The culinary delights found in Southeast Asia give you a taste of the best of Asian cuisine. Each country in the region offers diverse options, making for a unique experience during every leg of the journey. It is essential for every traveler to dive into the food culture so we have narrowed down some of our favorite dishes from Southeast Asia. Get your appetite ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we show you some exciting meals like Vietnamese fish, Cambodian delicacies, and Thailand street food!
Vietnam
Pho
We start off in Vietnam with one of the most traditional meals that have rapidly become a global favorite. Pho is popular among locals and can be found anywhere from the street stand to the family dinner table. This Vietnamese soup is made with a broth, meat (usually beef or chicken), herbs, and rice noodles. Flavors differ from the south to the north but this national dish is a delicious staple for every local and visitor.
Chả Cá
Catfish is quite the delicacy. Fry it up with turmeric, chili peppers, ginger, and other spices, and it becomes an attractive meal in Vietnam. Originating from Hanoi, Chả Cá is a flavor-filled crispy fish recipe that you didn’t know you were missing out on. Chả Cá is so popular in Hanoi that even a busy street is named after it!
Banh Mi
Another staple that has also become a popular international hit is Banh Mi. Get an asian style sub full stuffed with a tasteful mix of meats and veggies. Pork, beef, cucumbers, and carrots are just a few common ingredients. Flavors vary as sometimes ice cream can even be found on a sandwich. You can’t leave this country without trying the exotic flavor fusion!
Cambodia
Fish Amok
As you make your way to beautiful Cambodia, get ready to enjoy classic Khmer dishes. One of the finest dishes is Fish Amok. A banana leaf bowl is filled with curry steamed fish and topped with coconut cream. Traditionally, the flaky fish is wrapped in the banana leaves to be steamed. This famous main dish is found almost anywhere in Cambodia and with just one taste of it, you understand its claim to fame.
Samlor Korko
This spicy soup is a must-have for every visitor to Cambodia. Samlor Korko which in Khmer translates to Soup Mix is just that. A combo of various fruits and vegetables are mixed with boiling water and a cambodian fermented fish base (prahok) to make a stew-like wonder that dates back to the empire days. Cooked to perfection, Samlor Korko is a hearty option for the hungry traveler.
Lap Khmer
Marinated beef mixed in a salad with herbs and raw vegetables creates a savory choice for the healthy traveler. You find the slightly cooked (sometimes raw) beef to be tender and hinted with lemon juice. The salad is often mixed with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, green beans, and peppers. This salad packs the flavor and amounts to a cultural and tasty experience!
Thailand
Pad Thai
Thai food has become some of the most sought out around the globe! Do the locals really eat it? Pad Thai definitely holds a spot as a common taste of Thailand. Families have had their special recipes passed down from generation to generation for over 80 years. Pad Thai can be created in so many different forms and flavors, but generally includes a stir fried concoction of rice noodles, tofu, egg, garlic, and protein (beef, chicken, or prawns).
Thailand people usually treat Pad Thai as more of a snack than a meal; however, Bangkok Pad Thai restaurants usually open at night and add more protein to make it a meal. Don’t forget to arrange a cooking class so that you can impress your friends with the authentic Asian methods when your adventure ends! Whether you enjoy Pad Thai as a snack, a full meal, or cook it up for yourself, it is sure to hit the spot!
Som Tam
Som Tam is a fresh and spicy Thai salad made with green papaya. Som Tam can be quite difficult (and messy) to make, but when done the correct Thai way it is an addictive delight! Unripe papaya is pounded down and blended with lime, fish sauce, and sugar. Don’t forget the hot and spicy chili dressing! With a fiery kick, Som Tam brings some heat to the Thailand salad game.
Massaman Curry
A Southeast Asia food guide isn’t complete until curry is covered. Massaman Curry is one of the favorite curry options in Thailand. Massaman is mild but extremely tasteful as a blend of local ingredients and rare ingredients come together to create a rich paste. The curry is fried in coconut cream and mixed with chicken, potatoes, and other variations. In global food rankings, Massaman Curry has landed in the top 10 multiple times. This Thai taste treat needs to be eaten to be believed.
Acanela Expeditions takes you to each of these countries! On our Southeast Asia tour, you get the chance to have cooking classes with locals. We incorporate food into our trips because food breaks language barriers and helps the people come together and interact in new ways. The world is waiting for you. Let your taste buds explore Southeast Asia with Acanela Expeditions!
Post written by Collin Peterson