Massaman Curry

Voted the world's most delicious food by CNN Travel in a global poll, Massaman curry originated in southern Thailand through trade contact with Persian, Indian, and Malay spice merchants in the 17th century and blends Thai ingredients -- galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and tamarind -- with spices absent from other Thai curries: cardamom, cloves, star anise, and mace. Its Portuguese name (Mussulman means Muslim) reflects its origin as a Muslim-influenced dish that spread throughout Buddhist Thailand through royal court kitchens.