Buzz
1. South Korea
It's no surprise at all when this name is mentioned, is it? Korean cuisine has long been familiar to Vietnamese youth. South Korea is world-renowned for dishes such as kimchi, gimbap, cold noodles, grilled meat... One of the most beloved dishes is gimbap or seaweed rice rolls. Gimbap is quite similar to Japanese sushi but bigger and with more fillings. The fillings include various ingredients such as rolled omelet, carrot, sausage, and spring onion...
Another dish that diners can't miss is mixed glass noodles - japchae. The main ingredients for this dish are glass noodles and seasonal vegetables (usually thinly sliced carrot, onion, spinach, and mushrooms) and meat (usually beef). Koreans use sesame oil to stir-fry. The main seasoning is soy sauce and chili with sesame seeds. Japchae can be served hot or cold. Of course, there are many other delicious dishes, so if you have the chance to visit South Korea, remember these famous dishes!
2. Japan
Japanese cuisine doesn't overly use spices, only focusing on highlighting the fresh, pure natural flavors of the dishes. Japanese food flavors are often delicate, gentle, and in harmony with the seasonal nature. Due to its geographical location surrounded by the sea, seafood and seaweed make up a large part of the Japanese diet. The staple food of the Japanese is rice. They roll rice in sheets of dark green seaweed, creating sushi, considered the national dish of Japan.
On the other hand, Sushi is also a favorite dish of people all over the world. It's thinly sliced fresh fish dipped in a mixture of spices with various herbs. If you intend to visit Japan, remember to try it at Sushi restaurants under the Tokyo subway. Japan is not only known as a country with many beautiful landmarks and the most advanced technology in the world but also attracts people with its delicious and unique cuisine. In Japan, you will be satisfied with these unforgettable cuisines.
3. Bangladesh
- You might be surprised to see Bangladesh mentioned here. However, the first time visitors set foot on this mysterious land, they are completely won over. Bangladesh is one of the regions with the most delicious street food, famous for its extraordinary yogurt 'Chai' dish. Visitors' favorite dish is 'Fuschka.' It's a piece of fried bread topped with green chili and onions, all dipped in a bowl of hot spicy tamarind sauce. This dish will make you feel warm and satisfied instantly. If you add a glass of “Chai” to this dish, it's just perfect.
Additionally, the dish 'BhapaPittas' is also not a bad choice. “BhapaPittas” is a steamed sweet cake eaten hot with brown sugar and coconut. It tastes just like sponge cake, only softer and more fragrant. There are plenty of delicious dishes for food enthusiasts to explore in the beautiful country of Bangladesh.
The culinary journey through Bangladesh is complete with specialty dishes that have delicious flavors that will captivate any food connoisseur.
4. Philippines
Philippines is one of the Asian countries that blends both Asian and European cultures. Formerly a colony of Portugal, the Philippines adapted Portuguese culture and cuisine, combining them with their own traditions. They are known as a country with beautiful people, a rich language, and delicious dishes.
One of the most famous dishes in the Philippines is balut. It's a common dish for many Philippines locals and serves as their breakfast. Its nutrients and protein provide you with energy for the entire day. Some may find it intimidating, but others find its taste exquisite. Additionally, Bistek Tagalog is a simple and familiar dish for people in western Philippines. The beefsteak here is truly delicious and enticing. They are often served with a glass of orange or calamansi juice along with soft-fried onions and best enjoyed while everything is still hot. Travelers have rated this as the best bistek in the Southeast Asian region.
5. Italy
Italian cuisine is renowned for its richness and diversity, reflecting the culture and traditions of each region through its dishes. It is crafted from the freshest, most natural ingredients available, following the seasonal harvests.
Worldwide, Italy is celebrated for its exquisite wines, outstanding cheeses, and dishes bursting with unique flavors. Enthusiasts of Italian cuisine admire not only its beautiful language but also its ability to delicately transform ingredients. Italy is famed for blending meals with delectable cheeses and incorporating wine into various recipes. Italy is also known for its coffee, pastries, pizzas, and pasta dishes.
In Italy, you will never encounter fast food. One of the must-try delicacies is the classic margherita pizza. Additionally, indulge in the gentle tomato sauce topped with fresh, creamy cheese. And don't forget to savor a glass of authentic Italian wine!
6. Greece
Nutritionists have long admired Greeks for their use of healthy fats, such as olive oil, and unprocessed sugars, such as honey, in their cooking. Greek cuisine often focuses on grilled dishes. Most traditional dishes of this country are also very simple, often flavored with herbs and without complex sauces.
