Asian cuisine

Characteristics of Asian Cuisine

Asian cuisine is a broad term that describes dozens of national cuisines shaped by several billion people. Nevertheless, common elements can be found across regions and countries – simplicity of preparation, an emphasis on quality and locally available ingredients, and usually also lightness of the food. Food is most often prepared by steaming or frying. In terms of ingredients, the basic element of all cuisines is rice.

Rice can be used to prepare sweet and savory dishes. It can be the base of a meal or just a side dish. It can be ground into flour and used to make rice noodles, paper, as well as other foods. Most of the Asian climate is also favorable for its cultivation, making it an easily accessible food.

An important element of Asian cuisine is also aromatic spices. Probably the most famous is curry, which is most often based on turmeric, cumin, and coriander, though curry blends differ across regions. A more precise term is the Indian word masala, which can be translated as “spice mix.” For India and the surrounding area, curries with a yogurt base are typical. In Thai cuisine, however, yogurt is replaced with coconut milk.

Geographically, three main regions of Asian cuisine can be distinguished: Southeast, Northeast, and Southwest Asia.

Southeast Asian Cuisine

Typical representatives of this area are Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. There is an emphasis on freshness and aroma, which is especially aided by mint and coriander. Many recipes also feature coconut milk or citrus fruits. If you want to travel the whole region from the comfort of your home, try spring rolls as a starter, followed by pad thai, nasi goreng, or satay. For dessert, we recommend mango sticky rice.

Northeast Asian Cuisine

The classic representatives of this area are China, Japan, and Korea. The staple foods here are noodles, rice, or soy. In coastal areas, seafood dominates. Probably the most famous dishes are kung pao and sushi. You can also experience the flavors of this region with orange chicken or the soup ramen.

Southwest Asian Cuisine

The southwest region has been, and most likely always will be, influenced by Arab culture, which is why it differs significantly from the rest of Asia – both in taste and in the composition of dishes. As in Arab cuisine, you will find an oven called a tandoori, in which dishes are prepared at high temperatures. A typical representative is Indian cuisine, which is famous for its strongly spiced and spicy dishes. Try the classic butter chicken, or vegan curry or palak paneer.