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  • Writer's pictureToby Ethan

The Best Local Foods To Try in Southeast Asia

Updated: Jul 28, 2023


The Best Local Foods To Try in Southeast Asia

Are you a foodie looking to try new and exciting flavors? With its diverse options, from spicy and sour dishes to savory street foods, there's always something new to try with Southeast Asian cuisines! In this blog, we'll take you on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia and highlight some of the must-try local foods in each country. Get ready to expand your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for adventure!

Thailand

These dishes will surely delight your taste buds and transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok:


Tom Yum Goong

This spicy and sour soup is a staple in Thai cuisine, made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chili. The combination of flavors creates a deliciously complex taste that will leave you wanting more.


Pad Thai

A classic Thai dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that is sweet, sour, and savory. Made with rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts, it's a dish that satisfies any appetite.


Som Tam

The Thai green papaya salad has shredded papaya, tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, and a spicy and sour dressing. It's the perfect dish to cool you down on a hot day and complement any meal.

Malaysia

Grab your chopsticks and get ready to indulge in the best local foods Malaysia offers! Here are the top three:


Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a Malaysian staple dish cooked in coconut milk, served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and boiled egg. It is often eaten for breakfast or lunch.


Char Kway Teow

A popular street food in Malaysia, Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. It's a dish that's full of flavor and texture.


Roti Canai

This crispy and flaky flatbread is a beloved Malaysian breakfast food, served with curry for dipping. It's perfect for those who want to start their day with a hearty and flavorful meal.

Philippines

Whether you're a foodie or want to try something new, these three dishes are a must-try when visiting the Philippines:


Adobo

This beloved Filipino dish is a timeless classic, made with marinated chicken or pork cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices. The result is a savory and tangy flavor that's perfect with a side of rice.


Sinigang

This hot and sour soup is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It’s made with tamarind broth, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The sourness of the tamarind is balanced out by the broth's saltiness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.


Lechon

No Filipino feast is complete without a whole roasted pig or lechon. The skin is crispy, and the meat is juicy and flavorful, making it a crowd favorite.

Singapore

The vibrant city-state of Singapore is a melting pot of cultures that has resulted in unique and irresistible cuisine. Here are three dishes you must try on your next visit:


Hainanese Chicken Rice

This dish might seem simple, but it's anything but! It’s tender poached chicken served atop fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and pandan leaves. Dip the chicken in the accompanying chili and ginger sauce for a flavor that will leave you wanting more.


Chili Crab

This messy but delicious dish is Singapore's pride and joy. Mud crabs are cooked in a rich, spicy tomato and chili sauce, perfect for sopping with steamed buns. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty — it's all part of the experience!


Laksa

This spicy noodle soup is a popular dish in Singapore, and for good reason. Thick rice noodles are served in a coconut milk-based curry soup, along with shrimp, fish cakes, and bean sprouts. It's a dish that's both comforting and complex, with layers of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Taste Your Way Through Southeast Asia With Travel With Toby

Ready to embark on a culinary adventure through Southeast Asia? Let Travel With Toby help you plan your next food-focused vacation! Our trusted partner, TripAmigo, can help you find packages with visits to top-rated restaurants, street food markets, and local Southeast Asian hotspots.


Don't miss the chance to savor the region's diverse flavors and experience Southeast Asian culture firsthand. Contact us today at 858-988-7166 to plan your unforgettable foodie trip. Bon appetit!

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