Stepping into Greece, there are plenty of things you can try, from salads to hot dishes, from desserts to soups. But if you want a traditional, cheap, and quick meal, that's souvlaki. It's an iconic fast food of Greece that you can find anywhere on the streets, in bars, small shops, or cafes.
You'll take pride in souvlaki. It's everywhere in this country. And if you're lucky enough to be invited to a Greek home party, ask about mousaka. It's best when homemade.
7. China
China is considered the most attractive tourist destination in Asia. It not only boasts stunning natural landscapes but also a diverse and vibrant cultural heritage, along with a culinary paradise that can make travelers 'forget their way home.'
Chinese cuisine is famous for its diverse, rich, and addictive dishes. Sichuan tofu, Beijing roast duck, dumplings... are among the 'signature' dishes of China. Sichuan tofu with its characteristic spicy flavor is always mentioned by international friends as a hallmark of Chinese cuisine. The ingredients of this famous tofu dish include young tofu and minced meat cooked with the characteristic spices of Sichuan.
Additionally, stir-fried noodles are also considered a popular and common dish in China. It is a nutritious dish with many health benefits. The main ingredients of the dish include noodles, meat, onions, carrots, and various vegetables. You can find noodle stalls along the roadside or even bustling restaurants.
8. Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its uniqueness in preparation methods as well as distinctive flavors. Over the past decade, Vietnamese cuisine has been gaining international acclaim, receiving countless praises from chefs and major magazines.
Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by a harmonious blend of ingredients that are not overly spicy, sweet, or fatty. The supplementary ingredients (spices) for Vietnamese dishes are incredibly diverse, including:
- A variety of herbs such as mint, basil, coriander, scallions, dill, and culantro...
- Vegetable spices such as chili, black pepper, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, ginger, kaffir lime, or young leaves...
- Fermented spices such as fermented rice, shrimp paste, fermented rice bran, vinegar, or bitter caramel, coconut milk...
When enjoying Vietnamese dishes, the nature of blending ingredients as mentioned above becomes more apparent: Vietnamese people rarely eat any dish separately, savoring each dish, but rather a meal is often a synthesis of dishes from the beginning to the end. Another distinctive feature of Vietnamese cuisine that other countries, especially Western countries do not have, is fish sauce. Fish sauce is frequently used in most Vietnamese dishes. There are also dipping sauces like hoisin sauce, soy sauce (made from soybeans). The communal bowl of fish sauce served on the dining table, from ancient times to the present, enhances the richness of taste, the distinctive flavor of the dish, and signifies the community bond of the Vietnamese people.
Some characteristic dishes of Vietnam you should try include: Quang noodles, Pho, Banh Mi, Spring Rolls, Bun Cha,...
9. Pakistan
Pakistani cuisine is an unmissable aspect when visiting this beautiful South Asian country. Its cuisine encompasses dishes from countries with delicate flavors like India, China, and others. Therefore, Pakistani cuisine is diverse and rich.
Pakistani people, adhering to Islam, do not consume pork and alcohol. Instead, they favor beef, chicken, fish, and vegetables. They also use a plethora of spices, which you'll find in most dishes, including chili powder, ginger, curry powder, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and garlic.
One of Pakistan's signature dishes is Kabuli Pulao. Traders along the Silk Road crafted Kabuli Pulao in western Pakistan. Pulao can be made with any type of rice, but usually long-grain rice is preferred. Chefs sauté in oil while stirring in a large amount of dry spices. Typically, there will be a piece of lamb or beef served alongside to enhance the dish's characteristic flavor.
10. India
India is hailed as the 'Nobel Prize' winner in spice utilization. There's no formula in blending spices; it's simply turning them into delicious dishes. The same spice can be used to enhance both savory and sweet dishes, a concept deeply understood by Indians.
Cows are revered, and most Indians are vegetarian. Traditional Indian cuisine heavily employs spices and sauces. They also adore homemade white cheese: Paneer. Every traditional dish is accompanied by naan bread. Of course, rice is also a staple here. When it comes to alcohol, you won't find much on this land. Goa is famous for its lafmosn drinks at parties.
- Paneer Butter Masala: India's most popular dish, available everywhere. It's made from crushed tomatoes with cream and various traditional herbs and spices
- Aloo Gobi: a side dish made from potatoes and cauliflower
- Dal - a wonderfully boiled lentil dish.
- Dosa - a crepe made from a mixture of rice and black lentils, a perfect choice for lunch and dinner.
- Chai - an intriguing beverage made from tea, milk, and aromatic spices, herbs. It's hard to resist the allure of this drink.
