18 Best Foodie Destinations in Asia (2024)

Looking for foodie destinations in Asia?

You’ve come to the right place! I collaborated with other travelers who enjoy eating their way through Asia to bring you the best foodie destinations on this continent.

Asia is the world’s largest continent and is known for its diverse cultures, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine. From the spicy flavors of India to the fragrant dishes of China, there are plenty of exciting foodie destinations in Asia to explore.

Though different than Southeast Asian cuisine, the rest of Asia offers its own unique flavors.

Let’s jump into the top places in Asia that offer amazing culinary experiences.

Best Foodie Destinations in Asia

1. Beijing, China

For a great foodie destination in Asia, head to Beijing, China, and try the Peking duck.

Peking duck is a popular dish in China that has been served in Beijing since the Imperial era.  It’s a dish that shouldn’t be missed out on today as it’s considered a delicacy. 

The meat is typically tender and strongly favored.  When it’s served, the duck is brought to the table by the cook and thinly sliced in front of the guests who are about to eat it.  

Peking duck is frequently served with sweet bean sauce and steamed pancakes.  The steamed pancakes are paper-thin wrappers (so to speak) in which small pieces of the duck are placed and then eaten with chopsticks.

A few notable restaurants to eat Peking Duck in Beijing include Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant, Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, and Beijing Da Dong.

Enjoy your Peking duck meal in Beijing, China!

2. Chengdu, China

One of the most popular types of food found in China is Sichuan food. The cuisine of this region has a lot of spice and flavor, making it perfect for the adventurous eater.

What makes Sichuan food different from any other foodie destination in China is the level of spice found in the dishes. You’ll find chili oils and the signature Sichuan peppercorns (aka numbing peppers) in all of their dishes.

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and offers numerous delicious dishes. Mapo tofu is made of tofu, chili, bean paste, and peanuts that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Another tasty Sichuan dish is the twice-cooked pork slices (hui guo rou), which are served with garlic and chili peppers.

Zhong dumplings are also a Sichuan dish made of ground pork wrapped in a thin dough, steamed, or boiled. These are served with chili and garlic sauce for added flavor.

Finally, you can’t miss out on a spicy hotpot experience! Go with a group of friends so you can order batches of meats and vegetables to cook and enjoy together.

Although the dishes look bright red, don’t let that deter you from trying these delicious dishes from the Sichuan province!

3. Xi’an, China

Xi’an, China was the former capital of China and one of the final stops along the Silk Road, an ancient trade route made famous by Marco Polo. It starts in Italy and goes across the Arabian Peninsula, Persia (now Iran), India, and China.  

In the center of Xi’an, you will find a district called the Muslim Quarter, an area around which many Muslim merchants settled after traveling the Silk Road.  

The area has a number of dining options along its winding narrow streets and it is advised you arrive with an empty stomach and ready to explore the various stalls of street food.  

One of the best options you can find is the rou jia mo (or meat sandwich), consisting of an almost fully halved bun and different varieties of chopped meat (usually beef in the Muslim Quarter but some stalls will have pork).  

While you wait to savor the taste of the rou jia mo, you can feast on the visual display of the speed and efficiency with which they are made. 

The construction of the sandwich is a well-oiled machine and the precision with which they are assembled is a flurry of chopping meat and slicing and stuffing the buns before handing them to awaiting patrons. 

When you’re headed to China, be sure to stop by this foodie destination in Asia!

4. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise! This city is known for its amazing food and its food markets.

One of the best food markets in Hong Kong is the Temple Street Night Market. It’s open every night and has a wide variety of food stalls to choose from.

The food here is cheap, delicious, and authentic. You can find food from all over China here, as well as food from neighboring countries like Taiwan and Vietnam.

Some of the most popular Hong Kong dishes are sweet and sour pork, Sichuan-styled wontons which are cooked with salted fish instead of peppers, and roasted goose. Roasted goose is generally made with secret ingredients and finally cut into thin slices with crispy skin on top and a plum sauce.

If you are looking for adventurous dishes to try, check out stinky tofu (fermented tofu that’s deep-fried), chicken feet, and egg tarts which are actually a delicious dessert. They’re a popular dessert in Hong Kong and they’re so good!

Make sure to also get a glass of milk tea – it’ll be one of the best decisions you make!

