A Traveler’s Guide to Unique Asian Cuisine
July 19, 2024
Asia provides a culinary experience unlike any other due to its wide variety of cultures. Every dish, from vibrant street markets to tucked-away family-run restaurants, relates a tale of innovation, history, and tradition. Discovering distinctive Asian cuisine is a voyage of tastes and sensations for any daring foodie. If you plan on exploring Asia in the near future, here’s a guide to some must-try dishes and destinations.
Drunken Noodles
Drunken noodles are a popular street food in Bangkok, Thailand. These broad, spicy stir-fried noodles have an unclear origin story regarding their name. One theory suggests that the dish, often consumed after a night of drinking, is made with available leftovers and simple ingredients. Another explanation is that the spicy flavor is intended to invigorate the dulled taste buds of those who are drunk, making it an ideal hangover remedy.
Gejang
Gejang is a type of salted fermented seafood in Korean cuisine, created by marinating fresh raw crabs in either soy sauce (ganjang) or a chili pepper powder-based sauce. The preparation of ganjang gejang, which involves soaking raw crab in a soy sauce marinade for an extended period of time, closely resembles Korea's culinary tradition of fermentation, where aging certain foods enhances their flavor.
Mutton Korma
Korma is a dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent Mughlai, featuring meat or vegetables braised with yogurt or cream, water or stock, and spices to create a thick sauce or glaze. Korma was often prepared in the royal kitchens of the Mughal emperors. It was a popular dish at grand feasts and banquets. One famous variant, the white korma, was known for its use of a rich, creamy sauce often garnished with vark (edible silver foil). This dish was reportedly served to Emperor Shah Jahan and his guests during the inauguration of the Taj Mahal.
Gudeg (Jackfruit Stew)
Gudeg is a traditional Javanese dish from Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, made from young, unripe jackfruit stewed with palm sugar and coconut milk. Spices like garlic, shallot, candlenut, coriander seed, galangal, bay leaves, and teak leaves give it a reddish-brown color. Known as a "green jackfruit sweet stew," Gudeg contrasts with Western fast food, embodying Javanese slow and meticulous cooking. Its labor-intensive preparation takes nearly a full day, reflecting Javanese values of calmness, patience, and attention to detail
Exploring unique Asian cuisine is more than just a gastronomic journey, it is a way to connect with diverse cultures and traditions. Unbeknownst to most tourists, some of the best culinary experiences can be found at street stalls, markets, or other hidden locations hence why it’s best to be open-minded about unique flavors. Of course, it's important to be cautious about food poisoning while traveling, but don't let this concern stop you from trying new cuisines. Ensure you're protected against medical emergencies with Global Travel Protect Premium. For more information, visit https://plgic.ph/GTPP
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