Tourism

14 best Asian street foods that tourists cannot miss

Quoc Duong July 25, 2025 12:43

Below is a list of 14 most famous street foods in Asia, ranked by culinary experts and international travelers.

Pho (Vietnam)

Pho, Vietnam's national dish, tops the list of the world's best dishes according to Business Insider. Originating from Nam Dinh and Hanoi, pho conquers diners with its sweet broth made from stewed bones, soft rice noodles, thinly sliced ​​beef or chicken, combined with herbs such as basil and coriander.

CNN Travel: Phở Việt Nam xếp thứ 2 trong 20 món nước ngon nhất thế giới

CNN rates pho as a quintessential, harmonious dish, becoming the "culinary ambassador" of Vietnam, loved by international tourists and called by its correct name "Pho" instead of "noodle".

Sushi (Japan)

Sushi - Biểu tượng tinh tế của văn hóa ẩm thực Nhật Bản - Sushi World | Nhà Hàng Nhật Bản Hàng Đầu Việt Nam

Sushi, the symbol of Japanese cuisine, is not only a dish but also an art. Vinegared rice (sumeshi) combined with fresh seafood, spicy wasabi and pickled ginger creates a unique flavor. Sushi is enjoyed by lightly dipping the topping in soy sauce, served with ginger to cleanse the taste buds, ensuring a complete experience.

Tom Yum (Thailand)

Tom Yum: Món súp chua cay đặc sản đến từ Thái Lan

Tom Yum Goong, Thailand's signature spicy and sour shrimp soup, has been hailed by CNN as the country's best dish. The combination of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors from shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and tomatoes makes Tom Yum a must-try dish in Thailand, popular from night markets to luxury restaurants.

Samgyetang (Korea)

Những khía cạnh khiến món súp gà hầm sâm xứ Hàn trở nên độc đáo, thú vị trong mắt thực khách quốc tế : Korea.net : The official website of the Republic

Samgyetang, a Korean ginseng chicken soup, is the perfect choice for hot days. Young chicken stuffed with ginseng, glutinous rice, jujubes, and astragalus is stewed in a stone pot, creating a delicious and nutritious flavor. This dish not only helps cool the body but also brings a feeling of well-being.

Dumplings (China)

Sủi cảo - Tiếng Trung Cầm Xu - Phát âm chuẩn, nói tự tin

Dumplings, a traditional Chinese dish, are especially popular during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing good luck and reunion. With a thin, chewy skin and a filling of meat or shrimp, steamed or boiled, and served in a clear broth, dumplings are an indispensable dish when exploring Chinese cuisine.

Thali (India)

Bùng nổ hương và sắc với món thali Ấn Độ

Thali, a traditional South Asian meal, offers a balance of six flavors: salty, sweet, spicy, bitter, sour, and fatty. Consisting of Basmati rice, roti bread, vegetable curry, yogurt, and sweets, Thali represents the culinary diversity of India, Nepal, and neighboring countries.

Ikan Bakar (Malaysia)

Ikan Bakar - Famous Malaysian Cuisine - Masters of Malaysian Cuisine

Ikan Bakar, a Malaysian specialty, is a grilled fish marinated in chili sauce and spices and grilled on banana leaves, creating an enticing aroma. This dish, especially popular in Maluku and Sulawesi, captivates visitors with its natural sweetness of fresh fish and its spicy taste.

Satay (Malaysia)

Malaysian chicken satay

Satay, a Malaysian skewered meat dish, is marinated in a spicy and distinctive flavor, grilled over hot coals, and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. Although popular in many countries, Malaysian satay has retained its unique flavor, becoming a must-try street food.

Jasha Maru (Bhutan)

Slow-cooker Bhutanese Spicy Chicken Stew | Jasha Maroo - Jess Eats and Travels

Jasha Maru, Bhutanese chicken stew, features the signature spicy kick of Thimphu red chilies. Shredded chicken stewed with onions, tomatoes, ginger and coriander, this dish offers a unique taste experience that visitors will never forget.

Doner Kebab (Türkiye)

Homemade Doner Kebab

Doner Kebab, a famous Turkish street food, is a combination of sesame-covered bread, grilled meat on skewers, vegetables and various sauces. The meat is thinly sliced, tender and fragrant, making this dish a street food icon.

Chicken Rice (Singapore)

Sing Chicken

Hainanese chicken rice, though of Chinese origin, has become an iconic dish in Singapore. Boiled or roasted chicken, rice cooked with ginger, garlic, pandan leaves, and served with a chilli and cucumber dipping sauce, is popular in both street stalls and fine dining restaurants.

Chili Crab (Singapore)

Cua Cà Mau Sốt Ớt Singapore

Chilli crab, Singapore's national dish, ranked 35th on the list of the world's 50 most delicious foods. The sauce made from garlic, rice vinegar, eggs and special spices, combined with fresh, sweet crab, creates an unforgettable culinary experience.

Beef Rendang (Indonesia)

Thịt bò Rendang – Ẩm thực Bali

Beef Rendang, an Indonesian beef curry dish, is famous for its spicy, rich taste from coconut milk, combined with lemongrass, ginger, and chili. Often served during holidays, Rendang is the quintessence of Balinese cuisine, served with white rice or bamboo rice.

Massaman Curry (Thailand)

Cách nấu cà ri massaman chuẩn vị Thái ăn một lần là mê

Massaman Curry, which topped CNN’s list of the world’s 50 most delicious foods, is the pride of Thailand. With its spicy, sweet, and creamy taste from coconut milk, peanuts, potatoes, and spices, this dish conquers every diner at the first try.

Each dish has its own unique flavor, reflecting the regional identity and habits of the people there, creating a diverse and rich culinary culture for Asia in particular and the world in general. If you have the opportunity to visit these beautiful countries, do not forget to enjoy these specialties to complete your culinary journey!

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14 best Asian street foods that tourists cannot miss
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