Asia is a massive continent with countless culinary traditions and a wealth of diverse dishes. In order to truly learn to appreciate Asian cuisine, it is important to understand the various food types, regional differences, and social aspects of eating, to fully understand and experience the richness of Asian food. Generally, Asian food is rich in flavor and often uses a myriad of ingredients which can be quite intimidating for the non-Asian to understand. The variety of ingredients that can be used can also be a cause for confusion for the prospective diner. For example, many people may not know the differences between a Thai and Indian curry, assuming that all curries are created equal. Another common example is that the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai all have different unique takes on preparing and eating noodles. Understanding food is an important part of understanding culture and is a significant aspect of the Asian way of life. By learning more about Asian food, it is hoped that one can gain a greater understanding of the people of Asia and their way of life. This understanding can also lead to a lot of fun and interesting culinary experiences as well!
Exploring the diversity of Asian cuisine
While Asian cuisine is commonly perceived to be exotic and spicy, it is actually a compilation of various foods that are derived from the different countries in the continent of Asia. Asian cuisine is considered to be one of the most diversified cuisines in the world because it is influenced by thousands of cultures and traditions. It is also rich in sub-cuisines; the different areas in Asia often have different foods. This is because of the vastness of the continent, having a great number of cultures. In Western settlements, it is common to see food that is a fusion of Asian. Japanese curry, Korean barbecues, and Chinese takeaways are some of the evidences of how the food from Asia has been globalised. In Southeast Asia, the dishes are influenced by the various spices brought by traders from China, India, the Middle East and Europe. The colonial period also brought European foods to Southeast Asia, with such additions as curry and tea. Japanese cuisine is the food, the ingredients, the preparation and the way of eating. It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes which are usually fish, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The Japanese cuisine has been influenced by the food customs of other nations, but has adopted and refined them to create its own unique cooking style and eating habits. Like how most of Japanese culture was originally Chinese, the same can be said about how Korean cuisine such as kimchi also originated from China, but has developed differently over time.
The allure of budget-friendly culinary experiences
There are many aspects of travel that times, is considered the Asian culinary experience. Often people seem hesitant at the thought of the street food and local restaurants, fearing only that where the cost is cheap, so too must be the level of hygiene. In this sense they are missing out, for it is these dining environments where some of the most authentic and best tasting Asian food can be found. In my own experience I have found that often some of the most memorable dining experiences occur in the cheapest establishments. The street food culture in Asia is second to none. In Thailand the problem is not finding somewhere to eat, but rather deciding what out of the vast array of choice is going to be the most satisfying. Malaysia boasts food with fragrant and spicy, cross-cultural tastes, often served on a banana leaf and eaten with the fingers – a definite cultural experience. In South Korea food alleys are a part of Korea’s urban culture, and exist in plenty serving a wide array of foods from kimpap (a Korean form of sushi) to spicy rice cake. India too has a rich street food culture, with a variety of chaat (savory snacks), a diverse range of street food available depending on region, and deliciously spiced dosas and other snacks. Often street food can be healthier in that it is often prepared freshly in front of the customer – who can personally vouch for the cleanliness of the food and food preparation. If it is not street food.
Top Destinations for Budget Foodies
While this may be apparent, for those who appreciate food, the very best factor to visit Asia is the astounding assortment of food. Thailand, India, Vietnam and Malaysia symbolize the best the location has to provide. Nonetheless, it is vital to understand the hygiene and preparation of the food with a purpose to keep away from the extensive unfold traveller’s illness of food poisoning. A mouth-watering and divergently diverse range of culinary delights awaits the genuine connoisseur, while the uninitiated might discover themselves plunged into a bottomless pit of confusion and indecision when it comes to belly nourishment. For the finances-aware traveller, Asia is without a doubt a paradise. Many backpackers have been recognized to spend days on end feasting on nothing more than the native street food which, regardless of its less-than-glamorous repute, is infamous for its glorious taste, substantial portions and, of course, low cost. Normally the safer choice to the various Asian equal of Montezuma’s revenge, street food is perpetually prepared freshly before your eyes and is an excellent way to meet the locals. As an average rule, for those who see a food stall that is well patronized by using individuals who look like locals, the food is prone to be safe and pleasant to consume.
