Rich in flavor and spices, Southeast Asian cuisine is often regarded as one of the best in the world. Be it pad thai, tom yum, or pho, every meal is unique and feels like a story waiting to be told.
What’s more enticing about Southeast Asian cuisine is the bold mix of flavors, where sweet, spicy, salty, and sour come together in every bite. However, some of the region’s most unforgettable dishes are not found in fancy restaurants, but on the streets where vendors have perfected their craft over generations.
If you love to travel and try different cuisines from around the world, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines needs to be on the top of your list. The good news is, you can easily visit these countries by booking your ticket in advance through online services. For instance, getting around the Philippines with Bookaway ensures a convenient experience as it makes it easier to find the right transportation for your need.
Most Popular Dishes In Southeast Asia
The variety of dishes in Southeast Asia is so vast; it is not possible to cover them all in a single post. So, here we are with the most popular ones that are definitely worth a taste.
Pad Thai (Thailand)
One of the most famous dishes in Thailand, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish made that is made with eggs, rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, or chicken. The noodles are mixed with a sweet and tangy sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar that gives it a rich, flavourful taste. They also add crushed peanuts, fresh lime, and bean sprouts to further enhance the taste of the dish. Pad Thai is so popular that you can find it anywhere in Thailand. The mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors is what makes it a favorite among both locals and travelers.
Pho (Vietnam)
A comforting noodle soup from Vietnam, Pho is made with a clear, flavourful broth that is slowly cooked with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Consisting of rice noodles, and meat, Pho is always served with fresh herbs like basil, bean sprouts, lime, and chili on the side, so as to make it even more delicious. Whether in breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can enjoy Pho all day long and also customise your bowl according to your liking.
Satay (Indonesia)
While there are many mouthwatering street foods available in Indonesia, none of them are as delicious as satay which is known for its smoky, rich taste. Made by skewering small pieces of chicken, beef, or lamb, it is grilled over hot charcoal and drizzled with a thick, creamy peanut sauce. The meat is often marinated with spices like turmeric and coriander that give it a bright color and flavor. You can either eat it as a snack or as a full meal with rice cakes and a side of cucumber salad.
Khao Soi (Thailand)
A northern Thai dish, Khao Soi feels like a big, warm hug. It is a coconut curry noodle soup that is slightly spicy and served with both soft and crispy egg noodles. To enhance the taste of the broth, they add curry paste, coconut milk, and tender pieces of chicken or beef, along with pickled mustard greens, onions, lime, and chili oil as toppings. Khao Soi is especially popular in Chiang Mai, where each bowl is packed with layers of bold flavors and is a must-try if you visit northern Thailand.
Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)
Tom Yum Goong is another popular dish in Thailand that people love because of its bold flavors. It is a hot and sour shrimp soup that is both spicy and sour, creating a delicious balance of flavors inside your mouth. To make the dish hearty, they add juicy pieces of mushrooms, shrimp, and tomatoes. But for a richer version, adding a splash of creamy milk is necessary. Tom Yum Goong soup is not only comforting but also refreshing because of the fresh herbs added to the preparation.
Nasi Goreng (Indonesia)
If you love eating fried rice, you will surely love nasi goreng, the most popular dish in Indonesia. Made by stir-frying rice, it contains a variety of ingredients, including sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, chilies, and pieces of chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. For the finishing touch, they often add a fried egg on top that makes the dish even more delicious. Generally, locals serve nasi goreng with crispy crackers, cucumber, or tomato on the side, but you can eat it however you like. Although it is a simple dish, it is full of flavors and perfect for any time of day.
Laphet Thoke (Myanmar)
If you are in Myanmar, trying laphet thoke is a must. A unique and flavourful dish, it is made with fermented tea leaves mixed with crunchy roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, fried garlic, and fresh tomatoes. For extra texture, they also add dried shrimp and shredded cabbage. Unlike other salads that you may try, laphet thoke has a tangy, nutty, and slightly bitter taste. Depending on your preference, you can eat it as a snack, an appetizer, or as part of a meal. For those unversed, eating fermented tea leaves is a special tradition in Myanmar that is believed to bring people together.
Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore)
One of the most loved dishes in Singapore, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a simple recipe, but it offers a rich taste that leaves you craving for more. The chicken served with the fragrant rice is poached gently until it turns tender and juicy. To make it even better, chili sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce is added on the side. Some people also like to have it with fresh cucumber slices as it adds an extra crunch. Often regarded as the “national dish,” you should give it a try when in Singapore.
Street food in Southeast Asia is a true adventure for your taste buds. Whether you are in Vietnam, the Philippines, or Thailand, you will find a variety of dishes to try. So, next time when you plan a trip, don’t just visit the tourist spots, but also explore the street food scene and treat yourself to the most delicious foods you find.