What good is a vacation without great food? If you’re sailing across the gorgeous Mediterranean, you’ll notice that the meals are prepared with love and care, using the finest ingredients. It’s unlike any other food you’ve tried before and certainly much different from other countries. From luxurious Spanish cuisine to unique pasta, these foods from each country in the Med are a must-try!

Paella, a Spanish rice dish from Valencia, is one Spain’s most popular dishes. You can of course order it with your preferred ingredients, but it typically includes meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, and rice. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser abundant in flavor!

This versatile dish can be served hot or cold. They’ve certainly increased in popularity around the globe, but there’s nothing like tasting authentic tapas in Spain. Originally a free portion of food, they grew to be an extensive assortment of appetizers. This can mean a bowl of olives to stuffed mussels! Made with essentially any food, you’re sure to find a dish that you love.

Jamón serrano, or dry-cured ham, is typically served in slices. This definitely isn’t your typical store-bought pre-packaged ham, although it looks similar. Whether you taste this straight off a charcuterie board or by itself, it’s absolutely delicious!

You might be thinking about the popular Pixar film, but the meal is just as good! This stewed vegetable dish ingredients such as tomato, garlic, onion, zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and herbs. Preparation varies, but the end result is almost always tasty.

Socca, also known as farinata or torta di ceci, is a thin, unleavened pancake or crepe made from chickpea flour. It’s a simple, savory food that’s not only vegan, but it’s also gluten and grain-free! This is also a dish in which there are many variations.

Bouillabaisse is an original seafood stew from Marseilles, France. Made from a mixture of fish, shellfish, vegetables, and herbs, it’s usually made for more than five people. If you’re a big fan of seafood, this is the perfect dish for you!

Sicilian pizza is vastly different from most other pizzas. Typically made in a rectangular shape, the thick and doughy crust is comparable to focaccia and decorated with tomatoes, onions, and many other vegetables.

This fluffy sponge cake is unlike any other typical bakery pastry. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also tastes very sweet! Many find that it has floral notes and doesn’t have an overpowering flavor. Made from cream cheese and mascarpone, the frosting is tasty, yet not extremely rich.

Essentially a charcuterie board of fresh seafood, this fresh platter can contain mussels, shrimp, squid, and more! It’s basically a seafood salad!

Originating in the Middle East, these delicious cubed-meat dishes are served on a skewer, usually with vegetables. They’re typically cooked over a fire, but they may be cookies in a pan as well. Traditional meats that they contain are pork, fish, chicken, or lamb.

Mezes are basically Middle Eastern tapas. There are vegetarian, meat, and fish options, which arrive at the table about four or five times. Hot or cold and served to the spice range of your choosing, these dishes contain octopus, vegetables, cheese, and more.

You may have tried this tasty treat before, but it’s even more special when eaten in the country of its origin. Made with chopped nuts and syrup, this cinnamon-scented pastry sure isn’t your average dessert!