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What to eat in Southeast Asia? Top 100 Southeast Asian Foods

Last update: Wed Mar 5 2025
Top 100 Southeast Asian Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Southeast Asian Foods

01

Dumplings

INDONESIA
4.7
Siomay
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Siomay is an Indonesian dish consisting of steamed cone-shaped fish dumplings, eggs, potatoes, cabbage, tofu, and bitter melon. After they have been steamed, all ingredients are assembled on a plate, cut into bite-sized pieces, and generously drizzled with a spicy peanut sauce.


The final touch to the dish is a splash of sweet soy sauce, along with a drizzle of lime juice. Siomay is derived from Chinese shumai, and it is believed to have originated among Chinese immigrants who came to Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period. 

MOST ICONIC Siomay

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5
02
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Phanaeng curry is a variety of Thai curry that is characterized by a thick texture and salty-sweet peanut flavor. It consists of meat that is stewed with coconut milk, panang curry paste, makrut lime leaves, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The meat used in phanaeng curry is usually beef, chicken, duck, or pork, and the dish traditionally does not include any vegetables.


The name of the dish is derived from the word panang, meaning cross, which refers to the ancient way of preparing chicken with its legs crossed and set in an upright position. Though the origins of phanaeng curry are somewhat murky, it is often associated with the Malaysian state of Penang, but there is little evidence to support this claim. 

MOST ICONIC Phanaeng Curry

1
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4
03

Flatbread

MALAYSIA and  2 more regions
4.6
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Roti canai is a traditional pan-fried flatbread made with flour, water, eggs, and fat of Indian origin, but mainly associated with Malaysia, and surrounding countries like Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand. The dough for roti canai is repeatedly folded, so the final product has a layered texture, a soft interior, and a crispy outer layer.


The most common fat used in roti canai is ghee, the traditional Indian clarified butter. It is believed that the dish originated in India when the Indian laborers who migrated to Malaysia brought the recipe and the tradition of preparing this crispy pastry to the foreign country. 

MOST ICONIC Roti canai

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04

Street Food

BANDUNG, Indonesia
4.6
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One of the most famous snacks in Indonesia is batagor, a fried fish dumpling served in a traditional spicy sauce. It has roots in the Chinese culinary tradition, which has left a trace on many Indonesian dishes. Although this famous snack is reminiscent of the more famous Chinese dumpling, its distinguishable characteristic is that it is fried, not steamed.


The most common fish used to make the dish is wahoo, but tuna, mackerel, and even prawns can also be used. Potatoes, tofu, or cabbage are also occasionally added to the dish. Batagor is the perfect snack because of the way it is served. When fried, the dumplings are cut into small bite-sized pieces and covered in peanut, soy, and chili sauce with a splash of lime juice. 

MOST ICONIC Batagor

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05

Meat Soup

JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.6
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Soto Betawi is a hearty beef soup consisting of chunks of meat and offal that are slowly simmered in a coconut milk broth, which is usually enriched with various spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, kefir lime leaves, and coriander. When served, the soup is accompanied by different condiments that typically include tomatoes, scallions, sweet soy sauce, and emping crackers.


Because of its name, it is believed that the dish originated in Jakarta among the Betawi people, and today it is one of the most popular dishes in the city, usually sold at various street stalls, restaurants, or hawker-style establishments. Soto Betawi is traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice and pickled acar on the side.

MOST ICONIC Soto Betawi

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06
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Sate kambing is a traditional dish and a type of satay prepared with goat or mutton as the main ingredient. The meat is cut into chunks or cubes and it's marinated in a combination of ingredients such as kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), galangal, ground shallots, pineapple juice, and (often) chili peppers.


After it's been marinated, the meat is placed on skewers that are larger and thicker than the ones used for chicken satay as the texture and thickness of mutton or goat is tougher than chicken. The skewers for sate kambing are usually made from bamboo. 

MOST ICONIC Sate kambing

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5
07
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This beef-based version of pho is prepared with assorted cuts and parts of beef – the stock is made from beef bones, shank, ox tail, and neck, while the toppings include thinly sliced fatty brisket (gầu), flank, eye-round steak, tripe, cooked and raw beef (tái nạm), tendon (gân), or beef balls (phở bò viên), but the latter version is not that popular in Vietnam.


Beef pho is usually flavored with dried spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and coriander. The dish is served piping hot in a bowl along with rice noodles, and it's typically topped with cilantro, sliced onions, and chopped green onions. 

