Are you a foodie looking for an adventure? Then, Asia is the perfect destination for you. With its rich culinary traditions and diverse flavors, Asia offers a different food experience. While popular food destinations like Japan and Thailand are must-visits, there are also plenty of hidden gem food destinations in Asia waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’ll look at some of Asia’s best off-the-beaten-path foodie spots.
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Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is known for its night markets, but one, in particular, stands out from the rest – Raohe Night Market. Located in the Songshan district, Raohe Night Market is a hidden gem popular among locals but often overlooked by tourists. You’ll find a wide range of Taiwanese street food here, from stinky tofu to pepper pork buns. For example, try the black pepper bun from Fuzhou Shi Zu Pepper Bun, a local favorite.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
While Bangkok is often the go-to destination for street food in Thailand, Chiang Mai is a hidden gem for foodies. The city is known for its night markets, with the Sunday Night Market being a must-visit for food lovers. Here, you’ll find everything from pad Thai to mango sticky rice. But the real hidden gem in Chiang Mai is Khao Soi, a curry noodle dish unique to northern Thailand. Be sure to try it at Khao Soi Islam, a local favorite.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is known for its pho, but there’s so much more to Vietnamese cuisine than this famous noodle soup. One hidden gem in Hanoi is Bun Cha Huong Lien, a small restaurant that gained international attention when former US President Obama visited. The restaurant is known for its bun cha, a grilled pork noodle dish favorite among locals. This is definitely among the best hidden gem food destinations in Asia.
Seoul, South Korea
While Seoul is known for its Korean barbecue and fried chicken, one hidden gem is a must-visit for foodies – Gwangjang Market. This traditional market is one of the oldest in Seoul and is home to many street food vendors. Be sure to try the bindaetteok, a savory mung bean pancake, and the mayak gimbap, a small rice roll that’s addictive.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a small city in northern Laos that tourists often overlook. But it’s a hidden gem for foodies, with its unique blend of Lao and French cuisine. One must-visit spot is Khaiphaen, a social enterprise that serves traditional Lao dishes with a modern twist. Be sure to try the Mekong seaweed salad and the grilled river fish.
Penang, Malaysia
Penang is a foodie’s paradise, mixing Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine. While street food is plentiful in Penang, one hidden gem is Tek Sen, a family-run restaurant that has been serving traditional Chinese dishes for over 50 years. Be sure to try the steamed fish with ginger and the braised pork belly.
Kyoto, Japan
While Tokyo is often the go-to destination for foodies in Japan, Kyoto is a hidden gem to be noticed. The city is known for its traditional kaiseki cuisine, but there are also plenty of hidden gems for street food lovers. One must-visit spot is Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street with food vendors selling everything from matcha sweets to fresh seafood. Also, try the yuba, a tofu skin delicacy, and the fried tofu from Yorozuya.
Yangon, Myanmar
Myanmar is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, but it’s a hidden gem for foodies. Yangon, the country’s largest city, is home to one of the world’s best street food scenes. One must-visit spot is the night market on 19th Street in Chinatown. Here, you’ll find everything from grilled meat skewers to Burmese-style barbecue. Also, try the mohinga, a fish soup noodle dish considered Myanmar’s national dish.
Kolkata, India
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is a city often overlooked by tourists but a hidden gem for foodies. The city is known for its street food, with vendors selling everything from puchka (golgappa) to kathi rolls. One must-visit spot is Tiretti Bazaar, a Chinese market that comes alive early in the morning. Here, you’ll find dim sum vendors selling everything from steamed buns to dumplings.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to Angkor Wat but is also a hidden gem for foodies. The city has a vibrant street food scene, with vendors selling everything from fried insects to Khmer-style noodles. One must-visit spot is the Angkor Night Market, where many food stalls and vendors sell souvenirs. Be sure to try the amok, a traditional Cambodian fish curry.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, a charming town in Laos, is a hidden gem for foodies seeking traditional Lao cuisine. One must-visit spot is the morning market, where locals gather to buy fresh produce and sample street food. Also, try the laap, a traditional Lao minced meat salad packed with flavor. Another must-try dish is the khao soi, a noodle soup dish popular in northern Thailand but also found in Luang Prabang.
Busan, South Korea
While Seoul is often the go-to destination for foodies visiting South Korea, Busan is a hidden gem for those seeking traditional Korean cuisine. The city is known for its fresh seafood, with vendors selling everything from raw octopus to grilled eel. One must-visit spot is the Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Asia’s largest seafood markets. Be sure to try the sannakji, a dish of live octopus chopped up and served while still squirming.
Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, may not be as well-known as other Asian destinations, but it’s a hidden gem for foodies seeking traditional Lao cuisine. One must-visit spot is the night market, where vendors sell everything from grilled meat skewers to noodle dishes. Also, try the khao piak sen, a Lao-style noodle soup made with chicken or pork and topped with fresh herbs.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a hidden gem for foodies seeking traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Instead, the city is known for its street food, with vendors selling everything from banh mi sandwiches to pho noodle soup. One must-visit spot is the Old Quarter, where many street food vendors sell everything from grilled meat skewers to fried noodles.
Penang, Malaysia
Penang, a small island off the coast of Malaysia, is a hidden gem for foodies seeking a mix of Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. One must-visit spot is the hawker centers, open-air food courts offering a wide range of dishes. Be sure to try the char kway teow, a popular stir-fried noodle dish, and the nasi kandar, a spicy Malaysian rice dish.
In summary, these hidden gem food destinations in Asia offer a unique culinary experience that’s to be noticed. Whether you’re seeking street food in Bangkok, seafood in Busan, or traditional Lao cuisine in Luang Prabang, there’s something for every foodie in Asia. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!