Food tourism: South Korea tops list of culinary destinations in Asia

Travelers from India that listed their appetite as the main travel motivator are most often setting course for Thailand, followed by Turkey and Laos. India on the other hand, is mostly visited by foodies from Vietnam, closely followed by travellers from Japan.

“Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. Some travelers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that travelers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing. Agoda is proud to offer great value deals to visit these foodie heavens, so that there’s more left to spend on the tastiest local dishes,” said  Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda.

Here’s a whirlwind Culinary Tour Through Asia’s Top Five food destinations:

 

South Korea

South Korea’s culinary scene attracts foodies from all over the globe,  helped by the popularity of K-dramas and movies which frequently showcase unique gourmet experiences. On Jeju Island, savor fresh seafood and melt-in-your-mouth heukdwaeji (black pork) sizzling on a traditional Korean BBQ grill. Adventurous eaters will enjoy ganjang gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) – a dish guaranteed to spark conversation (and maybe a little sweat!) in coastal cities like Incheon. For comforting soul food, visit Gangneung for some chodang sundubu (hot soup with soft tofu). Traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, are a great place for street food like tteokbokki (spicy ricecakes) and bindaetteok (savory pancakes).

Taiwan

Taiwan is a culinary wonderland where ancient traditions and modern influences collide. Taipei’s legendary night markets, like Shilin and Raohe, are a must-visit experience for any foodie. From the infamous stinky tofu to the global sensation of bubble tea. In Tainan, traditional dishes like danzai noodles and milkfish soup highlight the island’s deep food heritage. Taiwan also offers a unique tea culture, with Alishan’s oolong tea holding a place in every tea lover’s heart.

Thailand

Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, offering a street food culture that is hard to match. The traditional food stalls of Yaowarat, known as Chinatown in Bangkok, are where dishes like crispy pork belly, pad thai, crispy oyster omelets, and mango sticky rice aren’t just among the most delicious meals but also the most affordable. In the north of Thailand, the rich and creamy Khao Soy in Chiang Mai is a must-try, while in the south it’s the lesser-known Khanom Jeen, a fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries, that’s becoming a favorite among foodies.

Japan

Japan is a dream destination for food enthusiasts, offering everything from izakaya bar bites to kaiseki full course experiences. In Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi or explore local delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in popular areas like Shinjuku and Ginza. Seafood lovers should visit Otaru in Hokkaido to enjoy famous crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi. For ramen aficionados, Tenjin in Fukuoka is the place to try tonkotsu ramen, the area’s famous bowl featuring rich pork broth.

Malaysia

A melting pot of flavors, Malaysia’s cuisine is a reflection of its multicultural heritage. In Kuala Lumpur, Nasi Lemak comes in various forms, from Nasi Lemak Bungkus (wrapped rice with coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings) to Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (spicy chicken). The Penang region delights visitors with street food classics like Char Kway Teow (a stir-fried rice noodle), Hokkien Mee (a savory noodle soup), and Cendol (shaved ice dessert). In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu features fresh local dishes like Hinava (raw fish salad) and Tuaran Mee. Kuching is known for Manok Pansoh, a traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs.

First Published: Oct 03 2024 | 12:56 PM IST