Hooray, it’s Summer! And I hope you have already planned for a vacay spot? Is it an Asian cruise? That’s cool! Wishing you a Bon Voyage in advance! After crossing out everything in your checklist, there are a few more things that you need to know…... About the place you’re gonna stay at and about the food that you’re about to be served with! Well, I guess the former is taken care of by the hotel management itself, but if you don’t find anyone to explain what the type of food is, here is the handbook for you!
Here are the types of cuisines one can find in Asia. Read them before you start exploring the continent! Bon Appetit!!
Asia, the world’s largest continent is also known for its diverse cuisine. The Asian cuisine is a combo of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Arabic, Russian, Taiwanese and several other sub-continental cuisines.
1. CHINESE CUISINE:
Chinese cuisine is characterized by Soups, Noodles, Tofu, Rice and a variety of roasted, grilled, rolled and fried steak dishes along with Soy sauce, Cilantro, ginger, garlic and sesame seasonings on top them. If it’s a classic Chinese restaurant, you will get these served in plates with chopsticks or in shallow cups made of Chinese clay! However, Chinese people do understand that not many people around the world know how to use chopsticks and thus you are also provided with forks to swirl your noodles.
To Try: Dumplings, Chow Mein, Szechwan dishes (noodles, rice, chilli chicken, etc - that are extra spicy), Crispy Roasted Peking Duck (National dish of China), Minchee, Pork and Fried rice are a few dishes you shouldn’t miss in this cuisine.
Dine-tip: Do not leave the chopsticks upright inside the bowl in between or after eating. Instead, place them aside. Also, do not drink your soup by holding the cup at the bottom, as it is not considered a high-class etiquette.
2. JAPANESE CUISINE:
Japanese cuisine is loaded with different ingredients that are determined by its availability at different seasons (called the ‘shun’ or seasonality ). Identical to Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine also covers the usage of Chopsticks and Soy sauce in most of its meals. Japan is well-known for its wide range of seafood recipes. Fish, Meat, Steamed Rice, Leafy Vegetables, Seaweeds, Bamboo shoots are the common ingredients served with vinegar, Yuzu (A citrus fruit), Mustard, Miso and other spice dressings. If you are looking for Vegetarian dishes in this cuisine, you need to look harder as Japanese people relish ‘Red Meat’ more than green leaves. However, you can order the ‘o-hitashi’ dish (or the Spinach Salad) and the Onigiri recipe with goes well with Soy Sauce. These classic dishes are generally served in small cups called chawan or in round plates (sara).
To Try: Sushi, Tempura, Sashimi, Ramen, Onigiri, Makizushi Rolls, Yakitori and Sake / Rice wine are a few dishes you shouldn’t miss in this cuisine.
Dine-tip: Never waste the food you have ordered wherever you go, especially in Japan as it is considered as a bad manner. Do not share your chopsticks often with the person next to you, as it might project you as an unhygienic person.
3. INDIAN CUISINE:
Indian cuisine is a meld of many regional cuisines inside the subcontinent. It is filled with spices and indigenous ingredients in it. Rice, Wheat, Barley, Potato, Curd, Turmeric, Chili, Pulses, Lentil seeds, and a variety of vegetables and fruits serve as the common innards of this cuisine along with Ghee, Garam Masala (spice mixture), Coriander, Curry leaves, Hing (Asafoetida), Cumin, Cloves, Ginger, Garlic, Mustard and other condiments. Indian Cuisine is Vegetarian-friendly and Vegan-friendly with a big list of ‘No-Meat’ recipes, as a large percentage of Indians are herbivorous in nature. The Indian Masala made by grinding several dried spices is the high spot of this cuisine. Each part of the country has its own cuisine highlights with peculiar ingredients native to that region. For example, Andhra Pradesh is famous for its spicy dishes and pickles; Punjab is known for its Dal/ Lentil gravies, Wheat Rotis, Tandoori meat recipes and masala flavourings ; Maharashtra is renowned for its Chat recipes and bread, Poha (Puffed and flattened rice) and mutton dishes; West Bengal is the hometown of the famous Rasagullas; Uttar Pradesh is remarkable for its World famous Vegetarian recipes such as Samosa , Kheer, Jamuns, Biriyanis etc..
In general, Coastal areas (Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal) are noted for its tasty seafood dishes like fish fries, Prawns, crabs, etc … while the hilly regions are outstanding in its Non-Alcoholic beverages like Tea and Coffee (Assam, Nilgiri, Ladakh, Shimla, Darjeeling).
To Try: Dum Biriyani, Paratha, Masala Chats (Bhel Puri, Paani Puri, Dahi Puri, kachori chaat , Pav Bhaji), Dosa, Chutneys, Pickles, Halwa, kheer , Fish moilee , dhoklas and other Indian Thali Meals are something that you would never stop loving!
Dine-tip: Beef and Pork are only consumed in specific regions, as they are considered unholy by many (Hindus and Muslims). So, check out the type of restaurant and the region you are at before asking the dish. Indian foods are usually consumed using hands rather than spoons or forks except for high-class hotels/restaurants. In other words, being a traditional eater is the Indian etiquette! Traditional South Indian restaurants use Banana leaves for plates. However, most restaurants show great hospitality and provide you with whatever you feel comfortable for eating!
4. ARAB CUISINE:
Arab cuisine or the Gulf cuisine comprises mainly of Meat dishes such as Chicken, Lamb, Fish, Beef, and Goat. Dairy products, Rice, meat, Nuts, Vegetables and spice mixes or masalas are the important ingredients. The making of dishes in this cuisine includes Olive oil sautéed dishes and seasoned using Garlic, Parsley, Mint, cinnamon and Mustards. These world-famous dishes go spectacularly well with spicy sauces, dips, salads and cheese bread. Coffee and Tea are celebrated as popular beverages and are served in different sub-varieties. Mezze is small snaking dishes or appetizers that are popular in the Gulf countries.
To Try: Kabsa, Arab Messe, Shakshuka, Shawarma, Zalabia, Kanafeh, Kushari, Mansaf, Qatayef, Halva are a few mouth-watering dishes one can’t skip eating.
Dine-tip: Pork is strictly banned in Muslim culture. So, never ask out for any pork dishes anywhere inside the Gulf. Arab people are Hygiene-concerned people. Maintain a neat etiquette at the table and before and after eating. In addition to the above, don’t pick the food in your left hand, unless you are a total left-hander!
5. RUSSIAN CUISINE:
Russian cuisine is a fusion of several styles of cooking that are inspired by its neighbouring countries. Soups are one of the striking recipes of this cuisine. Shchi (Cabbage soup), Salads and Porridges are famous among Russian people. Meat, Vegetables, Fish, Dairy products are the major ingredients. Noodle soups, Meat soups, Light, watery soups and cold soups are highly consumed in Russia. These dishes have been their trademark recipes for over a thousand years.
To Try: Shashlyk, Kholodets, Pelmeni, Pirozhki, Blini, Medovukha drinks, Borscht, Solyanka, Olivier Salad are a few native dishes that makes a perfect combination with the cold winters of Russia.
Dine-tip: The Russians are very civilized in their dining manners. They use forks, spoons and knives to eat their food. However, knowing which hand to hold which is important. It is advised to have the fork in left and spoon in your right hand. Leave a bite of food that is served to you in your plate as it indicates a satisfied hosting.