Best Food Tours in Hong Kong

• Private Tour: A Taste of Hong Kong
• Most Popular: Hong Kong Tour: Central & Sheung Wan Districts

5. Fort Kochi, Kerala, India

Kerala, a state in India known commonly as ” God’s Own Country ” is a haven for both travelers and foodies who want to try lip-smacking but surprisingly healthy food.

Firstly, there are many cities to visit in Kerala such as Fort Kochi for the Chinese fishing nets and art cafes, Munnar for its tea plantations, Alleppey for its backwaters, Varkala for its pristine beaches, and many more unique places.

Coming to the food scene, if you want to try authentic local dishes, and some fusion food, and have the option of eating regular dishes too then Fort Kochi is the place to be. There are many beautiful art cafes in Fort Kochi to try the local Kerala food.

When in Kerala, you can’t miss out on eating idli and dosa – both of which are served with sambar (hearty veggie stew), and various types of chutneys. While idli is a small rice cake, dosa is a crispy savory pancake.

Both of them are made out of rice and lentils so you know you can eat an unlimited number of them! Kerala is also known for heavy, spicy meat-based curries. Try one of those with appam – a thin soft pancake made with coconut milk.

There are one too many dishes to try in Kerala, each with its own unique flavor profile so there’s something for everyone here. Just pop into any local restaurant and eat to your heart’s content.

6. Goa, India

Goa is a small region located on the western coast of India, about 373 miles (600km) to the South of Mumbai.

The tropical state is a former Portuguese colony known for its unique food culture and one of the best foodie destinations in Asia.

The freshest catch of the day is brought in from fisher boats and local people prepare the food for you instantly.

Seafood such as mackerels and prawns are part of the daily diet of a Goan. Wholesome fish or prawn curry rice is served with Goan fat rice, fried fish, and sautéed or stir-fried vegetables.

Meats such as beef and pork are turned into flavor-rich curries which are sometimes also served with various local bread such as a bun called Pao or flattish bread known as Poi. A common street food is the Ros Omelet Poi, which is a spiced omelet in a bun.

Coconut-based sweets and desserts such as Bebinca and Alle Belle crêpes are prepared for special occasions.

Cashew fruits are fermented and turned into the world-famous feni, a distilled clear liquor and the best way to experience this drink is with a Goan fish curry thali by the beach in Palolem!

7. Osaka, Japan

Osaka is an ideal place to visit in Japan for delicious street food. Head to Namba, Dotonbori, or another area to see many street vendors selling these yummy foods.  

Takoyaki is one of the most popular street food to try. It’s a round ball made of flour, and inside has a piece of octopus (tako), pickled ginger, and other flavors.  

Each order comes with 5+ balls, and they’re topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green onions, powdered seaweed, and bonito (fish) flakes. 

Takoyakis are made fresh to order, so they’re hot when you receive them. Don’t burn your mouth! Wait a few minutes for them to cool down before enjoying the flavors. 

Check out the takoyaki at Takoyaki Wanaka. There are several shops located around the city. 

Another fabulous street food to try is Osaka-style okonomiyaki, which is a hearty meal and can be shared with another person.

It’s a pancake mixed with batter, cabbage, and meat (seafood or pork belly), and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and green onions.

Okonomiyaki is made in front of you and cooked on a griddle. Depending on the shop, you can either grill your pancake yourself or a worker will do it for you.  

Osaka has many street food options to try making it one of the best foodie destinations in Asia!

Best Food Tours in Osaka

• Most Popular: Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours
• Hidden Gems: Osaka Food Tour (10 Delicious Dishes at 5 hidden Eateries)
• Small-Group: Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

8. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo has long been celebrated as a true haven for food lovers, and for good reason. The city’s thriving culinary scene offers diverse flavors and innovative dishes that cater to diverse palates.

From raw seafood to noodles, you can find most of the traditional Japanese dishes in the county’s capital. And you should definitely try as many as you can!

Sushi is at the top of the list of famous Japanese foods and in Tokyo the variety is endless.

The three main styles of sushi are nigiri, maki, and temaki. Raw fish or seafood is featured in all three. You’ll have the opportunity to eat everything from salmon and tuna to squid and urchins.

Nigiri places artfully sliced pieces of raw fish and seafood atop a delicate cushion of vinegar-infused rice.

Maki sushi, is a delightful visual treat, with its array of ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and rice, snugly wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed and sliced.

Temaki sushi, or hand rolls, are similar to maki, but are rolled into a cone.

You could eat nothing but sushi in Tokyo and still try something different at every meal!

