Who doesn't know Southeast Asia? This mix of countries with diverse traditions makes it a paradise for global tourists. Beyond exotic scenery and tourist destinations, Southeast Asia is also rich in flavors and extraordinary culinary experiences.
Historically, the cuisine of Southeast Asia countries is a blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese ethnicities, which were then developed through local cuisine. The cuisine is characterized by a flavour of spices and tropical fruits, while rice is often highlighted as a staple food.
This article will discuss the various foods from five popular Southeast Asian countries and how they value their culinary richness.
Read also: From Rendang to Pho: Southeast Asia's Culinary Soft Power Is Rising
Filling Your Tummy with Street Foods
In much of Southeast Asia, street food has its own unique appeal. Exploring the markets with their many snacks and their happy face seller is one of the best ways to experience the region's traditional delights.
In the street food market, we will meet some various snacks such as Khai Jiao (Thai), Banh Mi (Vietnamese), Piyaya (Philipine), Roti Jala (Malaysia), and Pastel (Indonesia).
These snacks are just a glimpse of the people character on that country. Now let's take a deeper into the family dishes served at their dining tables.
Read also: The History of How Thai Food Became a Global Culinary Icon
Home is Where The Dinner Table is
Indonesia: Spicy and Rich
Indonesian cuisine is so many as its archipelago. It's full of rich spices and unique flavors from each island. So delicious, even several Indonesian dishes have been named among the world's most delicious. Rendang ranks number one as the most delicious dish, with its rich flavors. It’s a traditional recipe from South Sumatera.
Malaysia: Warm and Friendly
Visit to Malaysia wouldn't be complete without tasting nasi lemak. The rice in nasi lemak is cooked in coconut milk. A plate of nasi lemak is typically served with egg, anchovies, fried peanuts, chili sauce, and sliced cucumber. This neutral taste makes it possible for everyone to enjoy it. This dish is also considered a national dish and is often served as the main dish for lunch or dinner.
Thailand: Complex and Tasty
Thai food is generally characterized by its spicy, aromatic, and complex flavors. Usually the most prominent taste is sour. That sour taste in Thai food usually comes from tamarind. The staple is rice (jasmine rice) or sticky rice, with a wide variety of side dishes, all served together. If you go to thailand, don’t forget to try their best food named Tom Yum and Pad Thai.
Philippines: Strong and Unique
Filipino cuisine is influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Spanish cultures. This gives each dish a unique flavor. The combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors is a hallmark of their cuisine. A Filipino comfort food well-known to international tourists is Adobo (chicken marinated in vinegar and soy sauce).
Vietnam: Fresh and Aromatic
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its use of herbs and fresh vegetables, combined with spices such as basil, cardamom, and peppermint. A key element of Vietnamese cuisine is the integration of the five traditional flavor elements (spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet) to create a balanced flavor. The most famous Vietnamese dish is Pho (traditional soup).
Southeast Asian food always has a distinctive flavor due to the unique spices found in this region. Some essential spices often used in cooking are fish sauce, sweet soy sauce, and coconut milk as a substitute for cream.
Because of their richness of food, every year they held a food festivals in each country. This is part of how they appreciate the traditional food they have. Do you interested to trying one of those food?
References:
Regent Holiday. (n.d). Discover The Flavours of Southeast Asian Food. https://www-regent--holidays-co-uk.translate.goog/blog/discover-the-flavours-of-southeast-asian-food/?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=id&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=tc
Cairo Food. (n.d). Ciri Tradisi Makanan Asia Tenggara. https://cairofood.id/ciri-tradisi-makanan-asia-tenggara/
