Eating keto doesn’t mean giving up flavor—it just means getting a little more creative. If you’re tired of plain chicken and basic salads, it might be time to look around the globe.
From sizzling grills in South Korea to cozy kitchens in France, traditional dishes from around the world are packed with bold spices, rich sauces, and satisfying proteins—all without the carbs.
These 20 keto-friendly favorites bring serious variety to the table without breaking your goals.
1. Bunless Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps – South Korea
Marinated beef sizzles in a hot pan, soaked in a sweet-salty mix of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger. Tucked into crisp lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of scallions, it’s fast, juicy, and finger-friendly.
Skip the rice, keep the flavor. This one hits every craving without the carb count.
2. Zucchini Noodle Carbonara – Italy
Creamy egg yolks and crispy pancetta coat spiralized zucchini noodles in silky, cheesy luxury. The trick is tossing everything while it’s hot, so the sauce clings to every strand.
It’s rich, savory, and shockingly fast. A Roman classic gets a keto glow-up—no pasta required.
3. Shawarma Chicken Bowls – Middle East
Spiced chicken thighs, roasted until golden, rest on a bed of cauliflower rice with tangy pickles and garlicky yogurt sauce. The mix of cumin, paprika, and turmeric wraps every bite in warmth.
Skip the pita, keep the magic. It’s street food flavor in a bowl built for keto.
4. Cauliflower Chorizo Rice – Spain
Smoky chorizo sizzles into tiny bits, releasing oil that coats riced cauliflower like a dream. A pinch of smoked paprika turns the whole pan a fiery orange.
It’s bold, meaty, and done in ten minutes. You’d never guess the rice is actually a vegetable.
5. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) – Thailand
Coconut milk, lime juice, lemongrass, and ginger create a broth that’s creamy, tangy, and full of depth. Tender chicken floats alongside mushrooms and herbs in a bowl that smells like a tropical breeze.
It’s light but comforting, and naturally low in carbs. This soup soothes and excites at once.
6. Eggplant Moussaka – Greece
Layers of roasted eggplant, ground lamb, and a creamy, cheesy béchamel come together in this Mediterranean casserole. Swapping flour for almond flour keeps it keto without losing richness.
It’s warm, spiced, and perfect for meal prep. Comfort food without compromise.
7. Pork Adobo – Philippines
Vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaves, and garlic simmer pork chunks into tender, tangy submission. The sauce reduces to a glossy glaze, clinging to every piece.
Simple, satisfying, and naturally low in carbs. Serve with cauliflower rice to soak up the goodness.
8. Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai – Thailand
Peanuts, lime, fish sauce, and scrambled egg stir into roasted spaghetti squash like a keto noodle dream. Shrimp or chicken adds heft, while chili flakes bring heat.
Crunchy, sweet, salty, and a little spicy—just like the street vendors make, minus the sugar-laden noodles.
9. Keto Sushi Rolls – Japan
Cream cheese, cucumber, and fresh salmon get wrapped in nori with cauliflower rice as a sneaky stand-in. Rolled tight and dipped in wasabi-soy, they hold together and pack a punch.
No sticky rice, no problem. It’s sushi night that fits your macros.
10. Chimichurri Steak With Grilled Veggies – Argentina
Grilled skirt steak, charred and juicy, meets a bold, herby chimichurri bursting with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Bell peppers and zucchini caramelize on the side.
It’s rustic, vibrant, and straight off the parrilla. Every bite feels like a backyard feast.
11. Moroccan Lamb Meatballs – Morocco
Lamb, cumin, cinnamon, and garlic form tender meatballs simmered in a spicy tomato sauce. Almond flour keeps the mix keto without losing moisture.
They’re aromatic and comforting, especially with a dollop of yogurt on top. The spice blend is unmistakably North African.
12. Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Cups – Vietnam
Minced pork with fish sauce, shallots, and lime gets spooned into butter lettuce for a fresh, zesty crunch. Topped with chopped peanuts and herbs, they hit sweet, sour, and savory all at once.
No wrapper, no fuss. It’s street food reimagined for clean eaters.
13. Butter Chicken With Cauliflower Rice – India
Tomato, cream, and butter create a rich, velvety curry spiced with garam masala and fenugreek. Chicken simmers until it practically melts.
Serve over cauliflower rice and you’ve got all the flavor, none of the carbs. It’s indulgent without feeling heavy.
14. Keto Falafel With Tahini Sauce – Middle East
Ground cauliflower, herbs, and almond flour stand in for chickpeas in this clever falafel twist. Baked or air-fried, they come out crispy and herb-packed.
Dipped in creamy lemon-tahini, it’s a pocket of flavor without the pita. Perfect for mezze-style snacking.
15. Cheesy Taco-Stuffed Peppers – Mexico
Bell peppers cradle a sizzling mix of ground beef, cheese, cumin, and chili powder. Roasted until the cheese bubbles, they hold together like little edible bowls.
Skip the tortilla, keep the fiesta. These peppers bring serious taco-night vibes.
16. Keto Goulash – Hungary
Chunks of beef simmer in a paprika-rich broth with onion, garlic, and a hint of tomato. Thickened naturally as it cooks down, it needs no flour to shine.
Deep, smoky, and slow-cooked. This stew warms from the inside out.
17. Cabbage Stir-Fry With Garlic Pork – China
Shredded cabbage and juicy pork slices get stir-fried with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a flash of garlic. The crunch stays while the edges caramelize just right.
It’s fast, flavorful, and totally filling. A wok full of goodness with zero regrets.
18. Scandinavian Salmon With Herb Butter – Norway
Pan-seared salmon, golden and crisp outside, sits beneath a melting pat of dill-lemon butter. It’s rich, clean, and ready in under 15 minutes.
Simple ingredients, big flavor. This is Nordic elegance, keto-style.
19. Brazilian Garlic Shrimp Skillet – Brazil
Shrimp flash-cooked with garlic, lime, and chili oil turn fiery and fragrant in seconds. Finished with a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s as vibrant as it is fast.
Pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or leafy greens. It’s bold, buttery, and beach-dinner ready.
20. Keto Ratatouille Bake – France
Zucchini, eggplant, and tomato slices layer together with olive oil, herbs, and grated cheese. Baked until tender and golden, the vegetables melt into one another.
It’s rustic, cozy, and naturally low in carbs. Think countryside comfort with Provençal flair.