Very nice topic.
As for me, I would start by saying is not just about the meal/food per se, but also about the experience you get having that meal/food.
I.E. I *luv* cheap&good food over expecive&posh food. I'm not talking about junk food, don't get me wrong (though I must say Burger King has some nice treats as well) but mostly referring to popular, common food.
My most beloved food is Kansai food. Kansai, as you may know, is one region in Japan, the one with Osaka (and SNK, yes). I could seriosly eat Kasai-ryouri (that's Kansai-cuisine) everyday. Treat me with some serious (I mean the real deal, not the tourist fake shit) okonomiyaki, takoyaki, katsu-karee rice, Osaka-style sushi, whatever. And I'll be happy.