With centuries of history behind it, Asia is a continent with a rich and diverse culture. Climatic conditions are also more diverse on this continent than any other. From towering snow clad peaks to arid hot desert lands, this continent varies in climates and topography. Within regions too you can find extremes of climatic conditions. In the deserts the days can be very hot, but nights are freezing cold. We have listed top 10 most popular Asian foods that are delicious too.
Given the changing climates, people too have diverse lifestyles. Add to that the mix of religions, races and food growing habits, the continent can provide some rather unique cuisines. Each country, or even regions, grows different spices and food stuffs. People’s food habits are often dictated by the climate they live in and the kind of produce that’s locally available. Here are some popular dishes from Asia.
This is a Turkish dish. The word dolma means “something stuffed”. It consists of a variety of foods which are prepared by stuffing different ingredients in vine leaves. Typically stuffed with meat or spiced rice, this may also be stuffed with vegetables fruits and dry fruits. This dish can be eaten as a starter or even in the main course.
9. Chelo Kebab
This is the national dish of Iran. It consists of rice and roasted meat. The pieces of roasted meat are called kebabs. The kebabs are usually marinated in spices. Then the pieces are put together in skewers and roasted over a slow fire or an earthen oven. This roasted meat is then served over the rice. It may be served with accompaniments. Grilled tomatoes are often served as a side and butter is usually served on top of the rice.
8. Afghani Dal
This dish is also known as the royal dal. It is now cooked across south Asia. It is made of black lentils cooked in a mixture of mild spices and a lot of butter. The method of cooking this dal is what sets it apart. It is cooked in an earthen pot in butter. The pot is hung over simmering coals. It is left to cook for an entire day. The creamy dal is then served either with rice, or flat brad.
7. Aloo Gosht
This dish is from Pakistan. A mix of beef and potatoes, it is a spicy dish often served with rice or flat bread. Commonly used spices are cardamom, cinnamon, red or green peppers, black pepper and fennel seeds. This is a curry dish and the method of preparation is stewing all the ingredients together. It is often served with a side of spiced yogurt.
A popular food across south Asia, this dish has taken various forms in India. This is a rice based dish. It can have several varieties based on what is cooked with the rice. Two popular varieties are ones from Lucknow, in the north and Hyderabad in the south. It consists of various types of meat such as chicken, lamb and beef cooked with rice and spices. It is often served with a side of a spicy sauce and yogurt.
5. Hyderabadi Haleem
This is a dish usually available during Ramadan. It is a porridge made from lamb, beef or chicken cooked with a mix of lentils and other pulses. This is a dish that is cooked all day over slow simmer. It is also pounded while cooking. This pounding makes the meat come apart and mix with the other ingredients. It is a popular dish to break the day’s fast as it is nutritious and easy to digest.
4. Thai Red Curry
This is a popular dish from Thailand. It has a soup like consistency and is very spicy. It consists of a base paste to which coconut milk is added. The base paste is made of several spices and has shrimp paste to add flavor. This dish is not available across the world. The base paste is also available in supermarkets. It can have shrimp, chicken, lamb or beef as main ingredients. It is eaten with rice.
If you’re wondering why Vietnamese restaurants often have the word Pho in their name, this dish is the reason for it. A noodle soup from Vietnam, this dish is extremely popular as a street food. It consists of a broth to which rice noodles and meat are added. In addition to this a few herbs may also be added.
2. Nasi Lemak
This is a dish originating in Malaysia. It is a dish consisting of rice cooked in coconut milk. Earlier it used to be a breakfast dish, but now it can be eaten any time of the day. Herbs such as Screw pine leaves and lemon grass may be added to it to give it more fragrance.
By far the most popular food across Asia, this is base for many dishes. They originated in China. Noodles are made from unleavened dough which is then made into strings. These strings are dried and stored for further use. These have been adapted and used by cultures across Asia.