Nian Gao

A traditional Chinese cake prepared at New Year. According to the legends, Nian, a ferocious dragon used to hunt people of the nearby villages in winters. So to save themselves and satiate the hunger of the dragon, the people used to put the Nian Gao out on their doors. Since then, it is considered the dish when eaten would bring good luck to you in the upcoming year. Made from sweet rice and brown sugar, giving it a sticky texture and the yellowish colour, Nain Gao can be called one of the oldest recipes still made. 

Rawon

Dating back to the era of the Mataram Kingdom, this dark black coloured beef soup is a traditional Indonesian dish. Often called the 'Devil's Rawon', is still enjoyed in some regions like Surabaya, a suburb in Jakarta. You can find it here in any chic restaurant or any street stall here. It is a savoury dish, rich in flavour, garnished with green onions and fried shallots. 

Popcorn

Yes, you read it right! Your favourite movie snack is among the oldest recipes. This popular snack are being enjoyed from before 3600 BC, originated and domesticated in Mexico. This cheap snack became super popular among common people during the early 20th century. It used to and is still one of the best snacks, eaten with a various twist, everyone has their own flavour of popcorn. 

Kebabs

Kebab, just the name makes the mouth water of many. But did you know about the origin of your favourite dish? Though most of us believe that the kebabs are of a Persian or Turkish origin but pieces of evidence of meat being cooked on skewers is found dating back to the 17th century BC. The famous Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq had also mentioned a dish way similar to kebab in his book, describing it as meat cut up and grilled over fire. Sounds familiar!