MOST ICONIC Phở bò

2
08

Chicken Soup

CENTRAL THAILAND, Thailand
4.5
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Tom kha gai is Thailand's delicious national dish coming from the central part of the country and bearing the influence of neighbouring Laos. It is a soup whose name translates to boiled galangal chicken soup, consisting of coconut milk, chicken chunks or shreds, galangal (reddish-brown or pink woody plant related to ginger), lemongrass, garlic, bird's eye chili peppers, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and shiitake mushrooms.


Galangal's peppery, pungent, slightly sour and floral flavors provide an interesting contrast to the creaminess of coconut milk, creating a wonderfully aromatic dish in the process. Tom kha gai is highly nutritious with great medicinal properties, such as the ability to soothe the gastro-intestinal tract. 

MOST ICONIC Tom kha gai

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5
09
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This traditional Thai stir-fry combines minced meat or seafood with holy basil and various other ingredients such as shallots, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish is flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce, and typically comes served with rice, fried eggs, and fish sauce on the side.


Interestingly, phat kaphrao is ranked as the fourth most common dish ordered by foreigners in Thailand.

MOST ICONIC Phat kaphrao

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10

Street Food

PALEMBANG, Indonesia
4.5
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Pempek is a traditional fish cake made with ground fish meat and tapioca. The actual origin of this dish is the city of Palembang, situated in the South Sumatra province. The origin story of pempek says that an old Palembang citizen was tired of the traditional fried or grilled fish, so he thought of an innovative way to ground the meat, mix it with tapioca flour, and deep-fry it to get a crunchy and delicious snack.


He then used to cycle through the city and sell the fish cakes to Palembang citizens. Over time, pempek was recognized as a praise-worthy snack, and today it is considered to be a traditional Indonesian delicacy. These round or rectangular cakes are usually steamed, and right before serving they are fried in vegetable oil and cut into bite-sized pieces. 

MOST ICONIC Pempek

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2
3
4
5
11
12
Meat Soup
SURABAYA, Indonesia
4.5
13
14
15
Chicken Dish
WESTERN VISAYAS, Philippines
4.5
16
17
18
19
Noodle Dish
SINGAPORE  and  one more region
4.4
20
21
Chicken Dish
NORTHEASTERN THAILAND, Thailand
4.4
22
23
24
25
Meat Soup
CALABARZON, Philippines
4.4
26
27
28
Rice Dish
JAVA, Indonesia
4.4
29
Rice Dish
JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.4
30
31
Rice Dish
JAVA, Indonesia
4.4
32
33
Saltwater Fish Dish
INDONESIA  and  one more region
4.4
34
Snack
INDONESIA
4.4
35
Dessert
JAVA, Indonesia
4.4
36
Street Food
PURWOKERTO BARAT, Indonesia
4.4
37
Sauce
JAVA, Indonesia  and  one more country
4.4
38
39
40
41
42
Soup
KUCHING, Malaysia
4.4
43
44
Pork Dish
PHILIPPINES
4.3
45
Sauce
EAST JAVA, Indonesia
4.3
46
47
48
49
Snack
MYANMAR  and  3 more regions
4.3
50
51
Pancake
MALAYSIA  and  one more region
4.3
52
Fried Chicken Dish
EAST JAVA, Indonesia
4.3
53
54
55
56
Stew
JAVA, Indonesia
4.3
57
Dessert
JAVA, Indonesia
4.3
58
59
Pork Dish
MANILA, Philippines
4.3
60
61
Stew
PADANG, Indonesia
4.3
62
63
64
Salad
JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.3
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
Stir-fry
SINGAPORE  and  one more region
4.3
73
74
75
Pork Dish
ANGELES, Philippines
4.2
76
77
Ground Meat Dish
LAOS  and  one more region
4.2
78
79
80
81
82
Cake
PHILIPPINES
4.2
83
84
Pancake
JAVA, Indonesia
4.2
85
Snack
PHILIPPINES
4.2
86
Feast
WEST JAVA, Indonesia
4.2
87
88
Snack
INDONESIA
4.2
89
90
91
Sweet Soup
SOUTHEAST ASIA
4.2
92
Snack
PHILIPPINES
4.2
93
Rice Dish
KELANTAN, Malaysia
4.2
94
Noodle Dish
ACEH, Indonesia
4.2
95
Rice Dish
SURAKARTA, Indonesia
4.2
96
97
Stew
CENTRAL JAVA, Indonesia
4.2
98
99
100
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Southeast Asian Food Producers

01

Chocolate

BANGKOK, Thailand
5.0
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PARADAi Chocolate is a chocolate producer located in Bangkok, Thailand. This company specializes in crafting single-origin Thai chocolate and is known for its commitment to bean-to-bar production. They source cocoa beans locally from different regions of Thailand, emphasizing the unique flavors of each area.


