There is so much diversity in Asian culture, and there are so many marvelous foods that it is quite a challenge to create a “Most Popular Foods in Asia Top Ten Countdown” list. Asian diversity ranges from climate to landscape to people to culture and foods. A rich blend of traditions can be found throughout the vast and diverse regions of Asia. Variety in spices is a well known quality of Asian foods from Indian to Iranian to Malaysian to Chinese. In this article, we will present a countdown of the top ten most flavorful food favorites throughout Asia. Read on to whet your appetite.
1: Noodles
The top pick among popular foods in Asia is noodles. While noodles originated in China, no matter where you go in Asia, you will find some form of noodles. They are made from a variety of types of grain and dried to be used as the base of many different foods across Asian cultures. Served plain in broth, tossed with spicy oil, added to soups, fried or any number of other means of preparation, noodles are clearly at the top of the list when it comes to the most popular foods in Asia.
2: Nasi Lemak
Another delicious dish based in coconut cream is Nasi Lemak, which hails from Malaysia. Along with the coconut cream, rice, lemongrass and pine leaves are combined for an enticing aroma. This is a molded rice dish that is served as a side dish with typical Malaysian fare.
3: Pho
When visiting Vietnam, you must try Pho. You will see this word incorporated in the names of many restaurants in Vietnam because this is a favorite dish in this country. Pho is an extremely tasty noodle soup that is the Vietnamese equivalent of fast food, with the exception that it is a healthy dish made of natural ingredients. In a quick bowl of Pho you will find fresh rice noodles, meat and a savory broth spiced with a variety of natural herbs and topped with fresh chopped parsley and onions.
4: Red Curry Soup
Only in Thailand will you find a marvelous Red Curry Soup. It isn’t available anywhere else. If you are suffering from a cold or allergies, this is the dish to choose! It is dazzlingly hot and spicy and also very healthy because its base is coconut cream. The soup is made with water chestnut, cauliflower, grilled bits of meat, tomatoes and lentils. It is garnished with fresh parsley.
5: Hyderabadi Haleem
Another of the most popular foods in Asia, which can be found in the Southeast is Hyderabadi Haleem. This is a porridge that resembles lentil soup. It is made with a variety of meats, which include fowl, beef or lamb grilled and then simmered with beans. Once cooked, the entire dish is pounded to create a smooth, creamy consistency. This delicious dish is generally served during Ramadan with a garnish of thinly sliced hot green peppers and a wedge of lemon or lime.
6: Biryani
All over Southeast Asia, you will find Biryani served. This beloved dish is an Indian favorite that can vary from one cook to another. The main ingredient is rice, which is grilled with bits of beef, lamb or poultry, spiced with traditional Indian spices and garnished with fresh parsley. Biryani is served as a main dish accompanied by hot, spicy gravy or natural yogurt
7: Aloo Gosht
Pakistanian Aloo Gosht is a spicy, hot, extremely tasty dish consisting of meat, potatoes and fresh cilantro in a red sauce that is flavored with fennel seeds, red and white pepper, cardamom and Ceylon cinnamon. This is a very popular soup or stew-like dish.
8: Afghani Dal
Afghani Dal hails from southern Asia. It is a sort of warm dip made of black beans, rich spices and butter. It is served with a garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro. It can be eaten with bread or poured over rice.
9: Chelo Kebab
In Iranian cuisine, you will find the chelo kebab. This delicious roasted meat main dish is usually served with grilled tomatoes, spicy rice and butter.
10: Dolma
One very popular favorite Asian food is dolma. This tasty appetizer hails from Turkey. The name, dolma, literally means “something filled”. Dolma can be made with a number of different ingredients. Most often, grape leaves are filled with spicy rice and/or beef.
