Calling all foodie travellers out there – have you smelt, tasted and seen the cuisine that is available in Asia? There are some seriously epic eats of the East out there, just waiting to be devoured. Join us on a Cosmos tour in Asia to discover what makes each country’s gastronomy so special.
Cambodia
There are a few delicious twists and turns when it comes to Cambodia’s unique cuisine. Not only is there a delicate balance of sweet, sour, bitter and salty, but there are hints of Indian, Chinese and French influence, too. Noodles are a Cambodian staple and have graced their dining tables for centuries. From curries to stir fries to noodle soups, get ready to slurp away!
A favourite: Nom bahn chok. Also known as Khmer noodles, this is a popular breakfast food with rice noodles in a coconut-based fish curry.
India
India is the capital of utilising spices in their cooking. Spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom and ginger have played important parts in developing complex flavours over time. With a firm focus on vegetarian meals and pairing carbohydrates with everything (think naan, paratha and tandoori pancakes), you’ll delight in each region’s small nuances in their food.
A favourite: Dahl. A bowl of dahl is like a warm hug. In India, they have perfected the art of slow cooking lentils, peas or beans until it becomes a thick, creamy stew.
Dubai
In Dubai, you will find Emirati cuisine is like Lebanese, Iranian and Indian cuisine – like crispy falafel stuffed into a fresh pita bread, or shawarma grilled on a giant rotating skewer. Make sure you browse the souks (markets), a feast for the senses where the aromas of exotic spices fill the air.
A favourite: Kabsa. Known as the national dish of the Emirates, this is one to be shared. Rice, lamb or chicken, vegetables and spices are simmered together to create a one-pot wonder.
Japan
There’s nothing like the real thing when it comes to eating Japanese food in Japan itself! Mixing ancient recipes with Avant Garde chef creations, the Japanese food scene is as traditional or as trailblazing as you wish. Whatever you choose, you can be reassured that there will be a big focus on cooking with seasonal ingredients, making them the hero of the dish without the need for heavy sauces or spices.
A favourite: Okonomiyaki. This savoury pancake hails from Hiroshima with a variety of inclusions from octopus to noodles. We particularly enjoy it when it’s cooked, and served, on a hot griddle right in front of you!
Vietnam
Travelling through Vietnam is like embarking on a culinary quest. Whilst you’ll always find textural components (crunchy vegetables against tender meat) and a perfect balance of flavours, each region presents their own hero dishes due to differences in climates and local agriculture. From delicate flavours in bun cha in the North; a bold, spicy bowl of bun bo hue in the central area; or a combination of all the above in the South, your taste buds are guaranteed a good time.
A favourite: Com tam. Perfectly charred pork is served with pickled vegetables, fried spring rolls, tomatoes, cucumber and broken rice. The rice is specially broken during milling and sold separately from normal rice.
Thailand
We love that meals are considered a social occasion in Thailand, with groups of friends and family often coming together to share food. It’s another Asian country that leans heavily on the balance of sweet, sour, bitter and salty, combined with plenty of vegetables and lean proteins. Thai cooking also features unique additions like fish sauce, shrimp paste, kaffir lime leaves and tamarind, all adding a depth to your plate or bowl like no other. Whether you want a comforting curry, or a sweet mango sticky rice dessert, the Thailand food scene sure presents some epic eats of the East.
A favourite: Pad Kra Pao. This simple, but tasty, dish will be whipped up before your eyes in no time! Ground chicken, pork or beef is stir fried with holy basil, garlic and chili, served over rice with a gooey, crispy-edged fried egg.
Feeling hungry? Join us on a Cosmos tour to indulge in some of these epic eats of the East.
