Latin America is not only home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. As a matter of fact, the region also boasts a wide variety of culinary delights, which are usually made from the fusion of distinct spices and fresh ingredients popularly known as regional condiments.

Latin American cuisines have varied tastes and through their specialties, one will know how the vastly different cultures in the region are alike. While it is already a given fact that Mexican restaurants have dominated the dining scene, these 10 dishes listed below are some of the region's must-try specialties.

1. Feijoada

Country: Brazil

This stew is a traditional and national Brazilian specialty that is made from black beans and either beef or pork meat. According to Top Universities, the dish is usually served with rice, vegetables, assorted sausages including chourico, morcela (blood sausage) and farinheira.     

2. Mole Poblano

Country: Mexico

In Mexican cuisine, Mole refers to the generic name given for several sauces. While Mole poblano is deemed as Mexico's national dish that is made from almost 20 different ingredients including chili and chocolate. This dark sauce is often served over turkey.

3. Bandeja paisa

Country: Colombia

This dish is a platter-style meal most-known in the Antioquia department of Colombia and the Paisa region. It consists of a generous variety of food including red beans cooked with pork, white rice, carne molida (ground meat), chicarron, fried egg, chorizo, plantain, arepa (flat bread), morcilla (black pudding), avocado, lemon and hogao sauce.

4. Asado

Country: Argentina

Considered as an Argentinian national dish, this dish can also be traditionally found in other Latin American nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay and Ecuador. The term "asado" refers to particular barbecue techniques and the main ingredient is flank-cut beef ribs seasoned with chimichurri. Asado is cooked on a grill called parilla (open fire).

5. Curanto

Country: Chile

This Chilean traditional specialty is usually prepared in a dirt pit and covered with stones, which are heated until red. The preparation for this dish is specific in which the typical ingredients, which include shellfish, meat, milcao (potato pancake) and chapaleles (dumpling), and other vegetables, are covered in nalca (Chilean rhubarb).

6. Ceviche

Country: Peru

This Peruvian dish is made of fresh raw fish meat marinated in citrus juices and seasoned with aji (chili peppers). Expat Chronicles noted that aside from its mouthwatering taste, this dish is also super healthy. It is often served with sweet potatoes and seaweed.

7. Encebollado

Country: Ecuador

This Ecuadorian fish stew is the country's national dish. It is often served with boiled cassava or yucca, picked red onion rings, fresh tomatoes, ripe avocado, plantain and spices like pepper and coriander leaves.

8. Pabellon criollo

Country: Venezuela

This traditional Venezuelan specialty is often served for lunch. It is consists of rice with stewed black beans and shredded beef. It is also often served with tajadas (fried plantain slices) and fried egg.

9. Ropa vieja

Country: Cuba

One of Cuba's favorite dish, it is usually served with fried plantain, black beans and rice. And its important spice is Cuban staple sofrito.

10. Salteña

Country: Bolivia

Commonly known as empanada or pastel in Brazil and Portugal, this baked or fried pastry is often stuffed with meat, cheese, vegetable or fruits. Savory and sweet versions of this famous Latin American snack are widely available.

Aside from the aforementioned dishes, you should also try churrasco, tamal (tamale in English) and chipa.