It goes without saying that Asia boasts a rich culinary landscape that is too vast to be comprehensively discussed within this article. As such, we have highlighted only a few Asian countries and their cuisines, but this is not a thorough exploration of the culinary landscape of the continent.
Let’s embark on our culinary journey through Asia!
China
In East Asia, China is the most visited Asian country by international tourists according to statistics. In 2019, the number of international tourist arrivals in the Asia Pacific region amounted to 65.7 million in China.
As you can see, China is popular amongst international tourists, particularly due to its culture and of course, cuisine. There are 8 different cooking styles and dishes in various regions of China, so you can expect different dishes in different areas of the country.
Across China, however, you’ll find that rice, noodles, and dumplings are the main aspects of Chinese cuisine. A combination of meat and vegetable dishes are also common within China.
Japan
Similar to Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine typically consists of steamed rice and a collection of main or side dishes, sometimes accompanied by miso soup. Alternatively, you’ll also find noodles as a substitute for rice dishes in Japan – ramen has become very popular globally, so it’s no surprise to find ramen places at every corner.
Soba and udonnoodles are also quite popular in Japanese cuisine, served with toppings and with or without hot broth. Green tea is a staple in Japanese cuisine, so you may also commonly find this served with most Japanese dishes.
Hong Kong
If you are interested in visiting Hong Kong and neighbouring countries, don’t hesitate to have a look at Silversea cruises that will take you across several Asian countries, including Hong Kong!
If you do find yourself in Hong Kong, you must try their Hong Kong-style egg tarts that are on a league of their own! Wonton noodles are also not to be missed, consisting of thin egg noodles and dumplings in a flavourful broth.
Meat lovers certainly need to try Cantonese roasted meats, especially roast pork (siu yuk) and BBQ pork (cha siu)!
Vietnam
Visiting Vietnam? Great choice, especially when it comes to food options! For something to eat on the go, a banh mi, a Vietnamese baguette filled with delicious ingredients including greens and your choice of filling, is the best option.
You can’t visit Vietnam without having a taste of their staple dish, pho! This is a noodle soup of beef or chicken broth, with flat rice noodles and meat. Coriander and spring onions are also added for extra texture and flavour.
Singapore
If you are on the lookout for exciting and delicious dishes, then Singapore is a place to visit. If you can handle your spice, then laksa is the perfect spicy noodle dish that’s ideal for you. Similarly, chilli crab is another good dish for spice and seafood lovers alike. Don’t forget to try what’s considered Singapore’s national dish, chicken rice – rice cooked in chicken stock! If you ever order curry in Singapore, make sure you also add roti prata with your dish.
