7 Must Try Local Eats Around Asia
Essentials
Asia is one of the most diverse food regions in the world with every country, city, and culture having their own story to tell. Here are some truly excellent highlights of our most beloved local eats!
1. Boat Noodles | Bangkok
Boat noodles, or kuaitiao ruea, is one of Thailand’s best local street fare. It’s basically a bite-sized soup noodle dish that’s very strong in flavor. Served with pork and beef, and meatballs and pig’s liver, you can have it either spicy or less spicy. Back in the day, these noodles were served by merchants who would make everything from scratch on their boats, and they would travel up and down Bangkok’s canals looking for customers. For the sake of convenience, the bowl had to be small to avoid spilling the soup. Today, you can find this dish in most riverside restaurants, and you definitely will be ordering more than 3 bowls of this deliciousness!
2. Li Qun Duck | Beijing
When we think about Beijing, the first thing that comes to our mind is the delectable Peking Duck. While there have been many spins and takes on the roast duck throughout the years, Li Qun Duck stands apart because they use the same production method that the Qing Dynasty Imperial Kitchen used centuries past, in particular the traditional hanging furnace technique. Not only is the food cooked in traditional style, but the restaurant is also located in the courtyard of a hutong (imperial dynasty low-rise peasant house). For those who like and appreciate authentic peking duck, Li Qun’s duck is a must, their duck is fatty and delicious, and the difference is all in the wood oven.
3. Lan Fong Yuen | Hong Kong
Lan Fong Yuen is a staple in the local fast food scene in Hong Kong, and they have been serving award-winning pork chop buns since 1952. Located in the heart of Central, Lan Fong Yuen can be a little hard to find as it is literally, a hole in the wall. Although it may not look like much, this little bun is packed with flavor and juices. Aside from their famous pork buns, also try the Pan-Fried Chicken with Noodles dish, your taste buds will be thanking you once you finish.
4. Hadongkwan | Seoul
Legend has it that when the Japanese troops left Korea, they burned down everything in the area except for Hadongkwan because the beef soup at this joint was so bomb. Whether this story is true or not, Hadongkwan has nonetheless been open for 77 years, serving that same old amazing broth. They never reheat their broth, and close shop once the prepared ‘Gomtang’ of the day has been sold out. However, make sure you line up early because their Gomtang never lasts past 4pm.
5. Lan Gui Fang Shanghai Noodles | Shanghai
LanGui Fang is the culmination of local Shanghainese cuisine, and you’ll be a believer once you have your first bite of their Fried Pork Chop. You also don’t want to miss their Fish Stew Noodles and Noodles with Soybean Paste, cause those are two incredible dishes as well. LanGui Fang has been on the scene for almost two decades now, and the lines are still as long as ever. Make sure you visit during off-peak hours, so you can savor the amazing food without being rushed.
6. Dong Yin Eatery | Taipei
Taiwanese people love their midnight snacks, and Dong Yin Eatery caters to these hungry nightowls. Although there are many late night stalls, there’s a reason why Dong Yin Eatery has been featured in many local magazines, and that’s because everything they have is *kisses fingertips and tosses away* bellissimo! The Taiwanese braised dishes and beef noodle soup are really good here, trust.
7. Nikuzushi | Tokyo
If you love sushi but have had enough of fish for a while, it sounds like it’s time for you to try Nikuzushi. Nikuzushi means ‘meat sushi’, and they serve raw beef, horse, chicken, etc types of onigiri. Although they are most well known for their various cuts of raw horse meat - either fatty or lean, take your pick - you can also order the cooked items if you’re not ready to take the big step.