If your New Year’s resolution was to try out more cuisines from around the world, but you’ve been so busy that the closest you’ve got to cultural enlightenment was Tesco sushi, then we are here to get the ball rolling! So, get the sushi rolling mat out of the cupboard that you got for Christmas 2 years ago, and get ready to experience the best that pan-Asian countries have to offer!
Pan Asian countries have some of the best cuisines that this world has to offer, from flavourful explosions of spices from a Sri Lankan curry to a sticky and sweet Baklava from Turkey. Each country has a cuisine that is filled with mouth-watering recipes representing both its heritage and the experiences and stories of the country’s people. If you want to try a variety of flavours, different combinations of spices and herbs, and mouth-watering sweets, then the pan-Asian countries have so much to offer! But if you want to try different cuisines on a time budget then you want to keep it simple and avoid the 4-hour recipes that inevitably turn into 6. So, if you want to try our favourite easy-to-make dishes from pan-Asian cuisine then read on to find out more!
Although ramen originated in China, it was brought to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the early 19th century. Post WW2, Japan suffered from a failed rice harvest and many were forced to wheat imported from the US. Lo and behold the wheat-based noodles that characterise the delicious steamy ramen bowls became increasingly popular. Now, Japan hosts over 32,000 ramen shops serving steaming bowls of wheat noodles steeped in delicious broth flavoured with miso or soy sauce and topped with various proteins like pork or beef. When finished with sprinklings of spring onions and nori the warming comfort that comes with this flavourful bowl of Japanese Unami is irresistible. Ramen is a definite go-to if you want to experience the fantastic cuisine Japan has to offer without spending hours trying to roll sushi! So, why not try out this recipe to make it at home for yourself?
Vietnam is home to some of the best street food in the world, so if you are wanting to taste authentic Vietnam flavours then you have to try Bánh Mì. The street food sandwich is the perfect cross of a traditional French classic and zingy Vietnamese spices and textures. Consisting of a pillowy soft baguette filled with pickled chiles, daikon and cucumber, this sandwich is then topped off with native Vietnamese proteins like spicy pork sausage or sweet and sticky pork. This sandwich becomes the Vietnamese staple when it is slathered in mayonnaise and topped with coriander. There are plenty of variations of Bánh Mì to try, so why dip your toes in the water and try out this recipe... we are sure you will love it!
Originating from Istanbul and thought to have been a monthly gift to the Sultan of Ottoman during Ramadan, Baklava is steeped with history. Made with buttery and flaky filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts like pistachios and walnuts, and then doused in sugar syrup or honey, this tasty treat serves as the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Whilst this treat may take a little bit more time to whip up, the process is relatively simple, and they definitely won’t take long to devour! If you want to taste the sweet treat of Turkey, why not try out this recipe?
Sri Lanka is known for their aromatic street food that involves just as much theatrics as it does flavours and tantalising textures. Every street food vendor has their own unique way of making Kottu Roti, right down to the sound they make when they shred the flatbread with their blades. Although each time you taste Kottu Roti may be different, it will always consist of flatbread that is seared for flavour and shredded into smaller pieces on a large griddle. Mixed with a variety of meats, eggs, veggies and cheese, and adorned with aromatic spices and sauces, your palette will never be the same again after trying this unique dish. If your mouth is watering already, then why not try out this recipe and find out the beat of your own roti chopping!
Literally translating to ‘mixed rice’, Bibimbap is a classic Korean dish that is simple but packs a punch of flavour. Originally eaten in Korea on Lunar New Year’s Eve to use up all the food in the fridge before the new year comes in, it has now evolved to be a staple part of the Korean diet. Consisting of a base of white rice and sautéed vegetables, it is typically topped with sliced proteins and a fried egg. This dish is taken to the next level when powerful flavour profiles such as spicy kimchi and gochujang are combined with tangy and salty fermented soybean paste. This dish is assembled in pieces and is traditionally mixed together right before eating, so they make a pretty good Instagram picture too! if you fancy having a go at making your own Bibimbap then why not try out this recipe!
If you fancy testing out some pan-Asian cuisines but don’t want the hassle of labouring away in the kitchen for hours, then why not hire a Nomad Chef that specialises in pan-Asian cooking to cook for you? You can find a Nomad for almost every pan-Asian cuisine, from Indian to Korean and even a dedicated sushi chef. So why not host your family and friends and take them on a journey abroad without leaving the comfort of your home for your next dinner party! Head over to our website to enquire with our talented Nomad Chefs today!