Thailand: A paradise for street food lovers
Exploring the street food scene in Bangkok is easy, with endless options for food stalls and tiny restaurants serving up some of the best meals in the city. Thai food is your ticket, as locals identify with the national cuisine in which they take much pride. Many of the best food is sold at markets and food stalls, the aroma in the air will lead you to the meal most appealing. It’s common in Thailand to eat out, and you’ll find the locals doing it almost every meal. A delicious and filling meal of chicken and rice with a clear soup can cost as little as 25 baht (approx 85 cents USD). Once you’ve finished a meal the vendor will have already begun cleaning your dishes by dousing them in a bowl of water, in an effort to show customers that they have clean eating utensils. If the vendor has scolded the dishes it means that he has boiled them, it’s usually safe to eat from these places. Another great advantage to street dining in Thailand is that it’s probably the most sanitary it is in all of Asia, due to the government imposing a strict hygienic street food vendor policy, you’ll find A-B-C grades on all restaurants and food stalls. Without a doubt, Thailand is a great option for food connoisseurs on a budget.
India: Delve into the flavors of spices and curries
Budget travellers who choose India as their holiday destination are in for a treat for the senses. With a wide variety of local savory cuisine available at reasonable prices, delightful dishes are easily obtainable for the traveler to enjoy an authentic taste of India and its diverse cuisine. From north to south, Indian food presents an array of dishes varying in spice levels, whether mild or fiery, as well as savory snacks, sweet desserts, and aromatic wholesome dishes. For the adventurous traveling foodie, India presents the opportunity to explore and expand cultural perspectives on food and how it is prepared and presented. The tantalizing array of food across all regions in India has something to satisfy any dietary requirements, which makes it a good food destination to fit the tastes of any hungry traveler out there. With fantastic vegetarian options available to meet the needs of the large vegetarian population in India, those seeking a meat fix will also find themselves more than satisfied with the various chicken, lamb, and fish dishes widely available. With food playing a massive part in everyday culture in India, budget travelers will find themselves eating like the locals and sharing in the rich communal food culture that is present throughout the country.
Vietnam: Discover the wonders of pho and banh mi
Try both, and you will not be disappointed. These dishes are what we refer to as “good living”. At 30,000 dong for quality eats and a laid-back environment, life is good, very good.
Banh mi is the Vietnamese term for bread, but study abroad students in Vietnam will have it as the term for delicious and ridiculously cheap. It is the term for the Vietnamese take on the French sandwich. Generally, it is some form of meat or fish and some herbs and pickled vegetables on a baguette. At a local joint, it will be no more than 15,000 dong and make a great lunch or snack. Typically, street food vendors will also have astro turf so you can sit and eat your banh mi. How the French baguette mixed with herbs and vegetables found its way to small patches of fake grass in Vietnam is uncertain, but we are grateful it made the journey.
Pho is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup. In the north of Vietnam, it tends to be a simple beef and rice noodle soup, the broth is very light with few herbs and spices. The south of Vietnam tends to add more garnish to their pho, providing it with basil, lime, bean sprouts, and chilies. The pho available from street stalls is usually around 15,000 – 20,000 dong depending on the choice of meat. Although pho is available all day, the best time to go out and get it is around daybreak when the locals are sitting on small plastic stools and slurping on their morning’s nourishment. Most travelers tend to shy away from street food at this time, as once the sun comes up the heat quickly rots the meat and by 10 am the food becomes unsafe to eat. However, places that serve breakfast pho will have fresh and clean food which is safe to eat, just bring your sunglasses to avoid offending the locals with your bloodshot farang eyes.
Vietnam: Discover the wonders of pho and banh mi. These two popular Vietnamese dishes are perhaps what best represent the flavor of Vietnam. These two dishes are simple, cheap, delicious, and incredibly distinct. In fact, if you had to eat just two dishes for the rest of your life, these two dishes would not be a bad choice.
