Which is the Latin American country with the most exceptional gastronomy according to the 2023 Taste Atlas

THE Latin American gastronomy is gaining more and more recognition around the world, standing out for its distinctive flavors and ingredients that represent the cultural richness of each country.

In the year 2023, the Taste Atlas World Food Guide made a list of 100 countries with the most exceptional gastronomy in the worldand the undisputed winner was Italy.

Italy, one of the most important European countries, is known and recognized for its rich gastronomic culture, being a predominant reference on the continent. This recognition is due to several factors, including the diversity and authenticity of the flavors of its signature dishes and drinks.

Within this extensive list, some Latin American countries have managed to position themselves, resonating around the world with its extraordinary dishes. Among the top 10 countries, Mexico and Peru stand outhighlighting the influence and relevance of Latin American gastronomy in the global culinary scene.

The countries with the best gastronomy in Latin America

Mexico, at number 7

Within all Latin cuisine, Mexican cuisine has gone the furthest, thanks to the variety of its dishes, many of which are based on corn or cereals such as rice, wheat or seeds. One of the most recognized are tacos, pozole or desserts such as marquesitas.

Peru, at number 10

Peruvian cuisine has always been highlighted globally, so it is no surprise that it is in the top 10 of the ranking compiled by Taste Atlas. Not only does it have the particularity of cooking unusual meats, but it also has unique dishes such as escabeche de chicken, ají de gallina or carapulca.

Brazil, at number 12

Brazilian gastronomy is something unique and plays an important role in its culture, since any typical dish is ideal for celebrating.

Argentina, at number 14

One of the dishes that cannot be missed in Argentina is a good cut of meat. A country with typical dishes such as roast, empanadas or choripán, could not fail to be in the ranking of the top 20 countries with the best gastronomy.

Chile, at number 24

Chilean cuisine is a mix between indigenous tradition and that of the Spanish colony. There are 14 types of Chilean cuisine, among the most popular dishes are ajiaco and anticuchos.

Colombia, in position number 28

Colombia is known for its excellent cuisine, with varied flavors and ingredients. Some of its most notable dishes are ajiaco santafeño, mote de queso, mamona and tumba paisa.

Ecuador, in position number 48

Ecuadorian gastronomy is one of the most varied, each region has its characteristic flavours, even if the ingredients are the same, each one creates them in a unique way.

Puerto Rico, in position number 58

Puerto Ricans highlight their cuisine as Creole cuisine, a gastronomy composed of several adaptations from other countries that have been part of their history. They stand out for their colorful and tasty dishes.

Bolivia, in position number 60

Bolivia stands out for its fusion cuisine, its traditional dishes with the modernity of the country’s gastronomy. The dishes are based on corn or potatoes such as chili papalisa or carachi broth.

Haiti, in position number 67

Haitian gastronomy is a fusion of African and French cultures. It presents aromatic dishes, with unique textures and flavors, with fruits and cereals that can create unique blends.

Jamaica, number 68

It has always been believed that Jamaican cuisine was an appropriation of dishes from other countries, but this is not the case since with local products they have unique and totally their own recipes.

Venezuela, in position number 70

Venezuelan gastronomy is largely influenced by Spanish cuisine, a unique mix of European and local products. One of the best-known dishes is the arepa, made with corn and rice mixed with meat or fish.

Cuba, in position number 75

The island of Cuba is influenced by the gastronomy of other regions, but stands out for being faithful to its products with a lot of variety of flavors. One of the reasons why it is recognized in Latin gastronomy is the mix of sweet and savory.

Uruguay, in position number 79

Like Jamaica, Uruguay was long believed to not have its own cuisine, but over time it began to have a distinctive identity. It stands out for the great fusion of culture and gastronomy of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.

Dominican Republic, at position number 98

One of the national and main ingredients is banana, so you are likely to find it in several typical dishes. Another cuisine that usually mixes sweet and savory flavors in different ways.