Introduction
Travelling to Asia is one of the best ways to experience new food and culture. While it’s great to try out new restaurants and cafes, there’s something special about eating street food in Asia. We asked travel bloggers and experts to recommend their favourite street foods across the continent. From steamed buns to noodles, here’s what they had to say…
Street food is one of the best things about travelling in Asia.
Looking for the best street foods to try in Asia? You’re in luck. Street food is one of the most fun and rewarding parts of travelling in Asia, especially if you’re looking for some authentic local cuisine.
Don’t just think about this as a way to fill up on cheap calories – street food can be an important part of experiencing local culture. Here are some reasons why:
- Trying new things will help you learn about different cultures and get out of your comfort zone
- Eating with locals puts you at ease because they understand what’s safe to eat better than someone who has never been there before
While it’s great to try out new restaurants and cafes, there is something special about eating street food in Asia.
- It’s cheap! Many of the dishes cost less than $1 USD (or even less than 50 cents).
- You can find it anywhere – whether you’re walking down a busy street or off the beaten path on your travels.
- The food is often more authentic than what you’ll find at restaurants, so if you want to really get an idea of what local cuisine tastes like then this is your best bet.
- It tends to be healthier too because street vendors tend not to use preservatives or other additives in their cooking methods which means fewer additives that might make us sick later on down the line when we eat them again without knowing their long-term effects on our bodies (like MSG).
We asked travel bloggers and experts to recommend their favourite street foods across the continent.
- The best way to eat street food safely is by avoiding cooked meat, seafood and poultry (beyond simple grilled chicken), as well as anything that’s been sitting out for more than an hour or so. Also make sure you’re aware of any local regulations on food hygiene before you dig in!
From steamed buns to noodles, here’s what they had to say…
So what are the best street foods to try in Asia? We asked our writers and contributors to weigh in, and here’s what they had to say:
- Street food is a great way to try new things. If you’re traveling alone or with others who don’t like trying new foods, street food can be an excellent way for everyone to eat something different from their normal diet at home. It’s also a good way for locals who don’t speak English well (or at all!) because they’ll often have pictures of their dishes on display so everyone knows exactly what they’re getting into before ordering–and no one has any surprises!
- Street food is affordable! Most street vendors sell items that cost less than $5 USD per portion; some even sell meals under $1 USD per serving! You might even find yourself eating more than one dish because each bite is so tasty…and inexpensive!
- Street food can be healthy too! Many dishes served up by vendors contain vegetables such as carrots or cabbage mixed into meatballs made from ground pork before being steamed together inside large buns called baozi/baozi (包子) which means “wrapped bread.” These delicious morsels are topped off with sweet soy sauce called tianmianjiang/tiánmiànjiàngyúnqìrénshéngxiāngsàlì(天麵白汁醬油醋卷), making them both filling enough without feeling heavy afterward due to their high carbohydrate content – which means more room left over after eating these tasty treats!
1. Crab noodles in Hanoi, Vietnam
Crab noodles are a popular dish in Hanoi, Vietnam. The crab is cooked in a sweet and sour sauce and the noodles are made from rice flour. The dish is served with a side of fresh herbs and vegetables for an authentic experience!
2. Seafood pancake in Seoul, South Korea
Seafood pancake is a popular street food in South Korea. It’s made from flour, eggs and vegetables. The seafood can include shrimp, squid, fish cake or scallops. You can find this dish at any Korean restaurant or street vendor. The seafood pancake is served with a variety of side dishes such as kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage), sweet potato fries and hot sauce for dipping; however you can also eat it plain!
The best food to eat in Seoul? Definitely the seafood pancake!
3. Dim sum in Hong Kong
Dim sum is a Chinese meal that is typically served in small portions. It’s usually eaten for breakfast or lunch and comes in a bamboo steamer, making it an ideal street food. You can pick up dim sum with your hands and eat it on the go!
4. Stinky tofu in Taiwan
Stinky tofu is a popular street food in Taiwan. It’s made by deep-frying tofu and then allowing it to ferment in a brine that includes fermented black beans. The result is an odor so strong that you can smell it before you even see the food! This stinky tofu is often served with soy sauce and pickled vegetables on top.
It’s not for everyone–it has been described as smelling like “a rotting corpse” or “the inside of an armpit.” But if you’re willing to try something new (and brave), this Taiwanese specialty may be right up your alley!
5. Chicken feet soup in Thailand
If you’re in Thailand and want to try some genuine local cuisine, chicken feet are a must. They’re a delicacy there and commonly served in soups that can be spicy or mild, depending on your preference.
The reason why chicken feet are so popular is because they contain plenty of protein, calcium and other minerals–all good things for your body! While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or should I say bowl?), if you do like eating them then they’re easy enough to find as street vendors sell them at markets all over town.
You can have some unique eating experiences when you’re travelling through Asia
When you’re travelling through Asia, you can have some unique eating experiences.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things! It’s a great way to get to know the local culture and save money on food. You might find some really delicious food, or even something that no one else has ever heard of before (like durian fruit).
Conclusion
So, if you’re planning on travelling through Asia and want to try some street food, we’ve got some great suggestions for you. From steamed buns in China to noodles in Vietnam and Korea–and everything in between!
