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New Year, New Flavours: Exploring Global Cuisines in 2026

The start of a new year is the perfect time to get adventurous in the kitchen and experiment with new flavours. Exploring global cuisine at home is an easy way to shake off the January blues and make mealtimes exciting again.

Why the New Year Is the Perfect Time to Try New Flavours

Moving beyond festive classics

After the festive indulgence of December, January can be a good time for lighter, fresher eating. Global cuisines often prioritise grains, vegetables, herbs and spices, offering a welcome reset while still delivering on flavour and comfort.

The appeal of travel-inspired cooking at home

When the weather is cold and dark, recreating international dishes at home can connect you with the flavours and memories of warmer climates. With a few simple ingredients, it’s possible to recreate some of the best dishes global cuisine has to offer.

 

Global Cuisines to Explore This Year

Mediterranean cooking and fresh, simple ingredients

Mediterranean cuisine is a firm favourite for many families thanks to its focus on flavour and simplicity. Think olive oil, seasonal vegetables, tasty grains and salty cheeses seasoned with spices like paprika and cumin and herbs like oregano and mint.

Middle Eastern flavours and warming spices

Middle Eastern flavours make for perfect winter-warming dishes. Spices like cumin, coriander and cinnamon are mixed with dairy, pulses and fresh herbs. Flatbreads, slow-cooked vegetables, lentils and creamy yoghurt-based sauces flavoured with sumac and za’atar are easy to recreate at-home and are great for feeding lots of guests at dinner parties.

Check out our recipe for homemade yoghurt flatbread here.

homemade flatbreads

 

East and Southeast Asian dishes and techniques

East and Southeast Asian cuisine focuses on balance; salty, sour, sweet and spicy work together to create the ultimate flavour combinations. Rice, noodles, eggs, vegetables and plant-based proteins such as tofu form the basis of many dishes, while aromatic sauces do the heavy lifting.

Latin American-inspired meals and bold flavours

Latin American cooking celebrates bold seasoning and vibrant colours. Beans, rice, vegetables and slow-cooked meats are elevated with chilli, citrus and herbs. Tacos, rice bowls or burritos are easy dishes that can be customised to suit the tastes of the whole family. Mexican eggs, for example, are a great way to spice up breakfast!

 

Mexican eggs and tacos

Easy Ways to Bring Global Cuisine into Everyday Cooking

Simple spice swaps and flavour pairings

You don’t need to invest in a whole new spice rack to start exploring the best global cuisine. Experimenting with swapping familiar seasonings such as black pepper with paprika or chilli flakes can bring a subtle heat and depth to roasted vegetables, while adding cumin or coriander to soups or stews can create a warmer, more Middle Eastern-inspired flavour.

Using familiar ingredients in new ways

One of the easiest ways to explore new global cuisines is by rethinking how you use everyday ingredients. Yoghurt isn’t just for breakfast – it can be a cooling topping for warm dishes or a marinade for chicken. Butter can be infused with herbs to add flavour and richness to flatbreads, or rice and grains can be mixed with nuts, spices or citrus for added flavour.

Learning basic techniques that unlock new cuisines

A handful of foundational cooking techniques can open the door to a wide range of global dishes. Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and works across cuisines. Simmering sauces or stews slowly allows flavours to develop gradually, and adding fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime or a spoonful of yoghurt can elevate many dishes.

 

Start the Year with Curious, Confident Cooking

Building confidence in the kitchen

Exploring global flavours shouldn’t be intimidating. Introducing one new spice, ingredient or cooking technique at a time can allow you to build up your confidence. Following recipes until you feel confident with global spices and ingredients is a good way to build up your cooking skills.

Using seasonal and local ingredients to explore global flavours

Global cuisine doesn’t mean ignoring local or Book your doorstep delivery now.

For more mealtime inspiration, check out the Beside the Pint blog.