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3 of Asia's most tantalising foodie destinations for your tastebuds

It's no secret that Asia is a nirvana for foodie destinations, offering everything from bustling street food stalls to some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants.

It’s no secret that Asia is a nirvana for foodie destinations, offering everything from bustling street food stalls to some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants.

So where’s the best foodie destination? It’s a tough call as you really can’t go wrong anywhere in Asia.

But here are three destinations definitely not to miss if you’re planning an epicurean adventure.

 

3. Seoul, South Korea

Hottest Food Spots - Seoul, Korea

Australians are finally catching on to the delights of Korean food, from kimchi to bibimbap and delicious marinated meats.

South Korea’s capital of Seoul is the best place to experience these incredible flavours firsthand.

“For me, food is the best reason to visit Seoul,”

Jennifer Doherty from Korea Tourism Organisation tells KarryOn.

The city is famous for its excellent street food. Korean BBQ restaurants are another hit and can be found on almost every corner.

If you’re planning on fine dining, there is a collection of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from with Jennifer rating Jungsik as one of the best.

jungsik Restaurant, Seoul

Jungsik Restaurant, Seoul

Foods not to miss on your visit include steamed pork and kimchi dumplings, hand cut noodles in broth known as Kalguksu and Korean pancakes paired with local beer.

Speciality restaurants are also worth checking out for local delicacies like Samgyetang – a whole baby chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng root and jujubes served in a broth in a traditional house.

“The atmosphere at these places is hard to beat,”

Jennifer says.

 

2. Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hottest Food Spots - Colombo, Sri Lanka

This bustling city is alive with vibrant flavours.

Delight your taste buds at the many curry houses, street food vendors and fine dining restaurants.

Foods you must try include ‘rice and curry’.

This generous and delicious staple includes a heaped plate of rice with up to 15 accompaniments. These usually include an assortment of intensely flavoured meat, fish and vegetable curries along with dahl, pickles, sambals and poppadoms.

The signature 'Hopper's at the Shangri-La Colombo

The signature ‘Hopper’s at the Shangri-La Colombo

Hoppers are another culinary wonder of Colombo.

These bowl-shaped pancakes with a fresh fried egg in the centre topped with a sambal can be enjoyed any time of the day.

These are not to be confused with string hoppers, an entirely different speciality. These lacy, steamed rice noodle pancakes are served with coconut gravy and sambal.

Try some of these specialities at the collection of street food stalls set up by the seaside at Galle Face Green.

Seafood is a definite staple of this coastal capital.

For the very best in the city head to Ministry of Crab. Australian-Sri Lankan television chef Peter Kuruvita rates the restaurant as one his top places to dine.

 

1. Tokyo, Japan

Hottest Food Spots - Tokyo, Japan

Let’s just start with the fact Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world.

If you’re on a budget, you won’t miss out though, with top plenty of quality fare to be found inside the many hole-in-the-wall ramens and sushi restaurants.

Also home to some of the best food in the city is the food halls known as ‘depachika’. These can be found on the basement level of major department stores.

tokyo-japan-karryon

Tokyo ‘Tsukiji’ Fish Markets

Make sure you pay a visit to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market too. It’s excellent for picking up fresh produce and it’s also packed with great restaurants.

Foods not to miss on your trip to Japan include fresh sushi and sashimi and bowls of slippery ramen noodles.

You also need to try takoyaki – small balls of batter filled with diced octopus, green onions and pickled ginger and topped with mayonnaise.

Another excellent Japanese dining experience is kaiseki cuisine, a banquet style Japanese dinner prepared using the freshest local produce available.

Got a favourite drool-worthy foodie spot? Tell us about it below.