I always thought international dishes were out of my reach. How could I possibly recreate pad Thai or risotto on a tight budget? But I quickly realized that the key was not in the ingredients, but in the technique. Instead of splurging on exotic spices, I started experimenting with what I already had in my pantry. For example, instead of importing a fancy sauce for Mexican food, I learned how to make it myself. By swapping some ingredients and learning the foundational techniques, I created mouth-watering dishes from every corner of the globe. My favorite part? Cooking these international meals on a budget not only satisfied my cravings but expanded my cooking skills without ever leaving my kitchen.