14 best street foods in Asia that tourists cannot miss

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 considers pho 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, a 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 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 when visiting Thailand, popular from night markets to luxury restaurants.

Samgyetang (Korea)

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 health.

Dumplings (China)

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

Thali (India)

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, a Malaysian specialty, is 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 flavor.

Satay (Malaysia)

Satay, a Malaysian skewered meat dish, is marinated in a spicy, charcoal-grilled dish and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. Although popular in many countries, Malaysian satay has retained its unique character, becoming a street food not to be missed.

Jasha Maru (Bhutan)

Jasha Maru, Bhutanese chicken stew, is characterized by its distinctive spicy taste from the red Thimphu chili peppers. Shredded chicken stewed with onions, tomatoes, ginger and coriander, this dish offers a unique taste experience that visitors will never forget.

Doner Kebab (Türkiye)

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

Chicken Rice (Singapore)

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

Chilli Crab (Singapore)

Chilli crab, Singapore's national dish, is 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.

Rendang Beef (Indonesia)

Beef Rendang, an Indonesian beef curry dish, is famous for its spicy, rich flavor 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)

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 fatty flavors from coconut milk, peanuts, potatoes, and spices, this dish conquers every diner at first try.

Each dish has its own unique flavor, reflecting the regional identity and habits of the people there, creating diversity and richness for Asian culinary culture 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 make your culinary journey more complete!