Which Asian cuisine is the best? It is almost impossible to separate them. It’s almost like choosing your favorite child. However, it’s far more difficult than that because there is no right answer. How can you determine which Asian country produces the best cuisine? How can you compare the Japanese ramen to the Chinese hand-pulled noodles? How can you compare a Thai curry with a Sri Lankan masala How do you place a Malaysian nasi lemak against a Vietnamese com tam?
You can’t, obviously. It’s not true, however. It’s all subjective. It’s possible to come up with another list, and still believe it to be correct. There is almost no bad food to be found in Asia. These places are only separated according to their relative greatness. So here is the definitely-not-definitive list: Asia’s finest cuisines, rated and ranked. Any foodie who isn’t a fan of Himalayan rock salt will disagree. Note: Singapore is omitted from this list. It is amazing food. But a lot is made from other cuisines, including European, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Malay, and Malay. It’s for that reason that I have to skip it. Let’s just say it was 11th.
10. South Korea
South Korean food is more than just barbecue, though it’s a beloved part. Chilmark is a wonderful combination of Korean-style fried chicken with beer. It also includes kongnamulguk (a warming bean-sprout soup), bulgogi (marinated grilled meat), bibimbap (a type of fried rice) and anything with kimchi.
9. Indonesia
Indonesia deserves to be rated higher. It’s only my inexperience with the cuisine that has made it No 9. The rice dishes, curries, barbecued chicken with spicy sambal, rendang, and many other regional specialties are all worthy of much higher ratings. They are all delicious and I can’t get enough.
8. Iran
Although it’s not the first country you think of when you think about Asia, it’s a part of it and offers a complex and ancient cuisine unlike any other. Iranian cuisine is full of delicately spiced stews, rice pilafs, shish-kebabs, and fresh breads. It also features dishes made with dates, prunes tomatoes, pomegranates and saffron. This stuff can only be found in the Iranian’s home.
7. Malaysia
Nasi Lemak, a combination of coconut rice and dried anchovies with peanuts, is the breakfast of champions. It also includes an egg and possibly a leg of chicken fried chicken. Malaysian cuisine is not only about mi goreng. It also includes char kway-teow, roti mayai, fishball noodles, and many other dishes. Malaysian food is cheap and delicious.
6. India
This is a must-see for anyone who hasn’t been to India. Rice and curry? What about chicken tikka or raita? That’s better than Indonesia! There’s much more to Indian food. It’s a whole continent in one country. There are many regional variations, from the spicy masalas of Goa to Goa to the rich and creamy Indian dishes. Indian food is delicious in India.
5. China
For those of you who grew up eating the beef-and black-bean version Chinese food, you’ll be surprised at how diverse the country’s cuisine is. It’s Sichuan food and Cantonese food. There are specialties from the Yunnan Province, Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, Jiangsu. There are many options: fried food, barbecued meats, and dumplings. It takes thousands of years of practice. It’s a wonderful thing.
4. Vietnam
Spice lovers tend not to be so enamored with Vietnamese cuisine – the dishes here are subtler, more dialled down than the smack-you-in-the-face beasts of Thailand or Malaysia. They’re still delicious. They are extremely good. You have probably tried pho. Banh mi is the Vietnamese pork roll. Rice paper rolls are something you’ve tried. Banh xeo is a Vietnamese version of fried seafood crepes. Bun rieu is the crab, tomato, and pork soup. Ban canh cua is a udon-like crab soup. Or cha ca (the turmeric-infused fried fish)? I could go on and on.
3. Sri Lanka
It’s easy to find delicious food in Sri Lanka. You can find a delicious meal at a rice-and-curry restaurant in Sri Lanka for as little as two dollars. There are also “short eats”, which are deep-fried snacks such as spiced tuna patties or lentil-and-prawn cake. These are available at any hour of the day. Don’t forget to try the Tamil-style crab curries and dosais. This is a life-long addiction.
2. Thailand
Thai food goes beyond coconut milk curries, although they are delicious. If you spend a bit of time in Thailand, you will find Thai noodle soups and fried rice. They are paired with sticky rice and Chinese-style roast pork, duck dishes and oyster dishes. Thais love food. Thai friends don’t ask each other “How are you?” Thai people don’t ask their friends, “How are you?” They simply say, “Have ya eaten rice yet?” This is the level of passion that we are referring to, and it must result in delicious cuisine.
1. Japan
Japan was always going to be the best. It’s a country where everything is exquisitely delicious. It’s delicious. It can be anything from the cheapest take-out in a convenience store to the most luxurious three Michelin-starred meal. You can find everything there, from high-end sushi to over-the-counter noodles. Excellent food is served at Japanese railway stations. High quality food is served in shopping centers. Even sports stadiums can serve incredible cuisine. It is all seasonal and regionally-specific. It all has one thing in common: the produce is fresh, it’s meticulously prepared, it’s thoughtfully presented, and the enjoyment is passionate. Let me take you back. Now.