Asia’s top five food destinations revealed

As gastronomy tourism becomes a soft power means to promote culture, online travel website Agoda has announced the top five food destinations in Asia based on survey data collected from Aug 1-19, with over 4,000 participants from 10 countries.
The delectable cuisine of South Korea, which includes kimchi, barbecue and fried chicken, was cited by at least 64% of visitors as the primary reason they travelled there. Taiwan came in second with 62%, followed by Thailand (55%), Japan (52%) and Malaysia (49%).
Meanwhile, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, and China are the common destinations for Thai tourists who listed food as their primary driving force. On the other hand, the majority of tourists in Thailand are foodies from South Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
“Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. Some travellers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that travellers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing,” said Enric Casals, associate vice-president for Southeast Asia at Agoda.
Here’s a quick culinary exploration of Asia’s top five food destinations.
South Korea
Foodies from all over the world are attracted to the Korean cuisine because K-dramas and films regularly feature distinctive gastronomic experiences. Travellers can enjoy delectable fresh seafood and mouth-watering heukdwaeji (black pork) sizzling on a traditional Korean BBQ barbecue while on vacation on Jeju Island. Meanwhile, street cuisine such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and bindaetteok (savoury pancakes) can be found at traditional markets in Seoul.
Taiwan
Taiwan is a gastronomic paradise where traditional customs and modern influences coexist. Great spots to try stinky tofu and bubble tea are the vibrant night markets of Shilin and Raohe. Meanwhile, Tainan is well-known for its traditional delicacies, which showcases the island’s rich culinary legacy, such as danzai noodles and milkfish soup.
Thailand
Thailand has been recognised for its vibrant street food scene. Yaowarat is a popular dining venue, where you can enjoy crispy pork belly, pad Thai, crispy oyster omelette, and mango with sticky rice. Meanwhile, southern towns are famous for khanom chin, a fermented rice noodle served with a variety of spicy curries.
Japan
Japan is a fantastic destination for discovering izakaya bars and kaiseki dinner. Tourists can visit Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market to sample takoyaki (octopus balls), and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). For seafood lovers, Otaru in Hokkaido offers fresh crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi, while Tenjin in Fukuoka is well-known for its tonkotsu ramen in rich pork broth.
Malaysia
Malaysian food reflects its rich multicultural heritage. There are several kinds of nasi lemak available in Kuala Lumpur like nasi lemak nungkus (wrapped rice with coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings). Meanwhile, the Penang region is renowned for traditional street food like char kway teow (a stir-fried rice noodle) and Hokkien mee (a savoury noodle soup).