On top of the list of CNN Traveler is Vietnamese Pho which is well-merited for its reputation and is the favorite food of many visistors.
Pho for Vietnamese is like Pasta for Italian. In big cities like Hanoi or HCMC, it is easy to catch people slurping Pho anytime of the day. Pho is made from chicken or beef broth, pho noodles, and various spices such as gingers, anise, cardamom, etc. What makes people enjoy Pho is the variety of accompanying vegetables such as mint, basil, herbs, chili pepper, bean sprout, lemon, fish sauce, soy sauce, etc. Pho can be found everywhere across Vietnam, but the best ones are served at local eateries on the road sides. The simpler the eatery is, the better Pho is. Typically, Pho Binh is not a well-known place in HCMC, but its Pho is in truly traditional style and very tasty.
Saimin, Hawaii (USA): Saimin has Chinese origin, but it was developed by immigrant groups from Japan and China to Haiwaii in the 1800s. It is a soup dish consisting of soft wheat egg noodles served in Japanese hot dashi, garnished with sliced spring onions and other spices. Saimin used to be a fast food in Hawaii. This dish has become so popular that McDonalds added it to its menu. One of the most well-known restaurant is Jane’s Fountain which was established in the 1940.
Wonton noodles, Hong Kong: The dish consists of soft wheat egg noodles served in hot broth with leafy vegetables, dumplings, and shrimps or pork which are served separate bowls to prevent the noodles from being crushed. Wonton noodles are popular across Hong Kong, but the most famous restaurants are Michelin Ho Hung Kee and Meen and Rice.
Shan noodles, Myanmar: This dish originated from the East of Myanmar, near the borders with Laos and China. The noodles glutinous because they are made from sticky rice grown in the area. Shan noodles are served with vegetable, chicken or pork with or without broth. Like other street food, this dish is the most delicious at local eateries or Bogyoke markets in Yangon or in 999 Shan market.
Mee goreng, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore: This dish is made of wheat egg noodles, fried with garlic, onion, Chinese cabbage, egg, tomato, and pork. Visitors can find the most mee goreng in Warungs (popular stalls selling café and food in Indonesia), for mamak food stalls in Malaysia.
Laksa, Singapore, Malaysia: the dish has special orange color as it is made of curry soup, glass noodles, coconut milk or tamarind sauce, served with shrimp. This dish is popular Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
Pad Thai, Thailand: Pad Thai has gradually become the most popular dish in the world, but this dish is the tastiest in bustling streets in Bangkok. The dish consists of stir-fried noodles, egg, tofu, tamarind powder, fish sauce, sugar, dried shrimp, garlic, spring onions, fresh shrimp, and chicken. The condiments of this dish are fresh lime, roasted peanuts, parsley, bean sprout, and dried chili peppers.
Ramen, Japan: There are variety types of ramen such as shio ramen (flavored with salt), shoyu ramen (flavored with soy sauce). One of the most popular ramen restaurant in Tokyo is Kagari in Ginza which is famous for its tori-paitan ramen made from thickened, savory, and aromatic chicken broth.
Bibim guksu, Korea: This is a cold dish which is very popular in kimchi country. The noodles made from wheat flour are boiled and rinsed in cold water, then cooked with spicy sauce, gochujang, garlic, vinegar, sugar, sliced pickled cucumbers, sesame oil, and boiled egg. The dish is the combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Knife-cut noodle, China: this type of noodle is also called razo noodle as the cook holds a big dough and cuts it into the boiling broth with a special knife. The noodle is thick, short, and springy and is served with or without broth, pork, and black bean sauce.
According to Thuy Nguyen (Zing – Photos: CN Traveler)