PARADAi Chocolate actively participates in the sustainable development of local agriculture by working closely with Thai farmers.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2023, 2022, 2019

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2023, 2021

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean

2023

02

Chocolate

MANILA, Philippines
5.0
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Auro Chocolate is a bean-to-bar chocolate company based in Taguig, Philippines, established in 2015. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality, fine cocoa and chocolate products while also focusing on sustainability and fair trade practices.


Auro Chocolate sources its cacao from local farming communities in the Philippines, supporting local farmers and their families. The company has been recognized internationally, securing various awards for its chocolate products.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2023

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020, 2019

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2023, 2020, 2019

03

Spirit

SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
5.0
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024, 2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

04

Chocolate

TAGBILARAN, Philippines
5.0
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Dalareich Chocolate House is a chocolate producer based in the Philippines, specifically in Bohol. The company is involved in producing chocolate products using locally sourced cacao. They focus on bean-to-bar production, a method where the entire chocolate-making process—from roasting the cocoa beans to forming the chocolate bars—is controlled in-house to ensure quality.


Dalareich Chocolate House also engages in initiatives to support local cacao farmers by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2019

BEST Dalareich Chocolate House Chocolates
05

Spirit

NUSA DUA, Indonesia
5.0
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AWARDS

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold

2023

World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner

2024

World Gin Awards - Country Winner

2022

06

Spirit

BANGKOK, Thailand
5.0
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

BEST Sangsom Distillery Spirits
07

Spirit

SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2021

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy

2020

08

Spirit

VIETNAM, Southeast Asia
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

BEST Lady Trieu Spirits
09

Spirit

KANCHANABURI, Thailand
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

BEST Phraya Spirits
10

Spirit

BANGKOK, Thailand
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

BEST Tried & True Spirits
11
Spirit
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia
5.0
12
13
Beer
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam
5.0
14
15
Beer
AURORA, Southeast Asia
5.0
16
17
18
19
20
Spirit
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
5.0
21
Spirit
HANOI, Vietnam
5.0
22
Liqueur
METRO MANILA, Southeast Asia
5.0
23
24
25
Spirit
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam
5.0
26
Spirit
VIETNAM, Southeast Asia
5.0
27
Spirit
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
5.0
28
Coffee
BANGKOK, Thailand
5.0
29
Chocolate
MALAYSIA, Southeast Asia
5.0
30
Juice
BANGKOK, Thailand
5.0
31
Chocolate
CHERAS, Southeast Asia
5.0
32
Spirit
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.9
33
Herb/Spice
CAMBODIA, Southeast Asia
4.9
34
Tea / Infusion
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.9
35
Spirit
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia
4.9
36
Olive Oil
JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.9
37
Chocolate
BANGKOK, Thailand
4.8
38
Chocolate
THAILAND, Southeast Asia
4.8
39
40
41
42
Spirit
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.8
43
Spirit
ROSARIO, Philippines
4.8
44
Spirit
KLANG, Malaysia
4.8
45
Spirit
BANGKOK, Thailand
4.8
46
47
Wine
SAN JUAN, Philippines
4.8
48
Spirit
KLANG, Malaysia
4.8
49
50
51
Spirit
MANILA, Philippines
4.8
52
Condiment
JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.8
53
Condiment
EAST JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.8
54
Condiment
EAST JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.8
55
Condiment
KUNINGAN, Indonesia
4.8
56
57
Herb/Spice
EAST JAKARTA, Indonesia
4.8
58
59
Coffee
SUMATRA, Southeast Asia
4.8
60
Coffee
SEMARANG, Indonesia
4.8
61
Coffee
INDONESIA, Southeast Asia
4.8
62
Chocolate
PHILIPPINES, Southeast Asia
4.7
63
Chocolate
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam
4.7
64
Chocolate
CHIANG MAI, Thailand
4.7
65
Chocolate
DALUNG, Indonesia
4.7
66
Chocolate
UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand
4.7
67
Chocolate
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.7
68
Chocolate
QUEZON CITY, Philippines
4.7
69
70
71
Chocolate
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia
4.7
72
Tea / Infusion
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.7
73
Chocolate
QUEZON CITY, Philippines
4.7
74
75
Chocolate
SELANGOR, Southeast Asia
4.7
76
Chocolate
KAMPHAENG PHET, Thailand
4.7
77
Chocolate
BANGKOK, Thailand
4.7
78
79
Chocolate
PARAÑAQUE, Philippines
4.7
80
81
Chocolate
PARAÑAQUE, Philippines
4.7
82
Condiment
SAMUT SAKHON, Thailand
4.7
83
Chocolate
VALENZUELA, Philippines
4.6
84
Chocolate
THAILAND, Southeast Asia
4.6
85
86
Chocolate
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam
4.6
87
Chocolate
RAYONG, Thailand
4.6
88
Chocolate
SABAH, Southeast Asia
4.6
89
Chocolate
BANGKOK, Thailand
4.6
90
Chocolate
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.6
91
Chocolate
CHIANG MAI, Thailand
4.6
92
93
Chocolate
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.6
94
Chocolate
CHIANG MAI, Thailand
4.6
95
96
Chocolate
VIETNAM, Southeast Asia
4.6
97
Chocolate
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.6
98
Coffee Beans
MAKASSAR, Indonesia
4.6
99
100
Chocolate
DAVAO CITY, Philippines
4.5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Southeast Asian Food Products

