The humble cabbage, a crisp and versatile leafy green, has been crowned a global culinary star. In early January 2026, the renowned food guide Taste Atlas released a celebrated list of the top cabbage-based dishes from around the world. This vegetable, known for its high fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidant content, forms the heart of many beloved traditional meals across continents.
Asian Delights: From Dumplings to Pancakes
Asian cuisine showcases cabbage's incredible adaptability. From China, Zhēngjiǎo features steamed dumplings filled with combinations of pork, chives, cabbage, and shrimp, typically served with a soy dipping sauce. Japan offers two distinct entries. Hamamatsu Gyoza is a popular variety filled with cabbage, onions, and pork, uniquely fried in a circular pattern and often paired with bean sprouts. The iconic Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake layered with batter, a generous amount of shredded cabbage, and toppings like egg, pork belly, and noodles.
South Korea's contribution is the vibrant and communal Dak Galbi. This stir-fried chicken dish is cooked tableside on a large skillet, combining chicken with cabbage, chewy tteok rice cakes, carrots, and chili peppers for a hearty, shared experience.
European Comfort Foods and Savoury Pies
Europe's offerings highlight cabbage in comforting, hearty preparations. From North Macedonia comes Zelnik, a traditional pie that can be filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach, or cabbage, brushed with oil or butter before baking to perfection. Germany's Thüringer Klöße are simple yet satisfying potato dumplings, often served as an accompaniment to roasted meats, red cabbage, or sauerkraut.
Turkey's staple, Sarma, involves wrapping a spiced filling of minced meat and rice in leaves, most commonly cabbage, vine, or sauerkraut leaves, creating a flavourful parcel enjoyed across the region.
India's Flavourful Entry and a Chinese Classic
India proudly represents with Muthia, a steamed or fried dumpling or fritter made from chickpea flour and spices. As noted by Taste Atlas, there are many varieties of this dish, with cabbage being one of the popular ingredients alongside spinach and gourds, showcasing its use in Indian home cooking.
Rounding off the list from China is Huíguōròu or Twice-Cooked Pork. This dish involves preparing fatty pork and then stir-frying it with vegetables like cabbage, bell peppers, and leeks until crispy and richly coloured, a testament to cabbage's ability to absorb and complement robust flavours.
This global celebration by Taste Atlas on January 3, 2026, underscores cabbage's universal appeal. Far from being a simple side, it is a nutritious and flavourful cornerstone in diverse culinary traditions, from steamed dumplings in Asia to savoury pies in Europe and spiced fritters in India.
