6 Asian Countries with Foods That Will Make You Drool... and Drool Some More!

Why do Malaysians love to eat and travel across the world in search of good food? Well, it’s simple - we’re obsessed with food! Eating isn’t just a hobby for us, it’s a way of life. We’re the kind of people who plan our vacations around where to find the best Char Kway Teow or the most mouthwatering Nasi Lemak. We’ll happily endure long hours in a queue for a viral nasi lemak in Seri Kembangan, on a bus, or on a plane just to get a taste of that perfect bowl of Pho in Vietnam or that heavenly plate of Pad Thai in Thailand.

If you're a Malaysian looking for the ultimate culinary adventure, look no further than these six foodie paradises across Asia. From mouthwatering street eats to fine dining delights, these destinations will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Thailand - Bangkok: The Land of Spice and Everything Nice

Ah, Sawadee krap, Thailand! Khun sabai di chai mai krap? Which basically means, Greetings, Thailand! How are you today? – land of smiles, stunning beaches, and, of course, drool-worthy food. Bangkok, in particular, is a haven for Malaysian foodies seeking an explosion of flavours.

Tom Yum Goong is a famous Thai soup known for its spicy and sour flavors. The soup typically contains a flavourful broth made from a combination of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal (similar to ginger), lime juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers.
Start your day with a hearty bowl of piping hot Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour soup packed with shrimp, lemongrass, and chili. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the world of Thai street food at Chinatown's Yaowarat Road. From succulent grilled skewers to crispy Pad Thai cooked right before your eyes, the options are endless. And don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with some Mango Sticky Rice or a refreshing Thai iced tea – you'll thank us later.
Japan - Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Itadakimasu! foodies! Tokyo is a melting pot of culinary wonders, offering a perfect blend of traditional Japanese dishes and cutting-edge gastronomy.

Indulge in a sushi feast at the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can taste the freshest seafood straight from the ocean. For a taste of Japan's soul food, slurp your way through a bowl of steaming hot ramen at a cozy izakaya. And if you're feeling fancy, treat yourself to a kaiseki meal, a multi-course Japanese haute cuisine experience that will blow your mind (and your taste buds).

South Korea - Seoul: Kimchi and Beyond
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the streets of Seoul, where every corner offers a new gastronomic delight.

Bibimbap, sometimes romanised as bi bim bap or bi bim bop, is a Korean rice dish. The term bibim means "mixing" and bap is cooked rice. It is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul and gochujang. Egg and sliced meat are common additions, stirred together thoroughly just before eating

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of bibimbap, a delicious mix of rice, vegetables, meat, and a fried egg, guaranteed to give you the energy to explore the city. Then, dive into the world of Korean BBQ, where you can grill your own meat to perfection and wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves. And no trip to Seoul is complete without sampling some spicy kimchi – it's not just a side dish, it's a way of life.
Vietnam - Hanoi: Pho-nomenal Flavors

Phở or Pho is a Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, sometimes chicken. Phở is a popular food in Vietnam where it is served in households, street-stalls, and restaurants country-wide.
Welcome to Hanoi, where the streets are buzzing with the aroma of fragrant herbs and spices. Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance and harmony, and nowhere is this more evident than in a bowl of steaming hot pho. Whether you prefer beef or chicken, this iconic noodle soup is a must-try for any Malaysian foodie. After slurping your fill of pho, explore Hanoi's vibrant street food scene, where you can sample everything from banh mi to bun cha. And don't forget to wash it all down with a refreshing glass of ca phe sua da, Vietnamese iced coffee that packs a punch.

Ca Phe Sua Da or widely known as Vietnamese iced coffee is a traditional Vietnamese coffee recipe. It is created using coffee roasted between medium and dark. The drink is made by passing hot water through the grounds into a cup that already contains condensed milk.
Taiwan - Taipei: Street Food Extravaganza

Taipei is a food lover's paradise, with its bustling night markets and diverse culinary offerings. Dive headfirst into the chaos of Shilin Night Market, where you can feast on everything from oyster omelettes to stinky tofu (trust me, it tastes better than it smells).
For a taste of Taiwan's most famous dish, sink your teeth into a juicy gua bao – a fluffy steamed bun stuffed with braised pork belly and all the fixings. And if you're feeling brave, why not try some century egg or pig's blood cake? Hey, you only live once, right?
Indonesia - Bali: Spice Up Your Life

Last but certainly not least, we have the tropical paradise of Bali, where the food is as vibrant as the island itself. Dive into a plate of nasi goreng, Indonesia's take on fried rice, topped with a crispy fried egg and spicy sambal. Then, cool off with a refreshing bowl of es cendol, a sweet dessert made with coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice flour jelly.
So there you have it, folks – six foodie destinations in Asia that are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning Malaysian palate. Whether you're craving spicy Thai curries, delicate Japanese sushi, or hearty Vietnamese pho, these culinary hotspots have got you covered. So grab your passport, pack your stretchy pants, and get ready for the foodie adventure of a lifetime!
Other good reads that you might be interested in:
- Ringgit Resilience: The Budget-Savvy Malaysian Traveller's Handbook to Epic Adventures
- Navigating the Unthinkable: The Importance of Repatriation Coverage for Malaysians in Times of Grief
- Embracing Wanderlust: Seniors and Retirees Lead the Travel Boom
- The Unforgettable Adventure of Solo Travel: Unlocking the World, One Journey at a Time
- Family Travel: A Rollercoaster of Laughter and Chaos
- The Thrill of the Game: Traveling for Sports and Adrenaline-Fueled Experiences
Discovering the Allure of Sabah: A Cultural Haven and Seafood Paradise
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