01

Spirit

SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

The Gin Masters - Gold

2022

02
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PARADAi Chocolate's Dark 70% - Peru, Chuncho is a premium dark chocolate made exclusively from Chuncho cocoa beans sourced from Peru. This product is renowned for its deep, complex flavor profile featuring notes of dark berries, nuts, and a hint of floral undertones, which are characteristic of Chuncho cocoa.


The richness and balance of the chocolate are enhanced by the meticulous bean-to-bar process that PARADAi Chocolate employs, ensuring each bar maintains the highest quality and authenticity. The 70% cacao content strikes a perfect balance between intensity and smoothness, appealing to both dark chocolate aficionados and newcomers alike.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2023

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean

2023

03
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

04
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Auro Chocolate's 50% Dark Milk Chocolate Vetiver with Freeze Dried Pineapple and Rice Crispies is a product that blends distinct flavor profiles and textures. The chocolate is a premium offering made by Auro Chocolate, a company renowned for its bean-to-bar approach, ensuring high-quality and ethically sourced ingredients.


This particular bar combines the depth of 50% dark milk chocolate with the aromatic notes of vetiver, a fragrant grass with a slightly woody and earthy scent. The inclusion of freeze-dried pineapple adds a sharp, tangy sweetness, while the rice crispies provide a delightful crunch, creating a complex yet harmonious tasting experience. 
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020

05
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Auro Chocolate produces a unique product known as 64% Dark Chocolate with Ylang Ylang and Roasted White Chocolate. This artisanal chocolate bar combines the robust flavors of 64% dark chocolate with the floral and aromatic notes of ylang-ylang, creating a complex and luxurious taste experience.


In addition to the dark chocolate and ylang-ylang, this bar is complemented by the richness of roasted white chocolate, adding a creamy and slightly caramelized dimension to the overall flavor profile. The combination aims to offer a distinctive and indulgent treat for chocolate enthusiasts.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020

06
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Auro Chocolate's 32% White Davao Origin is a high-quality white chocolate product. The chocolate is crafted from cacao sourced directly from Davao, a renowned cacao-growing region in the Philippines, known for its rich and diverse flavors. This artisanal chocolate showcases Auro's commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices.


The 32% cocoa content offers a balanced flavor profile that is less sweet than typical white chocolates, appealing to both traditional white chocolate lovers and those seeking a more nuanced experience.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020

07
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Auro Chocolate's 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate is crafted from high-quality cacao beans sourced directly from Filipino farmers. The chocolate boasts a pure, intense cocoa flavor with no added sugars or artificial ingredients, making it ideal for baking, cooking, or enjoying as a robust snack.


The product undergoes meticulous processing to ensure the retention of natural flavors and nutritional benefits typically associated with pure cacao. Auro Chocolate emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing practices, contributing to the welfare of local farming communities.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2019

08
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AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2017

09
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100% Unsweetened is a premium chocolate product crafted by Dalareich Chocolate House. It is made using high-quality cacao beans and contains no added sugars, making it ideal for those who prefer a pure, intense chocolate flavor or wish to control the sweetness in their recipes.


This unsweetened chocolate is often used in baking, cooking, and creating gourmet chocolate confections. Dalareich Chocolate House is committed to producing chocolate that celebrates the rich heritage and robust flavors of Filipino cacao.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2019

10
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AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2021

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Liqueur
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
5.0
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
Spirit
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.9
57
Spirit
SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia
4.9
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
Spirit
KLANG, Malaysia
4.8
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
Coffee
SUMATRA, Southeast Asia
4.8
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Southeast Asian Foods” list until March 05, 2025, 31,399 ratings were recorded, of which 20,801 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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