TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Foods
Zhēngjiao is a traditional dish consisting of steamed dumplings. The texture is somewhere between the crinkly and tender skins of boiled dumplings (shui jiao) and the crisp-bottom, chewy top style of pan-fried dumplings (guo tie or jian jiao or potstickers).
Once steamed, these dumplings will have a translucent wrapper covering the filling, which usually consists of pork and chives, cabbage, shrimp, or a combination of different vegetables. When served, zhēngjiao dumplings are often served with soy dipping sauce on the side.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Dim sum
MOST ICONIC Zhēngjiǎo
Kahvaltı refers to breakfast in Turkish, and it's an essential and often lavish meal in Turkish culture. The word "kahvaltı" is derived from two words: "kahve" (coffee) and "altı" (under/before), which translates to "before coffee." It's a meal that traditionally happens before coffee is consumed, as in the Ottoman times, coffee was considered a beverage to be enjoyed after meals rather than during or before them.
Traditional Turkish kahvaltı showcases an expansive array of dishes, typically blending a multitude of flavors, textures, and food categories. The table is adorned with both sweet and savory items, spanning cheeses, olives, vegetables, local breads, eggs, börek, baklava or other sweet pastries, and more, accompanied by hot beverages such as Turkish tea (çay).
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Butter garlic naan is a traditional flatbread and one of the most popular versions of naan. It’s made with flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and dahi. Once the dough has been baked in a hot tandoor oven, the golden naan is taken out and brushed with butter or ghee, then topped with minced garlic.
It’s recommended to serve butter garlic naan with a variety of Indian dishes such as curries, butter chicken, dal makhani, malai kofta, or shahi paneer.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Naan
Kateh is one of the easiest and simplest techniques for preparing and serving rice, preferably long-grained because it absorbs water better than most other types of rice. The rice is washed, drained, and cooked in lightly salted and oiled water.
It is cooked slowly, over low heat, allowing the rice to absorb all of the liquid. The result is not your typical fluffy rice, but a dish with a dense texture and a clean, undisguised flavor of rice. Kateh is rarely eaten on its own and is mostly served as a side dish.
Since the preparation is not complicated, it is one of the most common side dishes in Iran.
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.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Soto
MOST ICONIC Soto Betawi
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Kari ayam is a chicken curry that is popular in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is made with chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ginger, ghee, tomatoes, coconut milk, and spices such as anise, cinnamon, curry leaves, pandan leaves, lemongrass, chilis, cumin, turmeric, and fennel.
In Malaysia, kari ayam is traditionally prepared in a clay pot, because it is not reactive to the spices and allows the curry to cook in its own juices. Before serving, the dish can be sprinkled with lime juice and garnished with fresh coriander. It is recommended to serve it with rice.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Curry
MOST ICONIC Kari ayam
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Parotta is a traditional Southern Indian flatbread, usually sold as street food. It is also popular in Malaysia and Sri Lanka. It is made with oil or ghee, water, refined wheat flour known as maida (unlike parathas, which are made with regular wheat), and occasionally eggs.
The resulting dough is pan-fried and served with various vegetable or meat curries. This flatbread may also be incorporated into various dishes such as kothu parotta that combines shredded parotta with meat, eggs, and a spicy saalna sauce.
Coming from the North Indian city of Amritsari, Amritsari kulcha is a flatbread stuffed with potatoes, onions, cottage cheese, and spices. The flatbread is commonly garnished with coriander seeds, cilantro, and red chili powder. Thin, crispy, and smeared with ghee butter, it is a staple food in Amritsar, with almost every shop in the city sizzling with the sound of kulchas baked in large tandoor ovens.
Not much is known about the history of this flavorful dish, and even the locals say that kulcha is just something they have always eaten, a variation on numerous flatbreads that the country is known for.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Kulcha
MOST ICONIC Amritsari kulcha
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Tonkotsu is a unique style of ramen consisting of an extremely rich, fatty pork broth, fresh noodles, soft-yolk eggs, and tender pork belly that melts in the mouth. It is so popular and special that it could be a dish of its own, not just a ramen style.
The ramen is usually topped with scallions for brightness and vibrancy, bamboo shoots for a crunchy, nutty flavor, nori seaweed for crispness, and sweet corn for an even better flavor. The rich broth is developed by cooking the pork bones for a very long time, until the collagen and fat dissolve, resulting in a unique, creamy texture of the dish.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Ramen
MOST ICONIC Tonkotsu ramen
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Turkish ice cream is believed to originate from the city of Maraş—hence the name—and what really sets it apart from other varieties is its resistance to melting and a particularly dense, chewy texture. These qualities are brought by adding two thickening agents to the basic milk and sugar mixture: Arab gum, also known as mastic resin, and salep—a type of flour made from the root of the early purple orchid.
