Every country has a host of snacks that keep locals going between meals. In fact, it’s fair to say that these delicious creations exist not just to stave off hunger but also to put a smile on our faces. Whether it’s breads, biscuits, buns, sausages or salted fish there’s something to tempt everyone, whatever the nation.

Alfajores are popular across South America though it’s Argentina that lays claim to being the largest consumer of these crumbly biscuits. They are made in various ways – some with cornflour while some are more buttery – and come with all sorts of sweet fillings, including dulce de leche and jam. Though not strictly Argentinian, alfajores are unofficially the country’s biscuit of choice and are eaten at all times of the day.

Named after the Governor of Queensland Lord Lamington (1896–1901), or possibly his wife, legend has it that this chocolate-coated sponge cake adorned in desiccated coconut was created by the couple’s French chef Armand Galland to feed unexpected guests. ‘Lammos’ are so revered in Australia that 21 July is now National Lamington Day.

Belgium is the home of frites and Belgian waffles, both of which can be easily sampled in other countries. But there is a less well-known snack beloved in Belgium called speculoos – these are crispy, spiced biscuits linked to St Nicholas Day (6 December). The city of Hasselt is particularly renowned for its varieties.

Crunchy, soft coxinha are chicken croquettes found throughout Brazil. Shaped like a ball or a teardrop (to resemble a chicken’s thigh) these moreish fried snacks consist of a shredded chicken and cream cheese filling surrounded by dough coated in breadcrumbs.

Canada gave the world poutine, for which lovers of carb-rich comfort dishes will be eternally grateful. This dish of French fries topped with cheese curd and gravy is only around 60 years old and originated in Quebec. Today it’s eaten all over Canada in cafes, fast food joints and at sporting events.

Many countries have taken the hot dog and made it their own. Chile’s take is the completo, a large hot dog topped with chopped avocado, tomatoes and lots of mayonnaise. Alternative toppings include green beans, sauerkraut, sauce américaine, fried onions, fried eggs and fries.

Choosing just one Chinese snack is nigh impossible, but tanghulu is as good and as ubiquitous as any. Candied haws (a type of fruit) are coated in red sweet-and-sour sugar syrup then skewered. They’re quite a sight and the hawkers who sell them are easy to spot.

Pan de yuca or Colombian yuca bread is a melt-in-the-mouth cheesy bread made from cassava starch. It’s attributed to southern Colombia but found all over the country in various shapes and forms and is eaten on its own, or with cheese or dips, and preferably hot.

Kunafa is a cake made with a fine noodle pastry and a cheese or cream filling. A sugar syrup is then poured over it before serving. The sweet is especially liked during Ramadan across the Arab world. Although it isn’t strictly Egyptian, the country's own version is much loved by citizens.

There’s no shortage of snacks in France thanks to the innumerable patisseries. One speciality synonymous with the country is the pain au chocolat, a light pastry of flaky dough with a dark chocolate filling. It’s eaten at breakfast or as a mid-morning snack.

The currywurst is fast food at its heartiest. Consisting of a steamed then fried bratwurst (pork sausage) seasoned with curry ketchup and sprinkled with curry powder, it’s usually served with fries. It's easily one of Germany’s favourite bites even though the recipes is less than 100 years old, having appeared just after World War II.

Largely regarded as Iceland’s favourite snack, harðfiskur consists of strips of dried, salted fish spread with butter. It’s not only crunchy and savoury, making it the Icelandic equivalent of potato chips, but rich in protein and Omega-3.

There are countless snack options in India, each one as mouthwatering as the next. Pani puri is also called golgappas, among other names, and the dish varies depending on the region. A typical pani puri is made from puffed, hollow dough stuffed with tamarind water (imli pani), tamarind chutney, chaat masala, chilli, chickpeas, potato and onions.

Kue cubit is a common snack made is special molds and sold by hawkers in markets and around schools in Indonesia. These little cakes – which some swear taste better half-cooked when they’re almost runny – are traditionally topped with chocolate sprinkles but nowadays come in several flavors.

Bamba, a peanut butter-flavored snack made from puffed maize, is so loved in Israel – where it’s synonymous with childhood – that the brand supposedly dominates an estimated 25% of the country’s snack market.

Italian cuisine is one of the most globally recognized. The country has given the world pizza, pasta and gelato, but a less well-known nibble – originating from Sicily – are arancini. These deep-fried risotto balls come with a variety of fillings, often including oozy mozzarella, and are often served with a tomato sauce for dipping.

