Each April we celebrate Earth Day, when millions of people around the globe are inspired to celebrate the environment. But, in an era when planetary health can seem exceptionally dire, these moments are increasingly important to remind us all that we can have a tangible impact on improving the health of the environments around us―from tree planting to campaigning for tighter environmental laws.

Cooking can also help unite us and allow us to better understand how planetary health is paramount to being able to continue to bring cherished dishes from far and wide to tables everywhere.

Interest in global cuisine has never been stronger as we seek out new flavours and culinary adventures. A stroll downtown can take you past Japanese, Indian, East African, and Thai eateries all within a block or two. Once you try various foods from around this big, blue marble, you may be more inspired to protect the environment for the generations to come.

To help inspire you to travel the world through your taste buds and feel more connected, here’s a collection of recipes from different regions of the world that go big on some of the most lauded global flavours. Time to stamp your passport—one meal at a time.

These recipes were originally published in the April 2025 issue of alive magazine.