In fact, in the Kahramanmaraş region, ice cream typically contains distinctly more salep than usual, which is why it is sometimes called kesme dondurma—from the Turkish kesmek, meaning to cut—which is the reason why this ice cream variety is usually eaten with a knife and fork.
MOST ICONIC Dondurma
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Food Producers
Yame Tea Kumaen is a Japanese company located in the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, known for producing high-quality green tea. The company specializes in varieties such as Gyokuro, Sencha, Matcha, and Bancha, using traditional cultivation and processing methods that date back centuries.
Yame, as a region, offers ideal conditions for tea production due to its unique climatic environment. Kumaen prides itself on maintaining high standards of quality and a careful approach at every stage of production, from leaf picking to packaging.
The teas they produce are recognized for their rich flavors and delicate aromas.
BEST Yame Tea Kumaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
Arahataen Tea Farm is a traditional Japanese tea farm located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1874, the company is one of the most renowned producers of Japanese green tea. Arahataen takes pride in producing high-quality teas, using a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The company is also dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly production methods. Arahataen is famous for using the Chagusaba technique, a traditional method of tea cultivation that involves planting grass along the tea fields to create a natural ecosystem.
BEST Arahataen Tea Farm Teas and Herbal Infusions
Marukyu Koyamaen is a prestigious tea company based in Uji, Kyoto, Japan, specializing in premium green teas, particularly Gyokuro and Matcha. Founded in 1917, it has a long history of producing high-quality teas using traditional Japanese methods.
The company prides itself on its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Japanese tea culture while delivering exceptional products that embody the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. Marukyu Koyamaen also offers a variety of tea-related products and services, including factory tours and special offerings for food-grade matcha.
Their teas are highly regarded for their rich flavor, aroma, and smoothness, making them a favorite among tea enthusiasts worldwide.
BEST Marukyu Koyamaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
36 Manor is a premium tea brand located in Laos, specifically known for its Paksong teas grown on the Bolaven Plateau, a region famous for its volcanic soils and high-altitude climate. The company, under the Rongxing Group, has developed a unique approach to tea production, offering a variety of high-quality teas such as black tea, green tea, and white tea, often highlighted by their "Paksong" series.
These teas are enriched by the pristine environment of the plateau, where aged tea trees and traditional craftsmanship are key to creating distinctive, aromatic blends.
BEST Three Six Manor Teas and Herbal Infusions
Gaopeng Tea Factory is a renowned producer of Wuyi rock teas (Yancha), located in the Zheng Yan region of Wuyi Mountain, China. The factory specializes in traditional charcoal-roasted teas, such as Huiyuan Pit Rougui and Dolomite Floral Shui Xian, known for their rich flavors and mineral complexity.
Their teas undergo meticulous processing, including multiple rounds of roasting, to enhance their aromatic depth and smooth mouthfeel. Gaopeng is highly regarded for preserving the heritage of Wuyi tea craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality production.
BEST Gaopeng Tea Factory Teas and Herbal Infusions
Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha is a green tea producer based in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The company specializes in the cultivation and production of high-quality Japanese green tea. Sueyoshi Seicha emphasizes the use of traditional farming methods and sustainable practices to ensure the purity and flavor of their teas.
Their product range includes a variety of green tea types such as sencha, gyokuro, and matcha. Sueyoshi Seicha Kobo also engages with the community through events and direct interactions with customers, showcasing their passion for tea and promoting a lifestyle centered around the enjoyment of fine teas.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha Teas and Herbal Infusions
Teaholics is a Japanese company specializing in the sale and distribution of high-quality teas from around the world. Founded with the goal of providing an exceptional tea experience, Teaholics offers a diverse range of teas, including popular varieties such as black, green, white, oolong, and yellow tea, as well as herbal infusions and specialty blends.
One of Teaholics' key features is its commitment to quality. The company strives to ensure that each tea it sells is carefully selected and tested to meet high standards. Quality is further ensured through collaboration with renowned producers and tea farms that use traditional processing methods and take great care in cultivating the tea plants.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Teaholics Teas and Herbal Infusions
Makaibari Tea is a renowned tea producer located in the West Bengal, India, celebrated for its high-quality, organic teas. Established in 1859, Makaibari is the world's first tea factory and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
The company produces a variety of exquisite teas, including black, white, green, and oolong teas, all crafted using traditional methods. Makaibari's unique approach to tea cultivation integrates organic farming with biodynamic practices, ensuring the preservation of the environment while delivering superior flavor profiles.