Buttery, soft coco bread is one of Jamaica’s most cherished comfort foods. Made with coconut milk, which gives it a moist sweetness, coco bread is usually eaten on the go stuffed with a spicy Jamaican meat patty.

The Japanese love snacks and the choice is plentiful. One option is senbei, which have been around for centuries. Senbei are large rice crackers that can be savoury or sweet and come in different flavors. They are readily available and much loved.

Bahulu is a favoured snack in Malaysia, especially with kids who love the cute sponge cakes in the shape of buttons or goldfish, while adults enjoy these ‘Malaysian madeleines’ with a hot drink. Although associated with Eid al-Fitr (a religious holiday that symbolizes the end of Ramadan), bahulu can be bought year-round fresh from street markets or pre-packaged at supermarkets.

Mexicans are also a nation of snack lovers and to choose one is to do the others a disservice but let’s plump for tostilocos, a widely-enjoyed street food consisting of tortilla chips topped with all sorts of mouthwatering delights including cueritos (pork rind), chamoy (a condiment made from picked fruit), lime juice, hot sauce, chilli powder, cucumber, jicama, salt and Japanese peanuts.

One of Morocco’s bread offerings is the delicious pan-fried harcha. Made from semolina, harcha tend to be the size of English muffins and have a cornbread texture. They’re most commonly eaten at breakfast or as a snack with cheese or melted butter and honey.

The Dutch are particularly partial to stroopwafels, a snack of two thin, crispy waffles sandwiched together by a syrupy caramel ('stroop') filling. The treat has been around since the late 18th or early 19th century when a resourceful baker from Gouda created them. Today, stroopwafels are eaten all over the country and can be bought pre-packaged in supermarkets or fresh from bakeries.

They may sound Asian but Afghan biscuits originated in New Zealand and remain a favourite with Kiwis. Think buttery chocolate biscuits made with cornflakes and a walnut top that manage to be simultaneously smooth and crunchy and have an irresistible melt-in-the-mouth richness.

The Nigerian snack donkwa (also called tanfiri) doesn’t need much preparation or cooking, which has contributed to its popularity. A mix of chilli, cloves, cornmeal, ground peanuts, sugar, oil and water is rolled into balls and eaten. They have a melting texture and savoury taste.

Pączkis are traditional Polish pastries that look similar to doughnuts though they’re made with a richer dough. A small amount of alcohol is added to the dough, while the customary filling is plum jam.

For a traditional Russian treat you can’t go wrong with vatrushka, a flat sweet yeast bun with a baked quark or cottage cheese filling that’s served with jam. There are also savoury versions.

Biltong is a classic South African snack of spiced, dried meat. It’s pure protein and a great source of energy, commonly made with beef, African game animals such as springbok and wildebeest, or ostrich. The name derives from the Dutch for ‘rump’ and ‘strip’.

The traditional Korean confectionary yakgwa are deep-fried sweet honey and sesame cakes. They can be bought pre-packaged in supermarkets or in bakeries and cafes and are, by all accounts, the nation’s guilty pleasure.

Churros, strips or ‘teardrops’ of fried dough served with thick hot chocolate, are an intrinsic part of Spanish cuisine that are available all over Spain and in Spanish-speaking regions. Indulgent and filling with a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior, churros are a popular breakfast food and snack.

Thailand is another snack-loving nation and there are plenty to choose from, from fried crickets to miang kham – a traditional finger food of leaves topped with coconut shavings, chilli, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime, mango, nuts, shrimps and shallots served with a sweet and spicy dip.

Börek is a savoury snack made with flaky pastry and often sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are usually filled with cheese and spinach or minced meat. They're a core dish in Turkish cuisine and so popular that they're eaten at any time of the day.

Savoury British snacks tend to be salty and fatty. The treasured sausage roll, for example, is a combo of soft sausage wrapped in flaky pastry that’s nothing short of addictive. High-street bakers Greggs sell an astounding 2.5 million a week, and that’s just one chain.

Hot dogs have a special place in people's hearts across America. You'll find them at everything from fairs to sporting events, while no backyard barbecue is complete without them. The only debate is around toppings: onions, mustard and tomato sauce are the classics or you can go wild hot sauce, blue cheese, salsa, slaw and plenty more besides.

The range of snacks in Vietnam is spectacular. One of the most widely travelled is the banh mi, a French-Asian sandwich that’s popular in the West. But the Vietnamese are particularly partial to bot chien, a snack popular with students, teens and partygoers. It’s made up of fried eggs mixed in with chunks of fried rice cake, spring onions, shallots and papaya and eaten with spicy dipping sauce. Delicious.