Top 5 dishes in Asia

Bite-sized foods served with tea – that’s precisely what you can expect from this yummy staple. Dim sum is enjoyed in China and all over the world, but where did it all begin?

Originating from Southern China’s Guangdong province before making its way to Hong Kong, dim sum is a presentation of all different foods, including seafood and vegetables, prepared in various ways, including steamed, fried and baked. Expect dumplings, buns, noodle rolls, barbequed pork buns, chicken feet, and much more – all neatly served in bamboo steamers!

If you like the idea of many foods in one tasty meal, add dim sum to the menu for your Hong Kong holiday. Then, after all of that variety, you’ll finish your meal with a mouth-watering egg tart. Dim sum is similar to tapas, as the plates are often shared with family or friends. However, this dish is more traditionally enjoyed at brunch time.

‘Sushi’ combines the words ‘Su’ and ‘Meshi’, which means vinegar and rice. Likely introduced to Japan in the ninth century, it’s drastically increased in popularity since then, and this now quintessential Japanese dish is enjoyed worldwide.

But what is tasty sushi made up of? Sushi rice is flavoured with rice vinegar and topped with various raw seafood, vegetables, or egg varieties. There are many different forms of sushi, too, and they can be served hot or cold. Choose from nigirizushi, chirashizushi, inarizushi, makizushi, and more. Why not try more than one type for a more complete culinary experience? 

The Japanese tend to enjoy sushi at a variety of restaurants. Sushi-ya is a popular choice, where customers can sit at a table or watch it being prepared at the counter. And Kaitenzushi restaurants are considered a more affordable option. This delicious fish dish is devoured during all types of occasions in its home of Japan, but many other countries choose this delicacy as a special and sophisticated dinner choice. Why not try sushi where it all started, and browse our tempting array of Japan holidays?

This classic Indian and Persian pilaf typically comprises rice, meat, a marinade and plenty of spice! This delicious concoction has several regional varieties, and its aromatic, spicy flavour has made it one of India’s, Southeast Asia’s, and now the rest of the world’s best-loved dishes! ‘Biryani’ comes from ‘Birian’, which means ‘fried before cooking’. A delicious symphony of flavours merges, and it’s no surprise when ingredients like saffron, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon are often added to the mix.

But how do you prepare this flavoursome Asian wonder to perfection? Well, this delectable dish is usually layered and slow-cooked. The rice is fried separately until half-cooked, then placed into a pot with marinated meat, vegetables, and spices. Other ingredients are also pre-cooked, but not for long. They’re then layered in a pot and topped with rice so the juices can steam and flavour it. Sealing it with dough is a great idea to lock in all that sumptuous taste. Can’t stop thinking about this dish? Don’t miss the opportunity to tuck into a delicious biryani on a holiday to India.

Southeastern street food - our mouths are watering at the very thought. It’s been said that Thailand and Malaysia have tried to claim it as their own, but satay’s earlier preparations are believed to have originated in Java, with its popularity soon spreading across the rest of Indonesia.

This form of kebab is a truly delicious experience – skewers of chicken, pork, beef or shrimp are marinated or grilled with spices and soy sauce. Vegetables or tofu could even be used as a substitute for the meat. Add some delectable peanut sauce consisting of your favourite fragrant notes such as lemongrass, coconut and fresh lime zest.

Satay is a popular choice, and, as you can imagine, it’s a delicious must-try while on a holiday to Indonesia. The classic street snack is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Vietnam holidays wouldn’t be the same without trying beautiful pho. This traditional Vietnamese dish consists of bone broth, rice noodles, spices and thinly sliced meat - usually beef. Top with herbs and bean sprouts, and you’re good to go.

While the origins of pho are murky, most food historians agree that it originated in the late 19th century during French colonialism. It’s said that, before this time, the Vietnamese people didn’t eat beef; under the French regime, the consumption appeared and bloomed.

This is one of the many reasons why pho is one of Vietnam’s most significant dishes. Another reason is that the main ingredient is soft noodles made from rice - the iconic Mekong Delta in Vietnam is the heart of the rice-producing region.