101+ Kid-Friendly Recipes From Around The World

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If there is one thing I keep hearing from my friends, it is how much cooking and eating they are doing right now while at home with their kids.  No matter where you are, families are looking for kid-friendly recipes around the world.   It is one of the things unifying us all.

When we travel with our kids, one of our favorite things is to try new foods.  Food is an integral part of any culture and often one of the best parts of travel.

So, while we can’t go out and experience the world, why not bring the world to us and our families with easy recipes from around the world?  One of the easiest ways to do this is with international recipes for kids cooking at home.

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Why Cook Kid-Friendly Meals From Around The Globe With Kids

Food is a connector for people all over the world.   It is often one of the things that make traveling to a new place so special.

When we travel with our kids, we love to eat at local restaurants and discover local and regional flavors.  We have also taken family cooking classes and family baking classes in France.  It was a way to learn all of the unique and celebrated aspects of French food culture, which is an important part of learning about the country!

Now, when it comes to countries whose culture and cuisine go hand in hand, France is at the top of the list! Many people (including Moi) LOVE traveling through this culinary capital for all the food in France.  The standards and fun facts for food alone are most fascinating, and many famed world chefs have studied and emerged from here (Julia Child, anyone?)

We’ve found that our kids can still immerse themselves in the unique culture of many countries all over the world by cooking international recipes.

Cooking Classes With Kids

One of our favorite travel experiences was a cooking class with an acclaimed French chef in his home.  It was such a fantastic way to experience French culture and a wonderful experiential family activity on vacation.

Whether it is discovering new cultural norms around food – such as times different cultures eat or particular table manners – or new flavors, food, and cooking is yet another great way to have children experience a culture.

Cooking With Kids To Share Heritage

Cooking and baking with kids at home is an excellent activity. Not only does it teach kids creativity, math, and science, but it is a great way for the whole family to spend time together and pass down traditions and heritage.

For example, if your mother or grandparent has passed down their favorite Vatrushki recipe, it is such a treasure to share this with kids and keep family traditions and ancestry alive.

In my family, my father taught us to make Hungarian halushki and some of the most famous Hungarian dishes, which is a part of my family heritage I love sharing with my kids.

And using these recipes for children from around the world is a great way to introduce your children to foods from all over the world and get kids involved in a palatable way.

Learning About International Foods

Food is one of the things that is unique and different in other cultures around the world. Trying new things, textures, and flavors is part of risk-taking and opens kids’ minds up to the world.  Kids’ cooking activities also connect them to other children around the globe.

For example, my kids love learning about snacks kids love from around the world or what candy children from other countries love to eat.  They often wonder, what do kids around the world enjoy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?  What are some favorite snacks in Japan or Switzerland?  Does the pasta in Italy taste the same as the best Italian pasta brands in the United States?

It is one of the things that makes travel and learning about other cultures so special. It is also fascinating to think about how food and cuisine evolved in countries due to their locations, what resources are available (land/sea/trade/spices), and what has become a common food in that country.

 

How To Make Kid-friendly Recipes From Around The World Educational

From traveling around the world, we have discovered so many wonderful flavors and tastes.  In fact, my kids now have a variety of favorite foods from around the world that they love when we get them as a special treat or make at home.

Making international recipes for children from around the world isn’t just fun and delicious. You can include it in your home teaching or distance learning. Here are some ideas on how you can do that:

Step 1:  Research A Country

Choose a country your kids can study. You can take a day or week to learn about it.

As part of this discovery, kids cooking international foods could help them learn about landmarks.  For example, they can learn about known landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, or the Sydney Opera House.  But older kids might be challenged to discover even lesser-known landmarks in Japan, for example, or throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond.

They can also study the weather,  languages, and activities to do. And, cooking a dish from the country can be part of the day’s activities. You may also want to include a craft related to the country your kids are studying.

For example, if your kids are learning about Spain, they can focus on a region like Barcelona.  Perhaps they can research Barcelona’s weather, famous landmarks like the Gaudi park Parc Güell, fun things to do in Barcelona with kids and even discover foods common in this part of Spain.  Perhaps they can even make a craft based on the art of Gaudi.

