ASIA’S RICH CULINARY TRADITIONS ARE JUST WAITING TO BE SAVORED
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Asia is a paradise for foodies with intriguing culinary experiences around practically every corner. Part of what makes the region such an amazing place for dining lovers is the sheer diversity on offer. From down-to-earth feasts in hawker food hubs like Thailand and Singapore to delicate multi-course masterpieces in Tokyo’s most refined fine dining institutions, there are meals for every occasion. Here are some ideas for your next gastronomic journey.
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A traditional Northern Thai lunch
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Lanna cuisine—a riot of hot, salty flavors with influences from Burma and China — is the signature food tradition of Northern Thailand. From chili pastes to pork curries, cuisine from the north of Thailand is a quaintly spicy world of its own. The area's traditions have been shaped by centuries as part of the Lanna Kingdom, an independent state absorbed into Siam in the late 19th century. For a traditional Lanna experience, a khantoke feast — a celebratory occasion with music and multiple northern dishes — is a must. A less lavish, but equally compelling, dining experience can be sampled when encountering northern Thailand's patchwork of minority cultures. Learn about their food traditions on a mountain hike and lunch with a minority community. Obligatory (when in the north) is a fix of khao soi—a dish with Yunnanese-Muslim origins considered to be one of the most potent weapons in Thailand's culinary arsenal. It was recently named the best soup in the world by the website TasteAtlas.com.
Suggested itinerary: Tastes of the Lanna Kingdom
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Photo courtesy of Candlenut, Singapore
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Singapore’s long-standing reputation for culinary excellence makes it one of the best places in the world for dining. The country covers every possible base from delicious local fare to some of the finest restaurants in Asia. A large part of the food scene's appeal lies in its egalitarianism. Rich 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. For an immersive investigation of the country's diverse food heritage, join a food tour encompassing Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam where dishes of Chinese, Indian and Malay origins can be sampled. Singapore is also rich in Peranakan (or Nonya) cuisine. A meeting of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian styles, it is one of Asia’s most treasured food traditions. For an insight try Candlenut—the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
Suggested itinerary: Singapore Deep Dive - Culture and Cuisine
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A seafood vendor at Seoul's legendary Noryangjin market
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As Korea flexes its muscles as one of East Asia's most dynamic and influential societies, the rest of the world is appreciating its myriad culinary wonders. There is no easy way of pigeonholing Korean food as it is so varied. But it is generally noted for being intensely flavored, savory, and bold. Traditional meals are noted for the number of side dishes (banchan) that accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. The food capital of the country is, of course, Seoul, which deserves its reputation as one of the world’s hungriest—not to mention thirstiest—cities. Every night, the streets are packed with young and old locals washing down treats such as fried chicken, spicy stir-fried squid, and dukboki (fish cakes) with lashings of beer or shochu. Restaurants such as Ryunique—where chef Tae Hwan Ryu references Japan, Spain, Italy, France, Australia, and Korea in his bold flavor concepts—and Jungsik, rated among Asia’s very best venues, embody the creative energy in Seoul’s culinary scene. Growing in international acclaim, ‘temple food’ — a style of seasonal and organic cooking steeped in 1,700 years of Sŏn (Zen) Buddhism — also comes highly recommended by the Remote Lands team.
Suggested itinerary: Busan and Seoul by Night
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Dedication and precision: A yakitori chef at work
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Dining is one of the absolute highlights of visiting Japan. Indeed, eating anything less than oishi (delicious) is out of the ordinary. Attention to detail is crucial in Japanese cuisine, with everything from the order of dishes to the amount of soy sauce to apply to a nigiri roll being integral to the experience. That is not to say that eating out in Japan is particularly stuffy. Dishes such as yakitori (grilled skewers) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake) are perfect accompaniments to long drinking sessions. And hungry Japanese slurping at their ramen noodles is a staple soundtrack in the country. The Aman Japan Culinary Journey encompasses the full range of memorable food experiences in Japan. Staying at world-class Aman properties, travelers will indulge in delicate kaiseki cuisine, enjoy a private geisha dinner in Kyoto, tour off-limits areas of Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market with a top sushi chef, and tour the Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery.
Suggested itinerary: Aman Japan Culinary Journey
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Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian flatbread
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Georgians are voracious eaters and are among the world’s most hospitable people. Arguably the most cherished tradition in the country is supra, a word that loosely translates to “feast” in English. Home-hosted meals in the country open guests up to regional cuisines and wines (another specialty of Georgia). Spreads featuring cucumber salads, oven-baked bread, chmerkuli (fried chicken topped with a sour cream sauce), and khinkali (soup dumplings) are a testament to the cultural influences of the country's tumultuous history. Invasions by the Arabs, Turks, Persians, and Mongols, left little trinkets of food culture behind, and you'll find all of them on the table during supra. A great time to eat, drink and be merry in Georgia is during fall’s Rtveli (wine harvest festival) when the locals are in especially celebratory mood.
Suggested itinerary: Georgia - A Culinary Roadtrip
Main photo: courtesy of the wonderful Michelin-starred Evett in Seoul
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Vaccinated travelers can travel to any of these destinations right now.
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Email: [email protected]
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