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As unpredictable as fall’s weather may be, there is one thing that remains the same year after year — the need to appease our cravings with pumpkin spice and everything nice. 

Indeed, it is hard to resist the urge with local coffee shops and restaurants incorporating fall recipes to their menus, but there’s no time like the present to kick things up a notch with international cuisines that intend to quench our hunger with a melting pot of cultural ingredients. From Japan to Poland, here are six foods that will send your taste buds on a delcious fall escape around the world.

Japan: Matsutake Soup

 Matsutake soup is a Japanese staple made from a specific a rare mushroom that is typically grown next to pine trees. When it is harvested, its earthy aroma flows out of the matsutake mushroom, which is also exemplified in the soup's unique taste. Matsutake soup's ingredients are served in a water-colored broth called dashi, which can be eaten with rice or sipped plainly like how it is prepared in the video below.

Philadelphia: Pepper Pot

If this meal could help George Washington and his troops win in the American Revolution and survive the dead of winter then it is definitely worth a try. Pepper pot is a stew/soup that originated in the Caribbean but became woven into Philadelphia’s history when Washington’s chief baker Christopher Ludwick concocted the dish from vegetables, onion, spices including Cayenne pepper, beef tripe and other ingredients. Pepper pot not only revitalized the army who was cold, drenched in blood and hungry, but allowed them to carry on and fulfill their mission.

If you want to feel like a renowned chef like Ludwick then you might want to try this homemade remedy.

Mexico: Chorizo Pumpkin Soup

Of course there is no fall season without the taste of pumpkin. Therefore, there is no need to settle for the typical treats like pumpkin pie when you can tantalize your taste buds with Mexican flavors. Chorizo pumpkin soup is a rich broth flavored with a creamy texture due to the chorizo sausage, cumin and unions that are incorporated with the pumpkin flavor. 

Locally known as Sopa de Calabaza, this Mexican soup is as hearty as it as traditional, and puts a colorful spin on pumpkin soup. Whether it is prepared by using canned pumpkins or boiling fresh, Chorizo pumpkin soup is guaranteed to bring a little warmth when fall's breezes comes knocking.

Poland: Bigos

We are well aware that no food fills your appetite like a hearty stew; that’s why Bigos, Poland’s national dish has also made this list of must-try fall recipes. It is traditionally referred to as the hunter’s stew and some even say it is the country's unique spin of chili.  Yet, it stands out on its own with ingredients that will make every carnivore jump for joy. 

Its meats vary from sausage, pork, rabbit, beef and veal to venison. In addition, cabbage, tomatoes, mushrooms, pepper, bay leaf and other seasonings are added to give it its zest. Bigos’ history was awakened when it was created by a Lithuanian native who eventually became king of Poland and served it for dinnrer to his guests. Try cooking this Polish dish yourself and you too may feel like royalty after conquering its tastes.

China: Mooncake

When mooncakes begin to appear around China it signifies preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival is in full swing, which is a treat for celebrators who just can’t wait to sink their teeth in the round shaped cake.  Perhaps it is because the cake is made to resemble the moon, which is celebrated during the festival or it could be because of the rich filling made from lotus paste that explodes in the mouth with each bite. 

Traditionally, mooncake is preserved in beautiful boxes and sold in supermarkets and bought as presents for friends and family members. But there’s no need to book a flight just for a taste when you can make your own recipe and share with your closest loved ones.

Just follow this simple recipe and you too will have gourmets eating out of your palm.

Caribbean: Sorrel

We couldn’t leave you thirsty after filling your appetites with such tempting cuisine. So we decided to take a trip to the sunny Caribbean for a sip of one of the region’s most popular drinks. Sorrel is produced from the sepals and the calyces of a plant called the roselle are boiled. 

Afterwards, water is added to the contents resulting in the formation of the red beverage. Sugar is also added before it is set to chill and then ready to be served. Sorrel is typically a Christmas drink that is found in many destinations of the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago as well as St. Lucia.  Although it is a holiday special, its taste is so vibrant you may want to kick the season off a few months early.