Malaysia: A melting pot of flavors from diverse cultures
Malaysia is a country of diverse and rich cultures. Located at the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia has always been a favored destination for tourists all over the world. The unique blend of Asians and Europeans culminated in the development of a Malaysian style that is a fusion of the cultures of the many races. This is evident in the delightful and tantalizing Malaysian food. We have some dishes that bear the distinct mark of its origin such as the famous Nasi Lemak, Char Kuey Teow, and Curry Laksa. These dishes are Malaysians’ all-time favorites. Then there are those that cut across the barriers of race. Satay, for example, is popular with all races in Malaysia. Meanwhile, food like the Capati and various Indian dishes have long since been a staple food for the Malays and are also popular with Chinese and other races as well. The same goes for banana leaf rice. The variety of food available is amazing, and Malaysian food is rich with the aroma of herbs and spices. Our hawker centers and coffee shops are also meccas for food lovers. With a variety of Chinese, Indian, and Malay food, we Malaysians are passionate about our food. You can find these varieties of food almost everywhere in Malaysia and at any time of the day. Furthermore, with Malaysia being a tropical country, we have an abundance of fruit and vegetables that are not only delicious but also nutritious. This is why Malaysian food is so rich and diverse. It is a heady combination of the many tantalizing tastes and aromatic smells. But first and foremost, the single most important thing about Malaysian food is the taster. The Malaysian with his/her love for food is our main reason we have such good food. We go to great lengths to prepare a good meal, which is judged more by the taste than its looks. Even on a tight budget, a Malaysian will still go eat out and avoid simple home-cooked food. Yes, this is the spirit of Malaysian food.
Budget-Friendly Dining Tips
In many Asian countries, haggling over the price of a meal is not a question of if, but of how much. Street food is a vital aspect of Asian food culture and is considered to be a major social activity for the local people. Street food is easy to find and the prices are usually negotiable. Diners can opt for a quick and simple meal or a heavy and more filling nosh, whilst they take time to enjoy the multifarious sights, sounds and smells on the streets. Although street food is commonly safe in many travel destinations, take note of the sanitary conditions of the food and the preparation to ensure everything is fresh and clean. Should travelers have delicate stomachs, it might be wise to avoid food prepared with unboiled tap water and raw vegetables as well as dishes that appear to have been sitting out for some time. This type of food is often cooked when ordered and diners should look for the food where there is a high turnover of local customers. Another great way to get a taste of the local food culture is to explore the local markets. Here you will find a colourful array of fresh and exotic produce that are unique to the Asian culture. Walk through any market and you will see local housewives shopping for the day’s fresh produce to prepare their family meals, in addition to the many stalls and hawkers making a quick meal out of the various types of food available at the market. Many markets have a food court area with live music and a bustling crowd, making it an enjoyable and casual dining experience for travelers. The prices at the markets are inclusive when bargaining is involved and with an array of choices available, it is easy to find a satisfying meal at an affordable price.
Embracing street food culture
The attraction of street food to tourists includes the aroma and exotic taste that it has. Compared to restaurant food, especially in an air-conditioned environment, the smell of the food will trigger your hunger, as it is usually more aromatic. The ingredients used are also sometimes rare or exotic in your country and are usually very fresh. More often than not, local street food vendors tend to use regional ingredients, thus giving a truly authentic taste. The food is usually cooked or prepared on the spot, in front of the customers. This ensures its freshness as well as in the case of barbecued or grilled food, the smoky taste.
Street food is the epitome of budget-friendly dining. You can find street food in almost every nook and cranny in Asia, at any time of the day. A bowl of noodles may cost as low as 25 Baht in Thailand, RM 4 in Malaysia or S$1 in Singapore depending on the location. An Indian-style pancake filled with mashed potato, dhal, herbs and spices costs only 1-2 Ringgit, which your grandparents can still remember. A choice of savory or sweet, these thin, crispy pancakes are a real steal. With the advent of coffee mix in Malaysia, traditional beverages like ‘teh tarik’ (frothy, pulled tea) and ‘kopi-o’ (black coffee) may be difficult to find in some countries but they still cost less than any instant beverage. A glass costs between 50 cents and 1 dollar depending on the currencies.
