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Asia's Hawker Food Hubs
Asia's restaurant scene gets more sophisticated by the month, with ever increasing numbers of Michelin star restaurants and celebrity chefs. Nevertheless, many would contend that the true culinary soul of Asia resides in its traditional hawker fare. Here are some of our favorite cities to explore street food classics.


TAKE IT TO THE STREETS: ASIA'S HAWKER FOOD HUBS
Asia's restaurant scene gets more sophisticated by the month, with ever increasing numbers of Michelin star restaurants and celebrity chefs. Nevertheless, many would contend that the true culinary soul of Asia resides in its traditional hawker fare. Here are some of our favorite cities to explore street food classics.
TASTE OF TAIPEI

Taipei is among the world's best food cities, and the boisterous Yongkang Street is arguably its culinary epicenter, brimming with a blend of eclectic food stalls and the occasional upmarket restaurant. Highlights include the first-ever Din Tai Fung, the renowned dumpling chain that has now gone global (it just opened in New York and reservations are next to impossible to come by). Also worth trying is the local institution Yong Kang Beef Noodle, one of the best versions of Taiwan's national dish. Elsewhere, the city’s night markets are legendary affairs and are especially conducive to a fun evening of casual dining. The most famous is arguably Shilin Night Market where visitors will find the full roster of Taiwanese street food classics including stinky tofu, baozi (steamed, filled buns) beef noodle soup and giant deep-fried chicken steaks. Highly recommended are the delicious oyster omelets, said by locals to be the very finest in Taipei.
BANGKOK’S STREET SENSATIONS

Although the Thai capital may have the same number of establishments on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list as Paris, Bangkok's reputation as one of the world's most incredible culinary destinations rests on its options for hawker food. Street chefs produce a fantastic array of Thai food classics, whipping up everything from Chinese-inspired stir-fries to spicy salads, curries and grilled meats. It’s little wonder then that the Thai capital is often cited as the planet’s street food Mecca — especially around Chinatown and the riverside neighborhoods. Therefore, investigating the cornucopia of fantastic banquets to be sampled curb-side is an integral part of the Bangkok dining experience. The most famous Bangkok street food option is, of course, Michelin-starred Jay Fai, whose legendary crab omelets are a thing of beauty and renown. Other top choices include Guay Jub Mr Jo for a peppery broth studded with pieces of crispy pork and Chakki, famed for its smoky rad na (fresh noodles with gravy).
SINGAPORE’S HOT HAWKERS

Singapore’s long-standing reputation for culinary excellence makes it one of the best places in the world for both dining and nightlife. The tiny island nation (one of only three city-states remaining in the world) covers every possible base from delicious local fare to some of the finest restaurants in Asia. The natural fusion of flavors in Peranakan cuisine—where Chinese cooking techniques meet bold Southeast Asian ingredients— is reason to visit alone. Another large part of the food scene's appeal lies in its egalitarianism. Wealthy locals can be found queuing with less solvent souls at the city's hawker centers for the perfect plate of chicken rice or bowl of laksa — two of the de facto national dishes. Michelin has given many of the best hawker stands in the country recognition via its Bib Gourmand accolade. Top stalls include Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon, Bismillah Biryani, and Zion Road Fried Kawa Teow which was given the seal of approval by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and is famous for its wok-kissed noodles.
FUKUOKA'S ENDURING FOODIE CULTURE

Fukuoka – the gateway to Kyushu – is Japan's last bastion of yatai culture, offering a unique glimpse into an enduring local culinary tradition with these charming mobile stands. As outdoor food stalls disappear across the country, Fukuoka remains committed to preserving these vibrant street-side stalls, and over 100 yatai operate throughout the city, providing an intimate and informal dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy local specialties such as Hakata ramen, renowned for its rich, creamy pork broth and tender noodles, and yaki-gyoza, crispy dumplings filled with savory ingredients. Each yatai, often family-run, adds a personal touch, blending time-honored recipes with their own twists. This lively street food scene reflects Fukuoka's distinct approach to dining, setting it apart from other regions in Japan. Through its yatai, Fukuoka maintains a connection to its culinary heritage while fostering a sense of community and local pride. The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka, which opened in 2023, provides the ideal place to stay while on your Fukuoka foodie mission.
PLENTIFUL SEOUL FOOD

Seoul abounds with culinary delights, from simple street food to fine dining restaurants, many of which are currently taking the world by storm. For a down-to-earth experience, enjoy treats such as fried chicken, kimchi pancakes, and dukboki (fish cakes) with beer, soju or makgeolli, the fizzy fermented drink that’s enjoying a revival courtesy of food-driven bars like humble Damotori in Yongsan and Namsan Sool Club in neighboring Itaewon. Other top street food spots include Myeongdong, famous for tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (filled pancakes). Gwangjang Market offers traditional dishes like bindaetteok (savory mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (rice rolls). Insadong is great for unique treats like dragon's beard candy, while Hongdae is popular for creative, youthful snacks. The lively Dongdaemun Night Market showcases a variety of Korean street foods, perfect for late-night cravings. New to Korean cuisine? Read our primer here.

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