What Is the Most Popular Ethnic Food in the World?
At Dinolingo, we’re not just passionate about languages — we love learning about different cultures too! One of the best (and tastiest!) ways to explore a culture is through its food. Whether it’s Vietnamese pho, Moroccan tagine, or Italian pasta, every culture has something delicious to offer. But have you ever stopped to wonder: What is the most popular ethnic food in the world?
A Quick Dive into Google’s Search Data
Curious about global food trends, we decided to investigate this question using Google search data. By checking monthly search volumes in English, we found that Chinese food ranks at the very top — making it the world’s most searched ethnic cuisine!
Here are the top contenders based on global search interest:
| Ethnic Cuisine | Global Monthly Searches | U.S. Monthly Searches |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese food | 1,000,000 | 823,000 |
| Mexican food | 550,000 | 450,000 |
| Indian food | 450,000 | 201,000 |
| Thai food | 368,000 | 201,000 |
| Italian food | 246,000 | 135,000 |
| Japanese food | 201,000 | 90,500 |
Not only is Chinese food a staple in many homes, but it’s also a favorite takeout option around the world. From fried rice to dumplings, it’s clear that people just can’t get enough!
A Fun Way to Learn Through Food and Language
Learning about food is just one way to connect with a new culture. Another great way? Learning the language! Kids who learn Chinese can better understand the culture behind the food — and even learn to read menus, recipes, or food labels in Chinese.
At Dinolingo, we offer engaging Chinese lessons for children aged 2–14. With fun videos, songs, games, and printable flashcards, Dinolingo makes learning Chinese just as exciting as trying new dishes. It’s available online, on iOS and Android, and even comes with a parent dashboard for tracking progress.