The 19 Best Street Foods to Try in Asia

Asia is a paradise for street food enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the region’s diverse cultures. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the vibrant street food scenes in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and India offer something for every palate. Each dish tells a story, blending local ingredients with unique cooking techniques passed down through generations. Exploring these street foods is not just a culinary adventure but also a cultural experience that captures the essence of Asia. Here are some of the best street foods you must try when visiting this part of the world.

Banh Mi (Vietnam) 

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, is a culinary blend of French and Vietnamese influences. The crispy baguette is filled with various ingredients such as pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro. Typically, a generous smear of mayonnaise and a dash of soy sauce complete this street food delight. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a must-try. The versatility of Banh Mi allows for endless variations, catering to all taste preferences.

Takoyaki (Japan) 

Originating from Osaka, Takoyaki are delightful octopus-filled balls made from a wheat flour-based batter. Cooked in a special molded pan, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They are often topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed. Each morsel delivers a burst of savory umami flavors. The combination of textures and toppings makes Takoyaki a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Satay (Indonesia/Malaysia) 

Satay consists of skewered and grilled meat, typically chicken, beef, or lamb, served with a flavorful peanut sauce. This popular street food can be found in both Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is often accompanied by rice cakes, sliced cucumber, and onions. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk before grilling, infusing it with rich flavors. The accompanying peanut sauce adds a creamy and slightly sweet contrast. Satay’s smoky aroma and tender meat make it a must-try delicacy.

Pad Thai (Thailand) 

Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai street food dish made from stir-fried rice noodles. Typically, it includes shrimp, tofu, eggs, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce. Crushed peanuts and lime wedges are served on the side, allowing for customizable flavor enhancements. The dish is both savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of spiciness. Pad Thai’s vibrant colors and flavors encapsulate the essence of Thai cuisine.

Xiaolongbao (China) 

Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, originate from the Jiangnan region of China. These delicate dumplings are filled with seasoned pork and a gelatinous broth that turns into soup upon steaming. The thin, translucent skin of the dumplings requires careful handling. A bite into Xiaolongbao releases a burst of flavorful soup, followed by the savory filling. They are typically served with a ginger-infused vinegar sauce, enhancing their deliciousness.

Bibimbap (South Korea) 

Bibimbap is a Korean mixed rice dish, often served in a hot stone bowl. It features a variety of vegetables, sliced meat (usually beef), a fried egg, and gochujang (chili paste). The ingredients are arranged beautifully on top of the rice, creating a colorful and nutritious meal. Mixing everything together allows the flavors to meld, with the hot bowl creating crispy rice at the bottom. Bibimbap is both visually appealing and satisfying, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Laksa (Malaysia/Singapore) 

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with Peranakan origins, popular in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish combines rice noodles or vermicelli with a rich and spicy coconut milk or tamarind-based broth. Common toppings include shrimp, chicken, tofu puffs, and bean sprouts. The complex flavors of Laksa are heightened by garnishes like coriander, lime, and chili. Each spoonful is a comforting mix of spice, creaminess, and umami.

Som Tum (Thailand) 

Som Tum, or green papaya salad, is a staple of Thai street food. The dish features shredded unripe papaya mixed with tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, and a spicy lime dressing. The flavors are a vibrant combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. The crisp texture of the papaya and the punchy dressing make Som Tum a refreshing and addictive dish. It’s often enjoyed with sticky rice and grilled meats.

Pho (Vietnam) 

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup, usually made with beef or chicken, that is known for its aromatic broth. The broth is simmered for hours with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful base. Thinly sliced meat, rice noodles, and fresh herbs are added to the broth, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Pho is often garnished with lime, chili, and bean sprouts. It’s a perfect meal for any time of the day.

Roti Canai (Malaysia) 

Roti Canai is a type of flatbread from Malaysia, often served with a side of curry. The dough is skillfully stretched and folded to create layers before being cooked on a griddle. The result is a crispy and flaky bread that pairs perfectly with spicy, savory curry. Roti Canai can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with ingredients like eggs, onions, or meat. Its versatility and deliciousness make it a street food favorite.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesia) 

Nasi Goreng is Indonesian fried rice, typically made with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, shallots, and a protein like chicken or shrimp. The dish is often topped with a fried egg and served with pickles and prawn crackers. The sweet and savory flavors of Nasi Goreng are distinctive and highly satisfying. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that showcases the best of Indonesian cuisine. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Gyoza (Japan) 

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables, usually pork, cabbage, and garlic chives. They are pan-fried on one side, creating a crispy bottom, then steamed to perfection. The dumplings are served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the juicy filling is simply irresistible. Gyoza are a popular street food and a staple in Japanese izakayas.

Mango Sticky Rice (Thailand) 

Mango Sticky Rice is a traditional Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, and coconut milk. The rice is cooked until tender and sticky, then mixed with sweetened coconut milk. The dish is served with ripe, juicy mango slices on the side. The combination of the sweet, creamy rice and the fresh, slightly tart mango is a match made in heaven. It’s a refreshing and satisfying end to any meal.

Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore) 

Hainanese Chicken Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish consisting of poached chicken and seasoned rice. The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, then served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth. Accompaniments include a ginger-garlic dipping sauce, chili sauce, and dark soy sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine. Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved comfort food in Singapore.

Khao Soi (Thailand) 

Khao Soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle soup with Burmese influences. The dish features egg noodles in a rich, coconut milk-based curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles. It is typically garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and chili oil. The combination of textures and flavors, from the creamy broth to the crunchy noodles, is delightful. Khao Soi offers a unique and comforting dining experience.

Murtabak (Malaysia) 

Murtabak is a stuffed pancake or flatbread, popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. It is filled with a mixture of minced meat, onions, eggs, and spices, then folded and cooked on a griddle. The exterior is crispy and golden brown, while the inside is flavorful and juicy. Murtabak is often served with a side of curry sauce or pickles. This savory treat is a must-try street food.

Samosa (India) 

Samosas are deep-fried pastries with a savory filling, commonly found in Indian street food markets. The filling typically consists of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. The pastry is crisp and golden, encasing the flavorful filling. Samosas are often served with chutneys like mint or tamarind. They are a perfect snack, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of spices.

Char Kway Teow (Malaysia) 

Char Kway Teow is a popular Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts. The dish is cooked over high heat, imparting a smoky flavor known as “wok hei.” The combination of ingredients and flavors creates a rich, savory, and slightly spicy dish. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Char Kway Teow is a beloved comfort food in Malaysia.

Dim Sum (China) 

Dim Sum refers to a variety of bite-sized dishes traditionally enjoyed during brunch in China. These small plates include dumplings, buns, rolls, and more, each with unique fillings and flavors. They are often served in bamboo steamers or small plates. The variety and quality of Dim Sum make it a favorite among food lovers. Whether steamed, fried, or baked, each piece offers a delicious and satisfying experience.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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