Are you a fan of Asian food brands and Asian cuisines? Do you have an appreciation for the colourful dishes and unique flavours that are associated with Asia and feel like something is missing from the food served in your local restaurants? Are you looking for an Asian grocery store near you to buy high-quality and authentic Asian food brand names?
Asian food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It differs greatly from Western-style interpretations which have gained favour in recent decades. Ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, shallots, rice, ginger, and chillies are some of the primary ingredients used in Asian foods. Restaurants all over are offering up fusion or “pan-Asian” menus- a mix of various countries’ flavours and styles.
If you’re an Asian American and want to give yourself an authentic Asian culinary experience, it’s important to understand each country’s particular style and ingredients. Whether it’s Chinese hotpot, Malaysian noodles, Japanese sushi or Indian curries, this guide offers an overview of Asian food – perfect for both beginners and those who appreciate more intricate flavours. Here, we’ll provide an introduction to traditional cooking methods along with some recipes that will take your taste buds on a journey around Asia!
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Chinese Cuisine
Chinese food is one of the most popular and varied in the world. It has a long history with influences from all over Asia. Authentic Chinese cooking relies heavily on rice and noodles as staples but also makes use of various vegetables and meats like Peking duck and seafood.
Regional varieties are plentiful and include Cantonese, Hong kong, Sichuan and Hunan cuisines – each with its own unique set of flavours. Popular Chinese dishes include dumplings, spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables and pork dishes such as char siu and dim sum dishes.
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Malaysian Cuisine
Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. It’s characterised by rich curries made with coconut milk, fragrant spices and herbs. Popular dishes include the national dish of Nasi Lemak, a spicy rice dish served with sambal, peanuts and anchovies; and Laksa, a noodle soup made with coconut milk and prawns.
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Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is known for its simplicity and attention to detail. It focuses on fresh ingredients, light flavours and careful presentation. Rice is an essential part of Japanese cooking, as are noodles such as soba and udon. Famous dishes include sushi, tempura (deep-fried vegetables), teriyaki (grilled fish) and ramen (noodle soup).
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Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is renowned for its use of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander and cardamom. They are not only known for their distinct foods but also characterised by their fragrant curries and tandoor-cooked dishes. Popular dishes include samosas (stuffed pastry), naan (flatbread) and various vegetarian dishes such as dal (lentils) and aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower).
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Thailand Cuisine
Thai cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours. Additionally, they are also characterised by their use of fresh herbs such as lemongrass, bay leaves, basil and kaffir lime leaves. Popular dishes include Pad Thai (stir-fried noodle dish), tom yum soup and green curry.
Asian food is incredibly diverse, with each country having its own unique style and ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in Asian food brands, you’ll find this guide helpful as you understand the basics of traditional cooking methods. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate authentic dishes and enjoy a truly amazing culinary experience!
No matter what type of Asian cuisine you prefer, the key to enjoying it is to explore and experiment! Try different recipes, flavours and spices- you never know what deliciousness awaits!
