15 Exotic Valentine's Day Recipes From Around the World You Must Try

You might not know that Valentine's Day is celebrated differently worldwide, with unique dishes playing a key role. You're likely familiar with traditional desserts, but exotic recipes can elevate your celebration.

You'll discover 15 international recipes, including French and Indian dishes, that will intrigue your taste buds, and you're probably wondering what other culinary surprises are in store.

1. French Chocolate Mousse

Rich French Chocolate Mousse is a decadent dessert perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the egg mixture into the melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Add the vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and fold until smooth.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
7. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

2. Indian Butter Chicken

Rich and creamy Indian Butter Chicken dish made with marinated chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, then add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned.
6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Stir in the tomato puree and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

3. Japanese Sushi Rolls

Delicate Japanese Sushi Rolls for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup smoked salmon
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Japanese rice according to the package instructions.
2. Mix the rice vinegar with the cooked rice and let it cool.
3. Cut the avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon into thin slices.
4. Lay a nori sheet flat and spread a thin layer of rice onto it.
5. Arrange the sliced avocado, cucumber, and smoked salmon in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
7. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce.

4. Italian Tiramisu

Italian Tiramisu is a creamy, coffee-infused dessert.

Ingredients

• 12-16 ladyfingers
• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
• 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and egg yolks.
3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
5. To assemble the tiramisu, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish.
6. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
7. Repeat the layers, starting with the ladyfingers, then the mascarpone mixture.
8. Dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
10. Slice and serve.

5. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Rich and spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate to warm your heart.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground anise
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
• Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, anise, and cayenne pepper.
3. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until the hot chocolate is smooth and hot.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped chocolate until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

6. Spanish Paella Dish

Savory Spanish Paella Dish for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked Calasparra rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound chorizo, sliced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender.
6. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
7. Add the Calasparra rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with vegetables.
8. Add the chicken broth, saffron threads, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

7. Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a creamy and spicy dish made with green curry paste and coconut milk.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fish balls or shrimp
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the green curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and broth, and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the fish balls or shrimp, bell peppers, and Thai basil leaves to the curry.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the protein is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

8. Chinese Dumplings

Tender Chinese dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, steamed to perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1/2 cup ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add in warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a small egg.
5. Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle.
6. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
9. Place the dumplings in a steamer lined with parchment paper.
10. Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
11. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

9. Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Moroccan Lamb Tagine, a rich and aromatic stew.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups lamb broth
• 1 cup dried prunes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large clay or ceramic tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Add the lamb and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
6. Add the lamb broth, prunes, and honey, and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 1/2 hours.
8. Stir in the parsley and serve over couscous.

10. Greek Stuffed Grape

Sweet grape leaves filled with spicy feta and herbs, perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 20 grape leaves
• 1 block of feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the grape leaves, rinse them in cold water and cut off the stems.
2. In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped dill, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay a grape leaf flat on a work surface, with the stem end facing you.
4. Place a tablespoon of the feta mixture in the center of the grape leaf.
5. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the grape leaf into a neat package.
6. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
7. Serve the stuffed grape leaves chilled, garnished with additional parsley and dill if desired.

11. Brazilian Feijoada

Hearty Brazilian Feijoada is a rich stew made with black beans and meat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 1 pound beef brisket
• 1 pound smoked sausage
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Soak the black beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the beans, then set them aside.
3. Cut the beef brisket into large chunks and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the beef chunks.
5. Add the smoked sausage to the pot and cook until browned.
6. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the cumin, oregano, and soaked black beans to the pot.
8. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
9. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
10. Serve the Feijoada hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced oranges.

12. Korean Bibimbap

Korean Bibimbap is a signature rice bowl dish topped with an assortment of vegetables and meat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced cooked beef
• 1/4 cup diced green onions
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Gochujang sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 fried egg

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the zucchini, carrot, and cabbage to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, and sugar.
5. Add the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
6. Divide the cooked rice into bowls and arrange the beef and vegetable mixture on top.
7. Sprinkle the green onions and sesame seeds over the top of each bowl.
8. Fry an egg in a separate skillet and place on top of each bowl.
9. Serve immediately and allow each person to mix the ingredients together.

13. Turkish Delight Cake

Rich and fragrant Turkish Delight Cake is a perfect Valentine's Day treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons rose water
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup Turkish delight, cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in rose water and lemon zest.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
7. Fold in the cubed Turkish delight.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Delicate Vietnamese Spring Rolls filled with shrimp and vegetables, served with sweet chili sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 package of spring roll wrappers
• 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Sweet chili sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Fill a large bowl with warm water to soften the spring roll wrappers.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and mix well.
4. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and honey to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Place a spring roll wrapper in the warm water for about 10 seconds to soften.
6. Remove the wrapper from the water and place it on a flat surface.
7. Add about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp and vegetable mixture to the center of the wrapper.
8. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
9. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
10. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
11. When the oil is hot, add a few of the spring rolls to the skillet and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
12. Remove the spring rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
13. Serve the spring rolls hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

15. Russian Beef Stroganoff

Russian Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish with sautéed beef and mushrooms.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef strips
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the beef strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and paprika.
6. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and mushrooms, and stir to combine.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
8. Stir in the sour cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the beef mixture over the cooked egg noodles and garnish with chopped parsley.

Conclusion

You've explored 15 exotic Valentine's Day recipes, but will you settle for a mundane dinner? Try one of these decadent dishes, from French Chocolate Mousse to Indian Butter Chicken, and elevate your celebration. What's stopping you from creating a culinary journey around the world?