When you first encounter Asian cuisine, it can be overwhelming. There are so many dishes to choose from, and they all look so different from what you’re used to. But if you take the time to explore Asian cuisine, you’ll find that it’s full of rich, complex flavors. So don’t be intimidated by Asian cuisine—embrace it! You may just find that it’s your new favorite way to eat.
While it can be tough to know where to start, especially if you’re new to the world of Asian cuisine, there are some cuisines to best start with when getting into Asian food. Here are cuisines that are great gateways to the world of Asian food:
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is a great place to start if you’re new to Asian food. Why? Because Japanese food is typically light and delicate, focusing on fresh ingredients and simple preparation methods. Japanese cuisine is perhaps best known for its use of sushi and sashimi. These dishes typically consist of fresh seafood that has been either raw or lightly cooked, and they are often served with rice, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
While sushi and sashimi are excellent examples of Japanese cuisine, they represent just a small fraction of the country’s many delicious dishes. Other popular Japanese dishes include tempura (fried seafood or vegetables), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and miso soup (a soup made from miso paste and tofu). In recent years, Japanese cuisine has become increasingly popular in the west, showing no signs of slowing down.
Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine has gained much popularity recently, and it’s easy to see why. Korea is a country with a rich history and diverse culture, and this is reflected in its cuisine. There are many dishes to choose from, each with its unique flavor. The most popular dish is kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish often served as a side dish.
Other popular dishes include bibimbap, a rice bowl dish with vegetables and meat, and bulgogi, grilled marinated beef. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also try haemul pajeon, a savory pancake made with seafood, or japchae, a sweet and savory noodle dish. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Korean cuisine.
Chinese Cuisine
One of the things you’ll quickly notice about Chinese cuisine is the emphasis on freshness. This means that meals are often cooked using seasonal ingredients, and that seafood and poultry are usually served soon after they’re caught or slaughtered. Another key feature of Chinese cuisine is the use of strong flavors. Common seasonings include ginger, garlic, green onion, rice wine, and soy sauce. As a result, Chinese dishes are often quite savory and can be quite spicy. One of the most distinctive aspects of Chinese cuisine is cooking techniques like stir-frying and steaming. These methods help preserve ingredients’ flavor and texture, making for a more enjoyable dining experience.
As you can see, many complex ingredients and cooking techniques are applied in Chinese cuisine, and it can be difficult to know which food to try first. However, a Chinese bento box can offer you all these in one go. While bento boxes are known for being Japanese, there is a Chinese version, which offers a great variety of food items such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and rice. With this, you can get a bit of everything and experience a wide range of flavors that Chinese cuisine offers.
Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh, flavorful dishes. And no wonder — Vietnam is a country with an abundance of seafood, vegetables, and herbs. When it comes to cooking, Vietnamese chefs emphasize balance and simplicity. A typical Vietnamese meal will include a variety of small dishes, each with its unique flavor. These dishes are meant to be enjoyed together, allowing diners to savor the different flavors and textures.
One of the most popular Vietnamese dishes is pho, a hearty soup made with rice noodles and beef or chicken. Other popular dishes include spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, and vermicelli bowls. Whether you are dining in a restaurant or cooking at home, Vietnamese cuisine will delight your taste buds.
There you have it — some of the best cuisines to start with when getting into Asian food. Remember to try Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine. Now that you know where to start, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring all the deliciousness that Asian cuisine has to offer!