Street Food in Asia

Street food in Asia comes in an array of spectacular and exotic flavors.  Many kinds of street foods from places such as China and Japan are already eaten and enjoyed in all corners of the world.  But the less well-known regions of Asia also boast rich and varied tastes that rival those of their more famous neighbors.  In Southeast Asia, countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, each have traditional street food specialties that local people have loved for many, many years. 

The geographic closeness of the Southeast Asian countries also leads them to share many of the same ingredients and dishes, although each country adds its own cooking methods and unique flavors.  For example, steamed pork buns is a popular street food in Cambodia, though the dish originated in China.  The Cambodian version features a combination of pork, hard-boiled eggs, and other fillings without the heavy spices that cover the natural flavors of the ingredients.  Its Chinese cousin is flavored with many spices that produce a different, but equally delicious taste.  Similarly, green papaya salad is a popular street food in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.  The preparation is similar in all three countries, though in Vietnam the salad is often served with crispy rice crackers, and in Thailand, more chilies make the Thai version spicier.

Another street food found throughout Southeast Asia is grilled meat on a stick. Thinly cut strips of meat are skewered onto bamboo sticks before being grilled over hot coals.  The meats may be beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or fish depending on local preferences.  Sometimes the meats are seasoned with spice mixtures, and sometimes the meats are marinated in delicious sauces before grilling.  In Indonesia, peanut sauce is served alongside the meat sticks, while in Cambodia, pickled vegetables are the favorite condiment.

Street food is available all day long, with different neighborhoods specializing in foods for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  In some neighborhoods, many food vendors gather along one street in the evening, creating temporary night markets.  With so many delicious dishes from which to choose, these markets become a food paradise for the hungry diner. So wherever you are in Asia, you are not far away from something exciting and tasty to eat.  Just head outside and let your sense of smell guide you toward your next delicious meal of street food.