BEST Makaibari Tea Estate Teas and Herbal Infusions
FormoCha is a brand specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality Taiwanese teas. The brand name "FormoCha" is derived from the old name of Taiwan, Formosa, which means "beautiful" or "the beautiful island," reflecting Taiwan's rich tea tradition and natural resources.
The brand offers products from various regions of Taiwan, such as Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Ruby tea, Dong Ding, and others, each known for its unique characteristics and different processing techniques. FormoCha focuses on promoting authentic Taiwanese teas, including Oolong, green tea, black tea, and white tea.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST FormoCha Teas and Herbal Infusions
Vithanakande Tea is a renowned tea producer in Sri Lanka that blends traditional methods with modern techniques to create high-quality Ceylon tea. Their approach focuses on premium tea leaves sourced from local smallholder growers, ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of their products.
The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant where tea is meticulously processed. Vithanakande offers a range of tea products, including black tea with distinct flavors that cater to connoisseurs. Their commitment extends to prioritizing the well-being of their workers and fostering a dynamic community.
BEST New Vithanakande Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Food Products
The "Hermus Trilye" olive oil is a premium product by Hermus, showcasing the richness of the Gediz Plain's olive cultivation heritage. It is cold-pressed, retaining a balance of robust flavors and health benefits. This variety emphasizes a sensory-rich experience with low acidity and a smooth finish.
It is celebrated for its authenticity and dedication to maintaining high-quality standards throughout production.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2020
Hermus Arbequina is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Hermus Olive Oil, originating from the Arbequina olive variety. This oil stands out for its smooth texture and fruity aromas, complemented by a striking green color. The flavor profile is characterized by intense scents of almonds, green bananas, tomatoes, apples, artichokes, leaves, and grass, making it a complex and enjoyable oil.
It pairs well with a range of foods such as broiled or fried beef, smoked pork, and grilled clams.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
London IOOC - Gold
2023, 2022
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
London IOOC - Gold
2023, 2022
Hermus Memecik is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced from the Memecik olive variety, known for its robust flavor and high polyphenol content. This olive oil is cold-pressed at temperatures not exceeding 65°F to preserve its healthy antioxidants.
The flavor profile of Hermus Memecik features a balanced bitterness and pepperiness, with notes of green apple, arugula, cress, and green tea. The oil is harvested from plantations in the Manisa region of Turkey. Its acidity level is below 0.2%, marking it as a top-quality product.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2021
Hermus Domat is a high-quality olive oil produced from the Domat variety, known for its delicate and balanced flavor profile. This oil is part of the Hermus brand's commitment to offering fresh, pure, and high-nutrient oils, with a focus on premium production standards such as cold-pressing.
The Domat olive oil boasts rich, fruity flavors with antioxidant properties and offers numerous health benefits, including heart health and digestive support.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022, 2021
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
London IOOC - Gold
2022, 2021
Masik Kibbutz Magal Koroneiki is an olive oil produced by Kibutz Magal. This product is made from Koroneiki olives, which are known for their high-quality oil production. The olives are harvested and processed at Kibutz Magal, ensuring a fresh and uniquely flavorful product.
The oil typically has a robust, fruity flavor profile with peppery undertones, making it a popular choice for culinary uses ranging from dressings to cooking.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022, 2019
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2022
The Oleamea Private Select is a premium, carefully curated olive oil collection from Meray Zeytincilik, designed for discerning palates seeking exceptional quality and flavor. Sourced from the finest olives, this selection undergoes meticulous processing to retain its purity, vibrant aroma, and rich, well-balanced taste.
Ideal for enhancing gourmet dishes, drizzling over fresh salads, or enjoying as a dipping oil, Oleamea Private Select reflects a commitment to excellence and tradition in every drop.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2021, 2020
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
Zagoda Arbequina is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Zagoda Tarım, made from the Arbequina olive variety. Known for its smooth and delicate flavor, it features mild fruity notes with a subtle nutty and grassy finish. This oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, vegetables, or using in cooking to enhance dishes with a light, refined taste.
It reflects the high quality and expertise of Turkish olive oil craftsmanship.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2022
London IOOC - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Hilmi Yıldırım is both the name of the producer and a product brand specializing in premium extra virgin olive oil made from the Memecik olive variety, native to the Aegean region of Turkey. The Hilmi Yıldırım Early Harvest Olive Oil is crafted using cold-pressing techniques to preserve its rich aroma, vibrant taste, and high polyphenol content, which contributes to its nutritional and antioxidant properties.
This award-winning olive oil is recognized for its smooth, fruity flavor with a slight peppery finish, ideal for enhancing culinary dishes.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2022
London IOOC - Gold
2021
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2021, 2019, 2017
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 Asian Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 190,446 ratings were recorded, of which 100,284 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.