Best Food Tours in Tokyo

• Most Popular: Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
• Authentic + Local: Walking Food Tour of Shibuya at Night
• Private + Off-the-Beaten-Path: Sangenjaya Back Alleys Private Food and Drink Tour

9. Amman, Jordan

While Middle Eastern and Arabic cuisine is well known worldwide, knafeh is a dessert that’s worth traveling for all on its own.

Made of white cheese with a wheat topping and soaked in sweet syrup and topped with pistachios, this is a dish that is completely transformed in the process of cooking it. A simple list of ingredients does not do it justice.

While you can find knafeh all over the Arabic world, it is a Palestinian dish. Its popularity in Jordan reflects the high percentage of Palestinians who live in the country, though today fans of knafeh come from all ethnic groups living in Jordan.

The most famous place to get knafeh in Amman (or the world) is Habibah, a small dessert shop that sells only knafeh.

You’ll be able to tell you’re nearby by the line of locals and tourists queued up to get a plateful.

Consider this the perfect reason to make sure you stop by Amman after you visit the more popular Jordanian tourist spots of the Dead Sea or Petra.

The best part? This delicious dish can be eaten as breakfast or a dessert, so don’t feel bad if you grab one twice a day!

Best Food Tours in Jordan

• Most Popular + Highly Rated: Aqaba walking and food tasting tour

10. Maldives

If you’re looking for a foodie destination in Asia, you absolutely can’t miss out on trying the mouth-watering mas huni in the Maldives. It’s a traditional breakfast dish that’s jam-packed with flavor. 

This local delicacy consists of shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, onion, lime, and chili all blended together to create a harmonious medley of tropical flavors.

It’s typically served with roshi (Maldivian flatbread) and for such a simple dish, is seriously delicious!

The name “mas huni” comes from the Maldivian words “mas”, which means fish, and “huni”, which means grated.

With the smoky tuna, sweet coconut, tangy lime, and spicy chili, you end up with a true mix of different flavors on your plate each and every morning.

You won’t have to search far and wide to find mas huni in the country, as it’s readily available in local restaurants and cafes across the Maldives, particularly in the vibrant city of Malé.

For one of the best takes on the dish, head to Mins Deli — a small eatery that serves up some of the best food on the island.

If you don’t mind skipping out on the resort experience, it’s possible to visit the Maldives on a budget, spending as little as $50 a day as you do so.

On these more local islands, guesthouses usually offer a free breakfast to guests, which is nearly always mas huni. At a restaurant, however, you’ll pay just $4 for the dish — well worth the price to sample something so tasty!

11. Abha, Saudi Arabia

Kabsa is the staple food of Saudi Arabia that has actually become one of the most popular dishes in the Arabian Peninsula.

When traveling in Saudi Arabia, you will see that Kabsa has different versions in different parts of the kingdom. 

One of the most unique and authentic Kabsa is from the city of Abha, one of the best foodie destinations in Saudi Arabia, located in the southeastern part of the country.

Kabsa is made of basmati rice and meat flavored with black pepper powder, ground cardamom, ground cloves, ground coriander, ground cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon, and red chili powder.

The most popular meat for the Kabsa is chicken but you can also make it with goat, lamb, camel, beef, fish, and shrimp.

The interesting thing about making this dish is that all the ingredients are squeezed and cooked together in one pot.

In the old days, the meat was barbecued in a deep hole in the ground covered while the meat is being cooked or on flat stones that are placed on top of burning embers.

If you are lucky, you can still find places where locals take the time to make Kabsa like their forefathers. 

Kabsa is served with spicy tomato sauce and is topped with fried onions, raisins, and nuts on a big round communal plate. Traditionally, it’s eaten with the right hand sitting on the floor. 

12. Busan, South Korea

Busan is the second largest metropolis in South Korea and serves as the economic and cultural hub in the southeast region. For foodies, Busan food is worth traveling for.

First, being the largest port city in the country, there is always an abundance of fresh seafood. The marine city is home to the largest seafood market in the country, called Jagalchi Market. 

Jagalchi Market takes an ocean-to-table approach to the next level. As you walk along the rows of fish tanks, you can easily buy live, moving fish and edible sea creatures, such as octopus, clams, scallops, and sea urchins, to name a few.

They are freshly prepared for you to eat there or take home. If you are brave enough, try the live octopus!