Exploring local markets for fresh and affordable ingredients
Finally, be sure to make the most of exploring local markets and grocery stores offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Especially in countries like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, purchasing groceries may seem steep compared to street food prices, however preparing simple meals at home will save you significant amounts of cash in the long run. In Tokyo, a simple but filling breakfast of miso soup, rice and egg with some fresh fruit on the side can cost you as little as 150-200 yen per serving, compared to convenience store prices starting around 350 yen for a breakfast sandwich or salad. Also, do some research to find out when street markets are held in your area as your most cost-effective shopping will likely be done there. Similar to Taiwan’s famous night markets featuring a variety of cheap local delicacies, the Shi-Da morning market in Taipei is swarming with students and foreigners hunting for deals on fresh produce and imported cheese, acting as a swap meet of sorts for East and West culinary cultures. No matter what you’re buying, don’t be afraid to test your haggling skills – especially if you’re a foreigner it’s not uncommon for vendors to cut you a special deal to win your business. In Bali and throughout Indonesia, you can utilize the unique system of ordering a whole side of meat from a butcher, then taking it to a nearby smokehouse that will grill it to perfection and have it ready for you to pick up and serve with your favorite sides and drinks. With your smart shopping techniques you can dine like a king without leaving your pockets barren.
Trying out local food stalls and hawker centers
Also at hawker stalls, you can watch as your meal is being cooked and order from the uncle or auntie who will be the person preparing your dish. If you try to do this at a restaurant, you’ll probably get told off for disturbing the waiters and consultation is limited to choosing off a laminated menu. Waiters can be had at hawker centres too, the only difference is they get lower pay and are often less professional.
Local food continues to be the main market competitor for restaurants since its inception – as dining out was a rare treat for the average person. Restaurants throughout Asia are full of marketing consultants trying to figure out how to package traditional Asian dishes in smaller servings and at higher prices. Most local people can see through this and will continue to enjoy the real thing until economic growth makes it unaffordable.
These are also the places where you’ll be able to stretch your budget to its limit. A meal can cost as little as five dollars in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and rarely comes to more than $10, even in the more expensive cities. As a general rule, the more developed and wealthy the country, the more you will pay. There’s an argument that says hawker food in Singapore is 85% as good as a meal in a restaurant, at 20% of the cost.
Local food stalls and hawker centres are the quintessential Asian dining experiences. From sizzling satay to aromatic noodle soups, it’s hard to find a more atmospheric, affordable, and authentic meal than at these institutions.
Opting for budget-friendly restaurants and eateries
There is a strong perception that most, if not all, restaurants in Asia are expensive, and this may deter budget travellers from sitting down and enjoying a meal. Granted, there are plentiful high-end restaurants dishing up all sorts of cuisine, many of which are pricey. However, not all restaurants are expensive. In Asia, it is not uncommon to find hole-in-the-wall eateries serving up delicious local fare at prices comparable, or only slightly more than what it would cost to make the same dish at home. Unfortunately, most of these places are rarely mentioned in guidebooks so it will take a bit of local knowledge to seek them out. A good way to find these budget-friendly eateries is to ask around from local shopkeepers or market vendors. More often than not, these places will not have an English menu, if they have a menu at all. If you don’t speak the local language, then the best way to find out what they serve is to point at what looks like someone else’s meal and hope for the best. Also, if you are invited by a local person to dine with them in their favourite eatery, don’t pass up the opportunity! This will give you a chance to sample authentic local cuisine, and you may make a new friend in the process.