 

Step 2: Research The Resources  Of The Country

Depending on the ages of your children, some kids enjoy researching the resources of the country. You can ask:

• Is the country located near the ocean, or does it have more land?
• What crops grow there, or do they do a lot of fishing?
• What do you notice about what ingredients they may use in cooking or baking?

 

Step 3: Research What Is Popular With Kids In The Country

You can ask:

• What do children who live in the country do for fun?
• Are there popular toys or television shows in the country?
• What kinds of kid-friendly snacks around the world or in this country do the kids enjoy?
• What kinds of breakfast, lunch, and dinners from around the world do kids generally seem to like in this country?
• Are there special holidays in this country, and do they enjoy particular foods during that holiday season?

You could even have your children create a Venn Diagram to compare what foods, ingredients, or flavors are similar and different from what they usually see in their home or grocery store.  Are there any that are the same?

Step 4: Make A Recipe Kids Can Make From Around The World or From The Country 

You can make one of the meals below or get kids involved in the cooking and baking process.

 

Step 5: See 101 Kid-Friendly Recipes From Around The World Below

101+ Kid-Friendly Recipes From Around The World

Here is a list of international recipes that you can easily cook with kids or for kids to give them a taste of food and treats from around the world.  While some of these recipes are twists on traditional foods from a certain country, they incorporate flavors common in that country.

It is important to note that you should double-check the ingredients for any of the international recipes below for any allergens.  These dishes are suggestions and represent several countries, but not all, and do not represent all of the Cuisine for each country. You can certainly find additional recipes that suit you or support your home teaching/distance learning if you don’t find them here.

But these dishes are a great start. Kids cooking different international recipes is a great way to introduce them to a variety of tastes and flavors from countries around the world. You can also add an international cooking experience to your home curriculum in the areas of science, social studies, world cultures, language learning, and even risk-taking and creativity.

Bon appétit!

Australia

Homemade Violet Crumble (from the Go Science Kids blog)

Anzac Biscuits (from the Go Science Kids blog)

Canada

Quick and Easy Canned Salmon Impossible Pie (from A Taste for Travel blog)

French Canadian Breakfast Crepes (from Snappy Gourmet blog)

China

Savory

Easy Chinese Vegetable Soup (from DIY Candy blog)

10-Minute Vegetable Lo Mein (from Strength and Sunshine blog)

Stir-Fried Noodles (from Cradle Kitchen blog)

Vegetarian Chow Mein (from Cinnamon and Coriander blog)

5 Ingredient Orange Chicken (from Kimspired DIY blog)

Eggroll in a Bowl (from the Eating On A Dime blog)

Wonton Tacos (from the Baking Beauty blog)

Sesame Tofu  (from Rhian’s Recipes blog)

Chicken Dumplings With Shitake Mushrooms (A Chinese New Year dish from The Woks of Life)

Sweet

Homemade Fortune Cookies – A delicious sweet treat (from Jen Around The World blog)

Corn Flakes Chocolate Chips Cookies (from Daily Cooking Quest –  These cookies are another great way to celebrate the Chinese New Year.)

Croatia

Croatian Kiflice (Jam Filled Crescent Cookie) (from Sustain My Cooking Habit blog)

Croatian Cevapi (these delicious sausages contain ground pork and ground beef.) (Sustain My Cooking Habit)

Ecuador

Pan de Yuca (from Moon and Spoon and Yum blog)

Egypt

Ancient Egyptian Foods (from Bible Times VBS blog)

Umm Ali (from Caroline’s Cooking blog)

Ful Medames (from This Healthy Table blog)

England

Savory

How To Trow The Perfect Tea Party (from Besos Alina blog)

Afternoon Tea Scones (from Christina’s Cucina blog)

Playing Card Sandwiches For A Tea Party (from A Mummy Too blog)

Shepherd’s Pie (from the Scrappy Geek blog)

Sweet

Vanilla Bean English-Style Scones With Strawberry Cream (Slumber & Scones blog)

Sticky Toffee Pudding (from Ann’s Entitled Life blog)

Ethiopia

Berbere Spiced Chicken - Doro Wat Recipe (from This Healthy Table blog)

France

Savory

Cheat's Croque Madame (from Fab Food 4 All blog)

Filo Pastry Mini Quiches (from A Mummy Too blog)

Pain Perdu (from Nutmeg and Vinegar blog)

Sweet

Classic Crepe Batter Recipe: Palačinke Rolls With Nutella (from Sustain My Cooking Habit blog)

French Style Yogurt Cake (from My Mini Adventurer blog)

Chocolate Dipped Madeleines (from A Hedgehog In The Kitchen blog)

Note - You may want to check out this Paris in 3 days itinerary if you plan on going to France and tasting the food in person.

