Taste The World At Home: 5 International Dishes You Can Make In Your Kitchen

International Chefs Day celebrates the artistry, passion, and global influence of chefs. It’s the perfect time for home cooks to explore new flavors, try new techniques, and appreciate how food connects cultures. With a few reliable kitchen tools from Select Brands, you can travel the world through taste right from your countertop.

From France to Thailand, these top international recipes showcase dishes that bring world cuisine to your kitchen. Each recipe includes clear steps, country of origin, and the best appliance that helps you create authentic flavors with ease.

Around the World in Eight Dishes

1. French Crêpes with Fresh Berries

Country: France
Perfect Appliance: Toastmaster Electric Griddle

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 1/2 cups milk
  
• 2 tbsp melted butter
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• Fresh berries and powdered sugar for topping
  

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
   
2. Heat your Toastmaster Griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
   
3. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter and tilt the surface to spread evenly or use a crepe spreader.
   
4. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden.
   
5. Fold or roll and top with berries and powdered sugar.
   

Tip: Try savory crêpes by omitting vanilla and adding herbs and cheese for a twist.

2. Greek Halloumi Panini with Tomato and Arugula

Country: Greece
Perfect Appliance: Toastmaster Sandwich Maker

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 4 slices sourdough bread
  
• 6 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  
• 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
  
• 1/2 cup fresh arugula
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  

Instructions

1. Brush the outside of each bread slice with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with oregano.
   
2. Layer tomato, halloumi, and arugula between the bread slices.
   
3. Preheat the Toastmaster Sandwich Maker and cook the panini for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and cheese softens.
   
4. Serve hot, sliced diagonally.
   

Tip: Add roasted red peppers or a drizzle of tzatziki for extra Mediterranean flavor.

3. Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Country: Japan
Perfect Appliance: Toastmaster Electric Griddle

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
  
• 2 tbsp honey
  
• 2 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 1 tsp sesame oil
  
• Skewers, soaked in water
  

Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, honey, mirin, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
   
2. Thread chicken onto soaked skewers.
   
3. Preheat griddle to medium-high and cook skewers 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
   
4. Brush with remaining marinade and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
   

Tip: Serve over jasmine rice or with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

4. Mexican Churros with Cinnamon Sugar

Country: Mexico
Perfect Appliance: Toastmaster Deep Fryer

Ingredients (Makes 10–12)

• 1 cup water
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  
• 1 tbsp sugar
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 1 egg
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon for coating
  

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and 1 tbsp sugar to a boil. Stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
   
2. Cool slightly, then mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
   
3. Pipe dough into hot oil (350°F) using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
   
4. Fry 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain and coat with cinnamon sugar.
   

Tip: Serve with warm chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.

5. American Chocolate Cake Pops

Country: United States
Perfect Appliance: Babycakes Cake Pop Maker

Ingredients (Makes 12)

• 1 box chocolate cake mix, baked and cooled
  
• 1 cup prepared frosting
  
• 12 oz chocolate coating or candy melts
  
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts for decoration
  

Instructions

1. Prepare your favorite cake mix according to the package directions.
2. Preheat your Babycakes Cake Pop Maker.
3. Fill each cake pop cavity with about 1 tablespoon of raw cake batter.
4. Close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the cake pops are firm and cooked through.
5. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Dip cooled cake pops in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or toppings of your choice.

Tip: For variety, try red velvet, caramel mocha, or peanut butter chocolate versions.

6. Indian Butter Chicken

Country: India
Perfect Appliance: Toastmaster Single Burner with Coil Top

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed
  
• 1 cup tomato puree
  
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  
• 1 tbsp garam masala
  
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  
• 1 tsp salt
  

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat on your Toastmaster Single Burner.
   
2. Add chicken and sauté for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
   
3. Stir in tomato puree, yogurt, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste.
   
4. Simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
   
5. Add cream and simmer 5 minutes more. Serve with naan or rice.
   

Tip: For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in yogurt and spices before cooking.

7. Italian Affogato

Country: Italy
Perfect Appliance: TRU Espresso Maker

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream
  
• 2 fresh espresso shots brewed with TRU Espresso Maker
  
• Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish
  

Instructions

1. Brew espresso using the TRU Espresso Maker’s single or double shot setting.
   
2. Scoop gelato into small dessert cups.
   
3. Pour hot espresso over each scoop and garnish with cocoa or shaved chocolate.
   

Tip: Try adding a drizzle of caramel or hazelnut syrup for a flavor upgrade.

8. Thai Shrimp Pad Thai

Country: Thailand
Perfect Appliance: Toastmaster Electric Skillet

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 8 oz rice noodles, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes and drained
  
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
• 3 tbsp tamarind or pad thai sauce
  
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
  
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
  
• 1 cup bean sprouts
  
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
  
• Lime wedges
  

Instructions

1. Heat oil in the Toastmaster Electric Skillet on medium-high heat.
   
2. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Push to one side and add eggs; scramble lightly.
   
3. Stir in noodles, sauces, and sugar. Toss for 3–4 minutes until evenly coated.
   
4. Add bean sprouts and mix for another minute. Garnish with peanuts and lime.
   

Tip: Substitute tofu for shrimp for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Creative Ways to Celebrate in Your Kitchen

• Host a Global Dinner Party: Choose a different country for each course.
  

• Cook Along Online: Invite friends or coworkers to a virtual cooking night.
  

• Teach Kids New Recipes: Use kid-safe appliances like the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker for hands-on fun.
  

• Show Off Your Skills: Post your global dishes on social media with #InternationalChefsDay and tag @selectbrands.
  

• Try New Ingredients: Explore your local market for authentic spices, cheeses, and sauces from other cultures.

Celebrate your love for food by bringing the world’s best flavors home. Explore versatile kitchen tools and appliances designed for global cooking at selectbrands.com and start your own international culinary adventure today.

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FAQs

How can I celebrate International Chefs Day at home?

Try making one new recipe from a different country. You can host a themed dinner, teach a cooking class for family, or use appliances from selectbrands.com to bring global techniques to your kitchen.

What appliances work best for international cooking?

The Toastmaster Electric Griddle, Electric Skillet, and Deep Fryer, along with the Babycakes Cake Pop Maker and TRU Coffee Maker, make cooking global dishes easier and more enjoyable.

Can kids help with international recipes?

Yes. Choose simple dishes like crêpes or cake pops so kids can measure, mix, and decorate safely. Supervision makes the experience fun and educational.

How can I make authentic flavors at home?

Focus on one or two key ingredients from each cuisine—like soy sauce for Japanese dishes or garam masala for Indian recipes. Pairing authentic seasonings with proper cooking tools helps recreate traditional flavors.