takeaways.
How much do you actually know about what people eat across the continents once you dig beneath the surface? From controversial Canadian pizza toppings and prized cuts of Japanese beef to vibrant Middle Eastern street food and weird and wonderful tropical fruits, this 20-question challenge covers some serious culinary ground. Put your tastebuds and your global knowledge to the test, keep an honest tally of your score as you go, and see how many you can nail without having to guess.
1. In which country was Hawaiian pizza actually invented?
A. Australia
B. United States
C. Canada
D. Italy
2. What is the main ingredient traditionally used to make falafel?
A. Chickpeas
B. Potatoes
C. Rice
D. Couscous
3. Which country is one of the world’s leading exporters of coffee beans?
A. Colombia
B. Ethiopia
C. Mexico
D. Brazil
4. Wagyu beef takes its name from words referring to cattle from which country?
A. South Korea
B. Japan
C. China
D. Thailand
5. Which fruit is known as the “king of fruits” and is famous for its powerful smell?
A. Durian
B. Papaya
C. Mango
D. Jackfruit
6. Which country is listed as the world’s biggest producer of potatoes in the source quiz?
A. India
B. United States
C. China
D. Germany
7. What type of fish produces the roe known as tobiko, commonly used in Japanese cuisine?
A. Salmon
B. Flying fish
C. Tuna
D. Mackerel
8. In a Spanish New Year’s Eve tradition, how many grapes are eaten for good luck?
A. Seven
B. Ten
C. Twenty-four
D. Twelve
9. Which country is listed as drinking the most coffee per person by weight each year in the source quiz?
A. Finland
B. France
C. Italy
D. Brazil
10. Which spice comes from a type of crocus flower?
A. Turmeric
B. Paprika
C. Saffron
D. Cumin
11. Which bread is traditionally served during Jewish holidays?
A. Focaccia
B. Pita
C. Brioche
D. Challah
12. Which fruit is also known as pitaya?
A. Guava
B. Dragon fruit
C. Passion fruit
D. Lychee
13. Which fruit is sometimes known as an “alligator pear”?
A. Mango
B. Papaya
C. Avocado
D. Fig
14. What is the primary flavouring ingredient in frangipane?
A. Almond
B. Coconut
C. Hazelnut
D. Pistachio
15. German chocolate cake actually originated in which country?
A. Germany
B. Austria
C. Switzerland
D. United States
16. Which fruit has varieties called Bartlett and Anjou?
A. Apples
B. Pears
C. Plums
D. Peaches
17. What is the French name for the mixture of onion, celery and carrot commonly used as a base for dishes?
A. Duxelles
B. Roux
C. Julienne
D. Mirepoix
18. Which fruit is dried to make raisins?
A. Grapes
B. Dates
C. Figs
D. Plums
19. Which of these fruits is botanically classed as a berry?
A. Strawberry
B. Banana
C. Raspberry
D. Cherry
20. Which tropical fruit is known for being extremely large and having a spiky green exterior?
A. Lychee
B. Kumquat
C. Jackfruit
D. Guava
Answers
1. C. Canada
2. A. Chickpeas
3. D. Brazil
4. B. Japan
5. A. Durian
6. C. China
7. B. Flying fish
8. D. Twelve
9. A. Finland
10. C. Saffron
11. D. Challah
12. B. Dragon fruit
13. C. Avocado
14. A. Almond
15. D. United States
16. B. Pears
17. D. Mirepoix
18. A. Grapes
19. B. Banana
20. C. Jackfruit
How many did you get right? Tell us your score in the comments.
