No matter the destination, trying different dishes, particularly signature and regional dishes, will always remain a must-have experience, which not only makes your vacation a lot more enriching but satisfying as well. While every country and the region specialize in different cuisines and traditional dishes, there are a few countries that just stand out, owing to their incredible use of flavors, culinary skills, and the ability to turn even the most ordinary ingredient into something that feels like a pure artwork.
Southeast Asia is a literal paradise for every foodie. Apart from being exceptionally popular amongst the tourists for its famous attractions, rich culture, and tons of entertainment, the region is also renowned for its sumptuous cuisine, which is full of flavors and tastes very distinct from what you have tried before. And the best part about this region is you don’t have to book a table at one of the fancy restaurants to sample their authentic regional dishes, most countries in Southeast Asia take pride in their street food, which offers incredibly delicious and scrumptious dishes at highly affordable prices. Ambiance doesn’t really matter when the food tastes this good. Listed below are some of the best dishes you cannot afford to skip on your visit to Southeast Asia.
Nasi goreng, Indonesia
When in Indonesia, you cannot skip on sampling its national dish nasi goreng, which is a pretty interesting take on fried rice. It is one of the most flavorsome dishes to try in Indonesia, which is prepared in plenty of amazing versions. It is usually served with a fried egg and crispy shrimp cracker that adds a unique twist to the dish. Although this dish is available in almost every Southeast Asian country, it’s best to try in Indonesia for a more authentic experience.
Pad thai, Thailand
Pad thai is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand, which is available in a myriad of variations throughout the world. It is an incredibly famous dish in Thailand, which can be enjoyed for less than a dollar. The dish comprises of flat rice noodles, egg, spices, shrimp or meat and several other additions to make it more flavorsome and delectable. This dish offers a perfect blend between sweetness and spiciness, which makes for an ultimate combo.
Pho, Vietnam
Vietnamese take their food very seriously and when it comes to pho, they can have it as many times as they want throughout the day without getting bored of its taste. Pho is one of Vietnam’s national dishes, which is served in a bowl containing rice noodles and broth. You can easily find it in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The addition of herbs and light seasoning makes the soup even more sumptuous, which can be eaten as a meal any time of the day or night.
Amok, Cambodia
Although Cambodia is a well-recognized tourist destination for housing the very famous Angkor Wat Temple, it’s often overlooked for its dishes. Its neighboring countries Vietnam and Thailand might be the thunder stealer in the region, Cambodian food can certainly leave you surprised and your taste buds satisfied. Cambodia is a hidden gem in the region, which offers plenty of culinary delights and amok is certainly one of them. It is one of the most popular dishes in Cambodia, which brings the best out of this country. The dish is prepared by wrapping fish, spices, and coconut cream inside the banana leaves, which is then steamed until it is properly cooked.
Nasi lemak, Malaysia
Nasi lemak is one of Malaysia’s national dishes, which is an absolute delight to taste and are sure to satisfy any palate. It is usually eaten by Malaysians as a breakfast, which can be quite filling. The dish is cooked together with aromatic rice, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. Besides that, it is also served with a few additions, such as spicy sauce, roasted peanuts, fried fish, and much more. These few additions make the dish more delectable and scrumptious.
