23 International Food Doppelgangers for the Olympics

You say to-may-to, we say to-mah-to. In Spain, they say empanada; in India, samosa. Vast as the world sometimes seems, overlapping food traditions -- in the genres of, for example, meat-wrapped-in-dough or eggs-baked-with-vegetables -- suggest otherwise. No matter what hemisphere you inhabit, we'd wager that you crave some variant on the theme of warm broth when you're sick, some form of gooey sweets when you're heartbroken, and something cool and crisp at the height of summer.

So in the spirit of the Olympics, which launch this weekend in Russia, we've rounded up 23 recipes from across the globe that echo each other in form and in function. Challenge yourself to whip something up from every continent, or stage a mano-a-mano/tête-à-tête/?????? between lookalikes to determine your favorite. Go team!

Potato, Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Pierogi vs. Mushi-Gyoza (Steamed Gyoza) 

 

Turkey Pho vs. Abuela's Sopa de Avena con Pollo (Grandma's Chicken and Oat Soup)

 

Rao's Meatballs vs. Shanghainese Lion's Head Meatballs vs. Spicy Korean-Style Gochujang Meatballs

 

Kabocha Squash and Tofu Curry vs. Warm Vegetable Curry

 

Edna Lewis & Scott Peacock's Shrimp Grits vs. Carlo Middione's Polenta Facile

 

Frittata with Spring Greens, Parmesan and Pancetta vs. Spanish Tortilla vs. Leek, Lemon and Feta Quiche

Moroccan Merguez Ragout with Poached Eggs vs. Tomato-y, Yogurt-y Shakshuka

 

Al Forno's Penne with Tomato, Cream & Five Cheeses vs. Pastitsio

 

Moorish Paella vs. Risotto Rosso vs. Brown Rice Jambalaya-ish

 

Crepes with Lemon Curd & Blueberry Compote vs. Lemony Cheese Blintzes