4 memorable food experiences in South East Asia
As someone who loves food, it forms an important part of travel for me. So when I spent 2 months travelling across South East Asia, the first thing I did as soon as I set foot in a city was, ask the locals where to eat. And after eating my way through a lot of amazing food, I wanted to share 4 experiences that has the foodie in me yearning to go back to places just to have one more meal.
Cơm Hến in Huế, Vietnam
While Vietnam is famous for its Pho, I had my most fantastic meal in Huế for less than a dollar.
After a stroll along Perfume river, I ventured into a street-side stall. It resembled an Indian ‘chaat wala’. The locals were enjoying the food on tables and chairs set up at the side of the road.
Unable to talk in Vietnamese and not knowing what it is that was being sold, I asked a local student to help me order.
And thus began my love affair with Cơm Hến, a Huế speciality dish made with rice topped with roasted peanuts, fermented garlic and crispy noodles. A dish not to be missed in central Vietnam because it’s not commonly available in other parts.
TRUST ME, I looked everywhere!
Khao Soi in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a food paradise situated in northern Thailand known for its beautiful temples and relaxed vibe. No matter where you eat, a cheap eats place or a high eat restaurant, the food is something to write home about.
My goal in Chiang Mai was to have enough Khao Soi, a coconut curry based noodle soup, so that I could die with no regrets.
Like all good things in life, the most flavourful one was had for super cheap at $1.5 at Khao Soi Mae Sai, a place packed with locals all day long. I may have had this for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please don’t judge!
Banh Mi in Hoi An, Vietnam
Though Hoi An is known for its quaint yellow buildings, the food there is absolutely fantastic as well. Being of the most visited places, the town is still really peaceful and a treat for the eyes.
On my second day here, I made my way to Banh Mi Phuong one night on the suggestion of a local. And found people waiting in a line extending well into the street.
Nonetheless, I decided to join in. One bite into the sandwich and I understood why. While I had plenty of Banh Mi while in Vietnam, this one gave me the feels I didn’t know I could feel for a sandwich. I couldn’t understand how the Banh Mi here tasted so radically different from all the other places in Vietnam, and that’s when I saw it. There was a secret sauce, guys!
This sandwich might have been the reason why I ended up staying in Hoi An for a week instead of 3 days like I initially planned to. What can I say, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!
Tea leaf salad in Yangon, Myanmar
Let me tell you right now, a day in Myanmar without eating Tea leaf salad, is a day wasted. Myanmar is one of the very few countries where tea is savoured both as a drink as well as eaten. Made from fermented tea leaves, this salad packs in quite a punch.
In every place I ate this salad, it tasted very different. Some joints made it ‘mild’ for the tourists while some barely put any tea leaves in it. One day, after walking about the colourful streets of Yangon, I made my way to Rangoon tea house after my Insta fam gave me the tip that you can’t go to Yangon and not eat here. It’s almost a crime. So I settled in and ordered a tea leaf salad without even looking at the menu.
And I was not disappointed. Prettiest of the lot in terms of presentation, the salad resembled a dessert with different layers. In terms of taste, it was an absolute delight with different flavours and textures in every bite. Without further ado, seconds were in order!
South East Asia is known for its diverse cuisine and I certainly experienced that in this trip. From the spices of Myanmar to the balanced flavours of Vietnam, every country had some soul satisfying food on offer, making this trip an unforgettable experience.
