20 Most Popular Asian Food and Cuisine to Try

Asian food is as amazing as this beautiful continent. With a vast and diverse culinary landscape, Asian countries offer distinct flavors and ingredients that match every taste. Everyone knows food is the backbone of every trip. Without indulging in new flavors and tastes, no vacation is complete. To embrace the gastronomic journey of Asian cuisines, you must try the gems of Asia. And for that, you must know all the dishes you can savor on your Asian holiday.

If you want to know the names of dishes you must eat in Asia, just skim through this post. We have made a list of all the cuisines that Asia has to offer its visitors. This list of the most popular Asian foods is what you need to see before picking anything to eat.

Top 20 Asian Dishes to Try on Your Holiday

Below is the list of foods that will become your favorite in just a few bites:

1. Blini

Blini is one of the most popular Asian foods. It is a traditional dish in Russia. It is a type of pancake made from wheat, milk, and eggs. This pan-sized food is very delicious and can be eaten as breakfast, lunch, or dinner as you like. Locals of Russia make Blini of different kinds in different ways. There are distinct recipes that people use to prepare for Blini. These pancakes can have sweet or savory fillings that can fill everyone with taste. The filings of Blini can be minced meat, ham, cheese, mushrooms, or smoked salmon. Blini are served with jam, Nutella, berries, honey, apples & cinnamon, sweetened cottage cheese, and other sweets.
 
2. Biryani

Biryani is one of the most loved Asian dishes. Known for its fragrant spices and flavorful tastes, Biryani is everyone’s go-to food in Asia. Consists of basmati rice, vegetables, or meat, Biryani is a cherished Asian dish. It is a famous Indian cuisine. Biryani is on every food enthusiast's list of things to eat. This delicious Indian delicacy has established itself as a culinary treasure. A wide range of spices are added to this dish, including cumin, cloves, chili pepper, and other spices. All the ingredients and flavors meld together to infuse an array of tastes. If you are in India, you must try Biryani at least once.

3. Pho

Pho is one of the most popular Asian foods that carries cultural significance. Pho is a delicious noodle soup made from rice noodles and non-veg (typically beef or chicken). The cooking process of Pho includes the preparation of aromatic broth. The preparation involves simmering spices, herbs, noodles, and meat together. Pho is a Vietnamese dish. It is a beloved dish in Vietnam that you can find on every menu there. Pho is not just a succulent cuisine but has a number of healthy ingredients that make it one of the healthy dishes. If you ever visit Vietnam, don’t forget to try Pho.

4. Beshbarmak

Beshbarmak is the famous central Asian cuisine that keeps all food lovers happy. It is a national food of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The word Beshbarmak means “five fingers”. Locals eat it with their hands. This dish is usually consumed during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. Beshbarmak is cooked with meat, noodles, and potatoes. It offers a flavorful blend of ingredients that has many variations. Beshbarmak is a must-try if you are holidaying in Kazakhstan.

5. Plov

Plov is another popular name in the list of Asian cuisines. It is a traditional Uzbekistan dish that is famous throughout the Silk Road region. There are countless recipes of Plov that people have. Men traditionally prepare it. It is one of the eminent dishes throughout Uzbekistan. The basic ingredients of Plov are fresh meat, rice, red carrot, onion, and vegetable oil. Many centuries ago, Plov was only cooked and consumed by wealthy people during the holiday season. But today, everyone has their recipe for it. For everyone visiting Uzbekistan, Plov is a must-have.

6. Manti

Manti is the famous Central Asian cuisine that is everyone’s comfort food. This succulent dish has layers of flavor, filled with seasoned meat and spices. These juicy dumplings are steamed out of delicate dough with juicy meat fillings. The best way to eat manti is with bare hands, which makes it more delicious. You will find this mouthwatering dish in every nook and corner of Central Asian countries.

7. Qurutob

Qurutob is the top Asian food that is Tajikistan’s specialty. It is a tempting bread salad that is a national dish of Tajikistan. It is made of bread and onions mixed in yogurt sauce. Qurutob can also include other vegetables such as tomatoes, scallions, and others. There can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of this dish that people can prefer as per their food preferences. If you are in Tajikistan, you should try Qurutob. This Tajik delight is filled with unique flavors and textures.

8. Sushi

Sushi is a delightful Asian food that is rich in taste. This mind-boggling delicacy has its origin in Japan. It is the most popular cuisine in Japan that Japanese people love. It is delicious as well as high in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, and omega acids. There are different types of sushi, such as Maki-zushi, Nigiri-zushi, Oshi-zushi, Sashimi, and more. Sushi is usually served with Soy Sauce, Shoga, and Wasabi. In Japan, you can find sushi in almost every restaurant or cafe. You will find different types of sushi in Japan that are hearty and delicious.

9. Kimchi

Kimchi is another tantalizing delicacy on the list of best Asian cuisine. Kimchi is a native dish of Korea. It has a cultural significance in Korea. The traditional recipe for Kimchi includes cabbage, Japanese redish, chili, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, etc. Kimchi has over 180 varieties. Every Korean family and restaurant has their own recipes for Kimchi. It is not a new dish. It is more than 1500 years old. Kimchi has its name on the list of UNESCO’s heritage. The best part about Kimchi is that it is healthy. You can eat it guilt-free. If you are on a Korean getaway, Kimchi is a must-try.

