The 20 Best Beach Foods in the World (and How to Make Them at Home!)

Whether catching some rays or watching the sunset, beach foods capture the flavours of coastal cultures worldwide, bringing vibrant spices, fresh ingredients, and tropical zest to every bite. Here’s a countdown of the 20 best beach foods chosen for their cultural authenticity, deliciousness, ease of transport, and suitability for the sand and sun! Plus, we’ll share how to make each one at home for your next beach outing.

20. Empanadas – Argentina

• Why It Made the List: These savoury pastries are filled with beef, chicken, or cheese and are easy to pack and eat.
• How to Make It: Prepare a dough with flour, butter, and water. Roll out small circles, fill with spiced ground beef, olives, or cheese, and bake until golden. Freeze ahead, then warm up before heading to the beach for a mess-free snack.

19. Bánh Mì – Vietnam

• Why It Made the List: A delightful mix of crisp baguette, pickled veggies, and marinated meats that’s both fresh and filling.
• How to Make It: Marinate pork or chicken with lemongrass, garlic, and soy sauce, then grill. Add pickled carrots, cucumber, and cilantro in a baguette and top with chilli sauce. Wrap tightly for accessible beach eats.

18. Calamari – Greece

• Why It Made the List: Calamari is a Mediterranean beach classic and perfectly pairs with a cold drink.
• How to Make It: Coat squid rings in seasoned flour, then fry quickly in hot oil until golden. Serve with a lemon wedge for that authentic seaside vibe.

17. Lobster Roll – Maine, USA

• Why It Made the List: This New England favourite brings the ocean’s bounty to your hands.
• How to Make It: Toss fresh lobster meat in a light mayo dressing with lemon juice, celery, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning. Stuff into a buttered, toasted roll for a taste of the coast.

16. Açaí Bowl – Brazil

• Why It Made the List: Packed with antioxidants, açaí bowls are refreshing and perfect for a sunny day.
• How to Make It: Blend frozen açaí pulp with a splash of juice. Top with granola, sliced banana, and fresh berries. Make it at home, freeze it, and thaw it slightly for the beach.

15. Arepas – Colombia

• Why It Made the List: These cornmeal cakes filled with cheese, avocado, or chicken are portable and tasty.
• How to Make It: Mix cornmeal with water, form patties, and grill until golden. Split them open and stuff them with cheese or shredded chicken for a filling snack.

14. Onigiri – Japan

• Why It Made the List: A rice ball stuffed with filling, perfect for eating on the go, with endless flavour options.
• How to Make It: Cook sushi rice, shape it around fillings like tuna and mayo, and wrap it in nori (seaweed). It's compact and delicious!

13. Pineapple Fried Rice – Thailand

• Why It Made the List: Served in a hollowed-out pineapple, this dish feels tropical and satisfying.
• How to Make It: Stir-fried rice with shrimp, cashews, green onions, and curry powder. Spoon the mixture into a half-pineapple for a beachside meal.

12. Fish Tacos – Mexico

• Why It Made the List: Fresh, zesty, and flavorful, fish tacos are a coastal must.
• How to Make It: Season white fish with spices and grill. Serve on corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, lime, and a drizzle of crema.

11. Roti John – Malaysia

• Why It Made the List: This street food staple is like a breakfast sandwich with a twist.
• How to Make It: Fry minced meat, egg, and onions, then toast in a long roll. Wrap it up for a unique beachside snack.

10. Poke Bowl – Hawaii, USA

• Why It Made the List: Fresh fish, seaweed, and rice are nutritious and refreshing choices.
• How to Make It: Marinate diced tuna or salmon with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Serve over rice with veggies for an easy-to-transport bowl.

9. Pastel de Nata – Portugal

• Why It Made the List: These custard tarts are deliciously sweet, portable, and can withstand some beach heat.
• How to Make It: Use store-bought puff pastry, fill with custard, and bake until golden. It's perfect for bite-sized portions!

8. Ceviche – Peru

• Why It Made the List: Light, zesty, and bursting with freshness, ceviche is a beach favourite across Latin America.
• How to Make It: Marinate raw fish in lime juice, then mix with red onion, cilantro, and chilli. Serve cold, with a side of plantain chips for crunch.

7. Corn on the Cob (Elote) – Mexico

• Why It Made the List: Juicy, flavorful, and fun to eat with toppings that elevate it to the next level.
• How to Make It: Grill corn, brush with mayo, and sprinkle with cheese, chilli powder, and a squeeze of lime.

6. Shrimp Po’ Boy – Louisiana, USA

• Why It Made the List: A classic fried shrimp sandwich that’s hearty and beach-ready.
• How to Make It: Bread shrimp, fry until golden, then serve in a baguette with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of remoulade sauce.

5. Churros – Spain

• Why It Made the List: Crispy, sugary, and easy to eat by hand, churros are loved on Spanish beaches.
• How to Make It: Pipe churro batter into hot oil and fry until golden. Roll in cinnamon sugar and pack a dipping sauce on the side.

4. Crab Cakes – Maryland, USA

• Why It Made the List: Flavorful, packed with crab meat, and perfect as handheld treats.
• How to Make It: Mix crab meat with egg, breadcrumbs, and seasoning, then pan-fry. Chill them first to firm up, and they’ll be beach-ready.

3. Tamarind Shrimp – Thailand

• Why It Made the List: Tamarind shrimp is a tropical favourite. They are sweet, tangy, and packed with umami.
• How to Make It: Marinate shrimp in tamarind paste, garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar, then sauté quickly. Wrap in lettuce for easy handling.

2. Gyro – Greece

• Why It Made the List: Gyros are ideal for the beach, as they feature seasoned meat, tzatziki, and fresh veggies.
• How to Make It: Pita bread filled with seasoned lamb or chicken, lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. Roll tightly, wrap, and go!

1. Mango Sticky Rice – Thailand

• Why It Made the List: A tropical dessert that’s sweet and creamy and captures the essence of a beach vacation.
• How to Make It: Cook sticky rice with coconut milk and sugar. Serve with ripe mango slices and sprinkle sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

These dishes offer a taste of coastal life worldwide and bring refreshing, easy-to-eat flavours perfect for any beach trip. Pack them, share them with friends, and make your next beach day a delicious journey!

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