Georgia

Super Easy Cheese Buns (from The Pomegranate Mom blog)

 

Germany

German Potato Soup (from Simply Stacie blog)

Baked Rice Pudding (from Cinnamon and Coriander blog)

Strudel (from Francine's Place blog)

Easy Breakfast Bread Rolls (Where Is My Spoon blog)

Greece

Best Greek Salad (from Tasty Galaxy blog)

Greek Omelette (from Primal Edge Health blog)

 

Hungary

Walnut Crescent Cookies (from My Pure Plants blog - these have a delicious dusting of vanilla powdered sugar)

India

Savory Indian Food Recipes

We love Indian food, and these recipes represent the culture well.

Chutney Sandwiches (from India Ambrosia blog)

Baked Vegetable Pakora (from Veggie Desserts blog)

Garlic Naan Bread (from Little Earthling blog)

Sweet

Biscuit Cake (from Veg Recipes of India blog)

Ireland

Savory

Irish Beef Stew (from Scrappy Geek blog)

Sweet

Irish Oatmeal Cookies (from The Monday Box blog)

Irish (or Scottish) Soda Scones  (from Christina's Cucina blog)

Check out even more amazing Irish food and dishes to discover the tastes of Ireland!

 

Israel

Israeli Chicken Shawarma (from Bites N Pieces blog)

Italy

Savory

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza (from My Kitchen Love blog)

Flatbread Pizza (from Little Sunny Kitchen blog)

Easy Homemade Pasta (from Swirls Of Flavor blog)

Best Gnocchi Recipe (from Cradle Kitchen blog)

Easy Italian Wedding Soup (from Food Meanderings blog)

Easy Fettuccine Alfredo (from Kimspired DIY blog)

Sweet

Sweet Buns With Whipped Cream (from Nonna Box blog)

Christina's Thick Italian Style Hot Chocolate (from Christina's Cucina blog)

Japan

Easy Vegan Miso Soup (from Vegan Huggs blog)

Vegetable Loaded Sushi Donuts (from Recipes From A Pantry blog)

Vegan Avocado Sushi Rolls (from Any Reasons Vegan blog)

 

Korea

Vegan Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos (from Urban Farmie blog)

 

 

Mexico

Savory

Mini Mexican Street Corn (from Veggie Desserts blog)

Restaurant Style Mexican Cheese Dip (from Jen Around The World blog)

Sopa de Albondigas  (from Taste For Travel blog)

Chicken Tortilla Soup (from Super Safeway blog)

Sopa de Fideo/Mexican Noodle Soup (from Vegan Huggs blog)

Baked Chicken Fajitas (from Joy Filled Eats blog)

Mild Chicken Fajitas For Kids (from A Mummy Too blog)

Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas (from Recipes From A Pantry blog)

Dutch Oven Mexican Rice (from Mama Likes To Cook blog)

Cheesy Mollettes Mexicanos (from A Hedgehog In The Kitchen blog)

Sweet

Mexican Sugar Cookies: Polvorones (from The Monday Box blog)

Pastel del Elote: Mexican Corn Cake (from Strength and Sunshine blog)

Mexican Horchata  (from Mama Likes To Cook blog)

Lemon Carlota (from The Cookware Geek blog)

Morocco

Moroccan Mint Lemonade (from Couple In The Kitchen blog)

Zaalouk - Moroccan Eggplant Salad (from Caroline's Cooking blog)

Nigeria

African Spiced Carrot Millet (from Strength And Sunshine blog)

Netherlands

Speculaas (from Nutmeg and Vinegar blog)

 

Poland

Puff Pastry Croissants Filled With Rose Jam (from Where Is My Spoon blog - this also have a light dusting of powdered sugar, which is a favorite for my kids)

