Global Meat: What You Need to Know About Meat Consumption Around the World

When we talk about global meat, the worldwide production, trade, and consumption of animal flesh for food. Also known as international meat markets, it meat demand influences everything from farm policies to street food stalls across continents. It’s not just about burgers or kebabs—it’s about how cultures eat, how economies grow, and how travelers navigate meals in unfamiliar places.

Take India, for example. While beef is avoided by many due to religious beliefs, chicken, goat, and fish are staples in daily meals. In North India, you’ll find tandoori chicken on every corner, while in Kerala, fish curry is as common as rice. Meanwhile, in the U.S., beef dominates the plate, and in Australia, lamb is a national favorite. These differences aren’t random—they’re shaped by religion, climate, history, and cost. And if you’re an American traveler wondering what’s safe to eat in India, you’re not just picking a dish—you’re stepping into a complex global meat system.

Global meat also ties into travel safety, tourism trends, and even budget planning. If you’re visiting India and want to avoid food poisoning, you need to know which meats are freshly cooked and served hot—something local vendors do better than tourist traps. It’s why the most trusted street food in Delhi isn’t the fanciest stall, but the one with the longest line. The same logic applies in Thailand, Mexico, or Morocco. Meat isn’t just protein—it’s a cultural signal.

And here’s something most travelers don’t realize: meat consumption patterns directly affect what gets featured in travel guides. Posts about North Indian cuisine, temple festivals like Kumbh Mela, or beachside dining in Goa all connect back to how meat is sourced, prepared, and eaten. Even the rise of vegetarian tourism in India is a reaction to global meat trends—people are choosing places where food aligns with their values.

So when you read about the most eaten food in India, or why rice dominates the plate, you’re seeing half the story. Meat doesn’t always sit center stage, but it’s always in the background—shaping menus, prices, and even travel advice. Whether you’re planning a trek to K2 Base Camp and wondering what protein options are available in mountain villages, or comparing South vs North India for food experiences, meat is part of the equation.

Below, you’ll find real travel stories that touch on this topic—how Americans eat safely in India, what festivals serve meat, where locals prefer chicken over beef, and why some destinations are better for meat lovers than others. No fluff. Just facts from the road, the kitchen, and the market.