Cultural Experiences Beyond Food
A cultural experience could start from knowing the main source of food for the locals. Paying a visit to local farms and food markets can definitely raise your authenticity in understanding cultural food. Some countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia still have traditional farms to plant their rice, vegetables, and fruits. Many of these farms still employ traditional methods of planting, using buffalo to plow the fields, which is a rare sight for westerners. Depending on which countries you are visiting, there are various types of farms. But most Asian countries do have livestock, fishery, fruit, and vegetable farms. Try to get guides from the locals if you are visiting, and sometimes they do not mind you lending a helping hand. It would be a precious memory. Coming back from the farms, a visit to the local food markets is a must. Major cities and towns have their own central market and wet market. These places sell a variety of ingredients from meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. You can witness how fresh items are sold and displayed, and sometimes you would come across some uncommon foodstuffs. The way of life in the city and rural areas is different, so the markets in these areas would have distinctive offerings. This is where you can understand the different types of food people consume. Normally, food markets open very early, and it is a good chance for you to be there upon daybreak.
If you want to be a good cook of a certain culture, it is best to learn from the experts. Taking a cooking class could certainly be a good start. For example, a Thai cooking class in the US could cost about $70, whereas in Chiang Mai, Thai Farm Cooking School only charges $30 for 5 courses. Not only will you learn to cook, but you will also visit the local farm to see some of the ingredients actually picked before the cooking begins. Such a class encourages you to use fresh ingredients, which is fundamental to Asian cooking. In addition, there are food tours available for food hunters. Food tours in Asia are definitely not expensive. In Penang, Malaysia, for instance, a 4-hour food tour only costs $20. Usually, food tours uncover hidden delicacies and show you the right way to eat certain types of food, which in most cases is an amusing experience. The price you pay will be worthwhile for the knowledge you gain and the unforgettable experience.
Participating in cooking classes and food tours
Cooking classes and food tours are ideal for travelers with a passion for food and culture. This remains at the top of my to-do list. You get to learn hands-on from the experts and gain a better understanding of the recipes, cultural history, and techniques of Asian cooking. It’s a valuable skill to take home, a part of a rich travel experience, and it’s a lot of fun. Establishments such as the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School offer full-day courses, which begin with a trip to the local food market to select the freshest ingredients. Students then learn to prepare a full 6-course meal, including popular Thai dishes such as Satay, Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Sticky Rice with Mango. They also receive a recipe book to recreate their Thai feast at home. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there are street food tours that take you to the best local eateries, coffee shops, and street stalls. While it may not be cooking in a controlled environment, you will receive guidance on selecting the best dishes and drinks. You never know what you might learn from the cook. It might be a little harder to find, but opportunities to participate in Homestay meal preparation are a culturally rewarding experience. This is where you will learn the most about local food culture, as many recipes are family secrets passed down through generations. You’ll learn how to bake, grind, mix, and prepare ingredients; techniques integral to traditional Asian cooking.
Visiting local farms and food markets
Visits to food markets give an opportunity to learn more about ingredients by speaking directly to local people. Many food markets are an assault on the senses with various colours, smells, and noises. In Asia, one can find a range of weird and wonderful produce, including live fish and unusual fruit and vegetables. Many markets will specialize in a certain type of produce; for example, the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, which is the biggest and most famous fish market in Japan. It provides a fantastic opportunity to see and learn more about the huge range of fish and seafood that are key ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Market visits can be educational and fun, and often a great chance to get a bargain when haggling with a smile.
Visiting local farms and food markets provides a great opportunity for cultural immersion and understanding of the ingredients which make up a traditional recipe. Local farmers are often proud of their produce and welcome tourists to learn more and often sample it. This can be a very cost-effective way of trying local and often organic produce. For example, a Bangkok food tour may take you to a local market to specifically learn about the produce used in Thai cooking.
Exploring traditional food festivals and street fairs
Attending a traditional food festival or street fair is a wonderful way for travelers to immerse themselves in a local culture. Usually held to celebrate the end of a harvest or season, the festivals feature foods which are special to the region and the season. There is usually food prepared on site, with a lot of free samples and a variety of stalls with food for sale. The atmosphere is lively and it is a great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their food. Often there will be traditional music, dance or other performances which further give an insight into the culture. Japanese matsuri can be some of the more exciting and memorable events for a tourist. Attending a street fair is also a great way to ease the initial culture shock of arriving in a new and unfamiliar place. Foreign produce and foods can seem alien and exotic, and traditional food is often overlooked in our age of globalization. These events offer a chance to get used to local food and ingredients in a fun and familiar environment.