Pierogi Breakfast Casserole (from Food Meanderings blog)

Slovakia

Slovak Style Egg Spread (from Almost Bananas blog)

Bryndzove Cauliflower (from Almost Bananas blog)

 

South Africa

South African Peppermint Crisp Pie (from Keeper Of The Kitchen blog)

South African Vetkoek (from Keeper Of The Kitchen blog)

Sosaties - Lamb and Apricot Kebabs (from Caroline's Kitchen blog)

Spain

Seafood Paella (from Besos Alina blog)

Roasted Red Pepper Vegan Paella (from Very Vegan Val blog)

Jalapeño Corn Bread (from April Golightly blog)

Spanish Beans With Tomatoes (from Veggie Desserts blog)

Vegan Spanish Risotto (from Rhian's Recipes blog)

Switzerland

Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Preussens (from My Mini Adventurer blog)

Zwetschgenwähe: Swiss Plum Pie (from My Mini Adventurer blog)

Suriname

Easy Surinamese-Inspired Savory Chicken Tacos (from Wanderlusting blog)

Syria

Homemade Fruit Leather or Qamardeen (from Hilda's Kitchen blog)

Thailand

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (from Eating On A Dime blog)

Yen Ta Fo (Thai Pink Noodle Soup with ground pork) (Marion's Kitchen)

Tunisia

Harissa Grilled Cheese Gluten-Free and Vegan (from Strength and Sunshine blog)

Harissa Potato Salad (from Strength and Sunshine blog)

 

Ukraine

Savory

Classic Borsch  (from Natasha's Kitchen blog - The main ingredient is beets, and you have never thought about it, but it's really good with a dollop of mayo or sour cream)

Ukranian Potato Pancakes (Deruny) -These also contain sour cream, which gives them richness.(from Natasha's Kitchen blog)

Chicken Kiev (from Recipe Tin Eats blog)

Ukranian Pierogis (from The House and Homestead blog)

Haluski Ukranian Dumplings (from Momsdish blog)

Sweet

Thick Pancakes With Apples (from Ukraine Food blog)

Classic Ukranian Honey Cake (from Ukraine Food blog)

Chocolate Sausage (from Ukranian Recipes blog)

Oreshki Walnut Shaped Cookies (from Let The Baking Begin blog)

 

United States

Savory

Homemade Molasses Baked Beans With Bacon (from Kelly Neil blog)

American Goulash (from Easy Budget Recipes blog)

New York Style Pizza (from Food Folks and Fun blog)

Food Truck Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (from Food Folks and Fun blog)

Authentic New York Bagels (from Wanderlusting blog)

Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes (from Food Meanderings blog)

Dairy-free and Gluten-free Meatloaf (from Food Meanderings blog)

Southwest Egg Rolls (from the Baking Beauty blog - our kids love egg rolls, and these egg rolls are perfect with a southwestern twist)

Avocado Toast With Smoked Salmon (from Easy Recipes For Busy Moms)

 

Sweet

Easy New Orleans Rasberry Filled Beignets (from Backyard Bohemian blog)

Red, White and Blue Strawberry Mini Pies (from Gale & Plum blog)

Deluxe Apple Pie *Award Winning*  (from Food Meanderings blog)

Prize Pumpkin Pie (from Food Meanderings blog)

Rum Raisin Apple Brown Betty (note only a small amount of Rum is used) (from Vintage Kitty blog)

Blueberry Cornbread Recipe (from Food Meanderings blog)

Vietnam

Bahn Mi Turkey Hot Dogs (from Food Meanderings blog)

 

Last Thing You Need To Know About Kid-Friendly Recipes Around The World

Cooking and baking with kids is a wonderful activity that teaches creativity, science, and math and is a great way to spend time together. Using kid and family-friendly international recipes from across the globe will also add multicultural education to these benefits. My kids love cooking and learning about foods from other countries at the same time.

Though we may not be able to travel to some of these countries now in person, we can certainly get a taste of them from home. Exploring recipes children can make from other countries is a great way to expose kids to other cultures and encourage them to take risks.

It can be an integral part of homeschooling and learning about other cultures and countries worldwide. One thing my kids love is to immerse themselves in a different culture, and I'm sure your kids will, too.

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