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Pastilla - Morocco
Pastilla has been described by author E.P. Lenderking as "uniquely Moroccan, intricate and grand, fabulously rich and fantastical." It's a hearty, savory meat or seafood pie with a hint of sweetness and layers upon layers of werqa dough, which is similar in texture to phyllo. The pie was traditionally made with pigeon meat, but now shredded chicken is more commonly used. It's almost deceptive in its outward appearance, resembling a sweet pastry, due to the dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon on top. But inside, you'll find a layer of custard made with the juices from the meat, a layer of buttery chicken, and a layer of sweet crushed fried almonds.