Another reason Busan is an unmissable foodie destination in Asia is its history. During the Korean War, the city welcomed millions of refugees from all over the peninsula.

As food was scarce, people had to substitute ingredients based on availability. The result was a new iteration of the traditional recipe. 

Pork Rice Soup is the city’s signature dish. The wartime recipe used pork bones, the surplus parts the US army did not want, instead of the usual beef.

Pork bones are braised for hours, and then the broth is poured into a hot pot with rice and glass noodles. It makes an excellent breakfast, especially for a hangover. 

There are many other unique local specialties in Busan you should not miss. Try them out on your next foodie adventure! 

13. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a foodie destination in Asia like no other. It is the capital of South Korea and has been dubbed the “food mecca” of Asia due to its diverse cuisine.

Seoul has everything from traditional Korean dishes such as kimchi and bibimbap to modern fusion-style creations with international flavors. From street food to gourmet restaurants, this vibrant city offers many delicious options.

For fans of Korean BBQ, you’ll be delighted by the countless restaurants that can satisfy your craving for grilled meats and vegetables.

Definitely try galbi-tang, a beef short rib soup served with rice and kimchi If you are visiting Seoul for the first time.

Ginseng soup is another traditional Korean dish the country is famous for, made with local ginseng and chicken.

Dining in South Korea can be daunting when you don’t know the rituals to follow, but with a proper introduction, you will be just fine.

For an authentic experience, try out one of the many traditional markets where you can sample unique flavors and savor the local culture. These include places like the Gwangjang Market Food Alley and the Dongdaemun Market.

Best Food Tours in Seoul

• Hidden Gems: Drinking and Eating through the Alleys of Seoul
• Private: The 10 Tastings of Seoul With Locals
• Food + Market Tour: Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour

14. Ella, Sri Lanka

• Recommended by Bailey at Destinationless Travel

Sri Lanka is a country that should be on every foodie’s bucket list. And the city in the center of it all? None other than the small touristic town of Ella, Sri Lanka.

This town is the perfect place to eat Sri Lankan cuisine as there are plenty of tourist-orientated fancy restaurants, as well as small local places too. 

Ella is the perfect place to eat some of the best food on offer. First and foremost, you must try the many different vegetable curries. In Sri Lanka, most curries are vegetarian and you can get everything from beetroot curry to mango to lentil.

Typically, when you order vegetable curry you will get several different types of curry all served to you in little dishes – this way you can try everything! They are so flavorful and colorful too. 

The most popular vegetable curry is called Dahl. It is a lentil curry that is full of spices and made with coconut milk. Be sure to get a side of fresh papadums, and of course, wash it all down with Sri Lankan black tea. 

15. Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Trincomalee is a seaside town in the east of Sri Lanka, famous for its multiculturality, the pretty beaches, as well as the location, in one of the largest natural harbors in the world.

Trincomalee is also a foodie destination in Asia with all the flavors it offers. Start your trip with a visit to the market, where you will get a first glimpse of the local produce.

You’ll find fresh and unique vegetables such as the drumstick, or king coconuts that the sellers crack open for you to drink on the spot.

Tasting local food is one of those great things to do in Trincomalee. The best restaurants are holes-in-the-wall with plastic tables and chairs and no menu.

The only menu is what they are cooking that day–typically a meat curry, a vegetable curry, a selection of tempered vegetables, dhal, pol sambol, pickles, or green leaf salad.

Another specialty of Sri Lanka you can find everywhere in Trincomalee is the hoppers. These are eggs cooked inside a small, deep pan, which makes them look like tiny edible baskets.

The hoppers are best eaten with pol sambol, which is a spicy coconut-based relish.

You won’t be disappointed with all the delicious offerings in Trincomalee!

16. Taipei, Taiwan

Authentic Taiwanese food in Taipei simultaneously provides an experience of nature to the local cuisine, making it an ideal foodie destination in Asia.

One of the best Taipei food, Xiaolongbao (小籠包) from Din Tai Fung Restaurant (鼎泰豐) is the most popular option among locals and international tourists.

Xiaolongbao are little steamed dumplings filled with meat and broth. Traditionally, they are cooked in a steam rack with a pot and lid.

One of the most popular places for hiking in nature and enjoying local tea is MaoKong (貓空). There are a lot of tea gardens in the area since the area is famous for producing BaoZhong Tea (包種茶).

The restaurants here cook with BaoZhong Tea in mind. A few popular dishes are BaoZhong tea-flavored fried rice, rice noodles, and tea-flavored sweet potato leaves (地瓜葉).