10. Dim Sum

Dim Sum is the most popular Asian cuisine. It is a famous Chinese dumpling-like snack that is usually accompanied by tea or other beverages. Dim Sum can be prepared in different ways, whether steamed, baked, or fried. It is traditionally relished as brunch in restaurants and cafes. As its name translates to “touch the heart”, it does make everyone’s heart happy with each bite. Dim Sum is well-known throughout the Asia continent for its taste. You can find it in almost every Asian country.

11. Doner Kebab

Doner Kebab is one of the most popular Asian foods. It is a Turkish delicacy, which means roasted meat. It is a typical meat dish that only non-vegetarians can eat. It is famous as a late-night snack and quick meal. The meat is sliced down from a vertical rotisserie and then filled into a pitta bread. It is served with salad and sauce. It is a global fast food with diverse variations and is loved by everyone. This delectable cuisine has earned a place in the global street food icon list.

12. Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi

Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi is a delectable Asian food that is incredibly rich in taste and flavor. It is one of the famous Persian cuisines. It is mostly prepared during family gatherings on special occasions. The main ingredients of this Persian dish are herbs, green onions, coriander, dried fenugreek leaves, kidney beans, black lime, turmeric seasoned meat, and other things as needed. Khoresht-e Ghormeh Sabzi is a great part of Iranian culinary tradition. This Asian delicacy should be on your list when traveling to Iran.

13. Adobo

Adobo is one of the most celebrated Asian dishes. It is a well-known Filipino cuisine that belongs to the Philippines. It is a simple dish with diverse flavors that can make anyone’s taste buds dance. There are many regional variations of Adobo. Its ingredients include meat or fish, vinegar, garlic, vinegar, bay leaves, soy sauce, and black pepper. The meat gets marinated and stewed in a flavorful mixture. If you are holidaying in the Philippines, don’t forget to taste Adobo. It is one of the most favorite cuisines there.

14. Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is a mouthwatering Asian cuisine. It is a delightful Indonesian cuisine that offers the taste of authentic Asian food. Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian fried rice that has ingredients like vegetables, shrimp, aromatic spices, and rice. The robust flavors of this delectable dish satiate the soul of a food lover. Its delightful taste makes everyone pleasantly happy. This dish remains on top of the Asian cuisine list. It is one of the most satisfying dishes in Asia that you must try when you are in Indonesia.

15. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of the best mouthwatering delicacies in Singapore. It tops the list of best Asian food. It is a national food of Singapore that is popular throughout Asia. This savory dish has ingredients like rice, tender chicken, chili sauce, garlic oil, soy sauce, etc. The simplicity and savory flavors of this dish make it everyone’s favorite. Hainanese Chicken Rice depicts the rich culinary heritage of Singapore. You can find this dish on every menu in Singapore.

16. Laksa

Laksa is the most iconic Asian cuisine that is rich in flavors. It is a succulent noodle soup that hails from Malaysia. This aromatic dish includes ingredients such as coconut milk, spices, noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, tofu, and herbs. Laksa’s popularity is growing among the global audience as it is getting more recognition globally. No matter where you are having it in the world, Laksa will always represent a taste of Malaysia’s culinary excellence.

17. Satay

Satay is a traditional Asian food that is most famous in the streets of South East Asia. This non-vegetarian cuisine is made up of dark soy sauce, turmeric powder, exotic meat, garlic, coriander powder, etc. The roots of this delicious dish are connected to Indonesia. Satay has placed its name among the best international cuisines. The flavorful taste of this dish has remained a testament to the rich and diverse flavors of Asian cuisines. If you want to try one of the most delicious Asian dishes, then Satay is your thing.

18. Crispy Pata

Crispy Pata is another Filipino dish that falls among the top Asian food list. Known for its wholesome flavors and taste, Crispy Pata is a result of deep-fried pork leg. This dish is rich in spices and flavors of the Philippines and is served with a tangy soy-vinegar sauce dip. The taste of this delectable Asian gem is irresistible. If you are a non-vegetarian and want to try an Asian delicacy, Crispy Pata is a must-eat.

19. Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cheesecake is one of the best sweet delicacies from Japan. This soft and fluffy dessert has its name in the list of best Asian cuisine. Having ingredients like eggs, milk, cheese cream, and sugar, Japanese Cheesecake melts in the mouth as soon as you take the first bite. It is an authentic dessert of Japan that has a huge sweet tooth base. If you love dessert, Japanese Cheesecake should be on your list of things to try.
 
20. Bibimbap

Bibimbap is Korea’s flavorsome rice bowl that is every Korean’s favorite. Filled with white rice, an array of vegetables, seasoned meat, or fish, Bibimbap is a quintessential Korean cuisine. It is among the most popular Asian foods that every tourist likes to try on their visit to Korea. Bibimbap is a healthy option for anyone following a nutritious diet.

Explore the Flavors of Asia with Dook!

Now that you know all the popular foods that you can try in the Asian continent, all you need is to plan a trip to Asian countries. Dook International has some enticing Asia tour packages that are customizable. You can personalize your travel experience as per your preferences and have a great time. Our travel experts ensure you have a comfortable vacation and enjoy hassle-free time. So, don’t wait much and grab the best deal with Dook on your booking.

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