Foods Samir S. Patel Has Tried

There's nothing tragic about this Brazilian pairing of salty, white cheese and guava paste.

From postwar dessert to sweet slice of Canadian identity.

This pancake pays tribute to one of Japan's favorite fish.

The first American doughnut chain used spuds.

This spiced, warming drink may have helped broker peace between warring tribes.

The Japanese soda still comes in a marble-stoppered bottle from the 19th century.

Follow your nose through Taipei for this crispy, warm street snack.

This phallic, giant clam is the culinary crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest.

These portable pancake sheets have a crispy, hollow side and a sweet, doughy side.

This herb gives cocktails another kind of buzz.

Fluffy, crispy, and large enough to share, it's no ordinary pancake.

In Alabama, smoked meat gets dressed up in white.

A dark soda with a dark history.

A cake as dark as a city hiding from enemy bombers.

A completely delicious, nearly nutrient-free sandwich beloved by generations of New Englanders.

These clear cakes house intricate scenes of fish, flowers, and more.

This plant adds a hint of vanilla and a wash of brilliant green to any dish.

Spiced meat sauce meets spaghetti, shredded cheese, and beans in a Midwest cult favorite.

Icelanders make a very, very good dog.

A fizzy, chocolate drink that harkens back to the days of Brooklyn soda fountains.

Some fish can dance.

A rainbow of flavor that harks back to childhood.

A New Year's Eve tradition of scarfing down 12 grapes for good luck.

Dill pickles soaked in Kool-Aid? Oh, yeah!