They also have a popular dish like chicken soup with marinated pineapple and bitter lemon (鳳梨苦瓜雞湯). Bitter lemon and sweet potato leaves are popular local dishes, and getting them anywhere except in Taiwan is challenging.

Bitter lemon is just like its name; it tastes bitter but not sweet and is worth the try.

You can get a gentle taste from the tea while savoring the tea-flavored local cuisine–an excellent chance to uplevel your food experience in Taipei.

Restaurant chefs are creative in cooking the best dish for their guests; if you want a good view at a local restaurant, Spring Tea County (春茶鄉) is one of the best restaurants.

Shiye (四爺) is also popular; they have the area’s best food and interior design. Check out Klook for vouchers you can use at Shiye!

Best Food Tours in Taipei

• Popular + Private: The 10 Tastings of Taipei With Locals
• Food + Class: Xiao Long Bao & Beef Noodles Cooking Class

17. Cappadocia, Turkey

When it comes to delicious Asian food, there is nothing more hearty than a testi kebab.

This unique dish comes from the Anatolia region of Turkey, specifically, Cappadocia, making it one of the best foodie destinations in Asia.

The town of Avanos is well known for its pottery production, which is why their namesake dish, is also cooked using a specially made clay pot.

The word “testi” means jug, or pot, in Turkish, but the dish is often referred to as pottery kebab or clay pot kebab in English.

It is believed that the testi kebab was once served from one big pot, but Avanos pottery producers noticed it was hard to give everyone the same-sized portion, so they began to create individual-sized pots.

Traditionally, it is made with lamb, beef, or chicken, and also includes vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes in a rich gravy sauce.

To make a testi kebab, all the ingredients are placed in a clay pot, and then covered with either dough or foil. This seals up the inside of the pot and allows the ingredients to stew together.

When it’s time to serve the dish, a waiter will bring the pot to your table with a small hammer, and carefully tap the pot whilst rotating it, causing it to crack and spill over the plate.

Eating a testi kebab is not like any other kebab. The clay pot adds a unique flavor to the meal, which is why it’s best served directly from the pot.

One of the best restaurants in Cappadocia serving this dish is Dibek Restaurant in the town of Goreme. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Cappadocia and one of the first to serve this dish.

You should make sure to place a reservation beforehand, as they can only make so many testi kebabs in one day. Oh, and be careful not to eat pieces of the pot!

18. Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Although shashlik (schash-lick) is common in many countries, some of the best can be found in Uzbekistan, one of the best foodie destinations in Asia.

Compared to other countries, the meat pieces in Uzbekistan are usually big and filling, yet moist and full of flavor.

Shashlik is marinated and barbecued meat on a stick. Some of the best shashliks are served in the restaurant “Chalet” in the Old Town of Bukhara—an ancient city that once was a popular trading hub along the Silk Road.

Their lamb shashlik consists of big, boneless, and tender pieces of meat which are perfectly spiced with cumin.

On top of this, they also serve delicious chicken shashlik and vegetarian shashlik which is made out of corn, eggplant, tomatoes, and mushrooms—a good alternative for those wanting to keep up a healthier diet.

Shashlik in Uzbekistan is typically served with mild fresh onions you can eat in between your bites to cleanse your palate.   

You’ll see, the Shashlik in Bukhara will be the best you’ve ever had!

Foodie Destinations in Asia: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a foodie experience?

A foodie experience involves the exploration of food, often through travel. It can involve visiting restaurants and local markets to try new dishes.

What are the major foods in Asia?

Asia has a wide variety of cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, and more–not to mention the flavors of Southeast Asia.

Some of the major foods in Asia include noodles from China, sushi from Japan, and curries from India.

What are some food tips for traveling to Asia?

When traveling to Asia, it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. Many dishes will be unfamiliar, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about the culture behind the food.

It’s also a good idea to bring snacks from home since some Asian dishes may not suit your palette. Lastly, take precautions when eating street food and be aware of any allergies you may have.

Asia is a vibrant region full of delicious flavors to explore. With the help of this guide, you’ll know where to go for the best foodie experience!

Final Thoughts: Foodie Destinations in Asia

From the fragrant curries of India to the delicious street food of Japan, Asia is full of exciting culinary experiences. You will be well prepared for your next foodie journey to Asia!

Ready to head to Asia? Check out these resources!

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