Globally Inspired Flavor Pairings

I’m a big believer in keeping meals simple. You don’t need a recipe to make something delicious—just combining foods from each plant-based group naturally leads to a balanced and nourishing plate.

That said, drawing inspiration from a specific cuisine can bring a sense of intention and harmony to your meals. I love exploring spices and flavor pairings from around the world, and this guide is here to help you mix and match with ease. Let it spark fresh ideas and bring more fun and flavor to your everyday cooking.

How to use this Flavor Cheat Sheet:

Each regional cuisine in this guide includes:

  • A distinctive flavor profile

  • Commonly used plant-based ingredients

To build a well-rounded, delicious meal choose:

  • 1–2 items from the starches category

  • 1–2 items from the vegetables category

  • 1-2 items from the flavorings category

  • 1-2 items from the herbs & spices category

Feel free to mix, match, and experiment- this is your space to play with flavors and find what lights you up!

  • Flavor Profile: Fresh, aromatic, balanced
    Starches: Cannellini beans, chickpeas, lentils, farro, polenta, sourdough, pasta
    Vegetables: Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, spinach
    Herbs & Spices: Basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley
    Flavorings: Garlic, balsamic vinegar, nutritional yeast

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, salty, sour, umami
    Starches: Edamame, mung beans, soybeans, white rice, noodles
    Vegetables: Bok choy, broccoli, water chestnuts, napa cabbage
    Herbs & Spices: Ginger, star anise, scallions, five-spice
    Flavorings: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil

  • Flavor Profile: Warm, spicy, tangy, complex
    Starches: Lentils, chickpeas, basmati rice, dals, sweet potatoes, naan
    Vegetables: Potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, eggplant
    Herbs & Spices: Turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, fenugreek
    Flavorings: Tamarind, mustard seeds, coconut milk

  • Flavor Profile: Bold, smoky, earthy, tangy
    Starches: Black beans, pinto beans, lentils, corn tortillas, rice, potatoes
    Vegetables: Corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini
    Herbs & Spices: Cilantro, oregano, cumin, chili powders, cinnamon
    Flavorings: Lime, chipotle, adobo, salsa

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet-savory, warming, spice-forward
    Starches: Chickpeas, lentils, couscous, flatbread, sweet potatoes
    Vegetables: Carrots, eggplant, tomatoes, olives, zucchini
    Herbs & Spices: Cinnamon, saffron, cumin, turmeric, ginger
    Flavorings: Preserved lemon, harissa, dried fruits

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet-savory, smoky, bold
    Starches: Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, cornbread, sweet potatoes
    Vegetables: Collard greens, corn, potatoes, carrots, green beans
    Herbs & Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, sage
    Flavorings: BBQ sauce, mustard, hot sauce

  • Flavor Profile: Fresh, citrusy, herbaceous
    Starches: Chickpeas, lentils, white beans, orzo, pita, potatoes
    Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, spinach
    Herbs & Spices: Oregano, dill, mint, rosemary, thyme
    Flavorings: Lemon juice, tahini

  • Flavor Profile: Bold, spicy, savory, slightly sweet
    Starches: Soybeans, red beans, short-grain rice, noodles, barley
    Vegetables: Napa cabbage, radish, zucchini, spinach
    Herbs & Spices: Gochugaru, garlic, ginger, scallions
    Flavorings: Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil

  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, aromatic, sweet-savory
    Starches: Chickpeas, lentils, fava beans, bulgur, pita, couscous
    Vegetables: Eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, spinach
    Herbs & Spices: Sumac, za’atar, cumin, coriander, cardamom
    Flavorings: Tahini, garlic, rose or orange blossom water

  • Flavor Profile: Light, herbaceous, sweet-sour balance
    Starches: Mung beans, peanuts, rice noodles, jasmine rice
    Vegetables: Bean sprouts, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce
    Herbs & Spices: Thai basil, mint, cilantro, star anise
    Flavorings: Lime, tamarind, rice vinegar

  • Flavor Profile: Smoky, rich, savory
    Starches: Chickpeas, white beans, lentils, rice, crusty bread
    Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, artichokes, spinach
    Herbs & Spices: Smoked paprika, saffron, parsley, rosemary
    Flavorings: Garlic, sherry vinegar

  • Flavor Profile: Hearty, tangy, savory
    Starches: Lentils, white beans, peas, rye bread, potatoes
    Vegetables: Sauerkraut, potatoes, cabbage, onions, carrots
    Herbs & Spices: Mustard seeds, caraway, dill, parsley
    Flavorings: Vinegar, horseradish

  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, spicy, bold, rich in umami
    Starches: Black-eyed peas, lentils, millet, cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, rice
    Vegetables: Okra, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, collard greens, spinach
    Herbs & Spices: Ginger, garlic, chili, thyme, nutmeg
    Flavorings: Peanut butter, tomato paste, bouillon cubes

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, sour, salty, spicy
    Starches: Mung beans, jasmine rice, rice noodles, sweet potatoes
    Vegetables: Eggplant, bell peppers, green beans, carrots
    Herbs & Spices: Lemongrass, galangal, Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves
    Flavorings: Coconut milk, tamarind, peanuts

  • Flavor Profile: Rich, refined, aromatic
    Starches: Lentils, white beans, crusty bread, potatoes, wild rice
    Vegetables: Leeks, onions, carrots, potatoes
    Herbs & Spices: Thyme, tarragon, parsley, herbes de Provence
    Flavorings: Dijon mustard, garlic, wine reductions

  • Flavor Profile: Subtle, clean, umami-rich
    Starches: Soybeans, adzuki beans, short-grain rice, soba noodles
    Vegetables: Daikon, seaweed, eggplant, cucumber
    Herbs & Spices: Shiso, wasabi, sansho pepper
    Flavorings: Soy sauce, miso, mirin, rice vinegar

  • Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, tropical, savory-sweet
    Starches: Black beans, pigeon peas, kidney beans, rice, cassava, yams, plantains
    Vegetables: Bell peppers, cabbage, okra, tomatoes, carrots
    Herbs & Spices: Allspice, thyme, scallions, garlic, hot peppers
    Flavorings: Lime juice, coconut milk, jerk seasoning, vinegar, tamarind