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.
Characterized by an incredibly mild and refreshing flavor, negitorodon is a simple Japanese dish which consists of pieces of raw fatty tuna served over rice. Traditionally, tuna used in negitorodon is scraped around the bones or finely sliced, mixed with green onions, seasoned with soy sauce, then placed on a heap of plain steamed rice.
It is easily adjusted with various ingredients and seasonings, and usually comes served with seaweed strips, wasabi, and a raw egg yolk.
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 moreThis combination of meat-stuffed dumplings and yogurt is common in Levantine cuisine. The dish consists of tiny dumplings—believed to have originated in Iran under the name joshpara—that are filled with a combination of meat and onions.
The dumplings are cooked in yogurt that is seasoned with mint, garlic, or other spices, and the dish is then typically served warm. Because of its international status, there are many varieties of the dish that may employ labneh-based sauces, different types of meat, nuts, and various spices.
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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.
AWARDS
The Leafies Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021
The Leafies Awards - Best in Show
2023
Japanese Tea Selection Paris - Grand Prix
2020
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.
AWARDS
Global Tea Championship - Winner
2019, 2018, 2017
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.
AWARDS
The Leafies Awards - Gold
2022
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
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 - 1 Star
2024, 2020
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
Halmari Tea is a renowned tea producer from Assam, India, recognized for its premium-quality Assam black teas. Situated in the lush tea gardens of Assam, the estate has a rich history of over 100 years of tea cultivation and production. Known for its focus on producing fine teas, Halmari Tea has earned a reputation among tea enthusiasts worldwide for its exquisite quality and exceptional flavor profiles.
In addition to their traditional black teas, Halmari also produces flavored teas, blended teas, and Masala Chai. These offerings allow tea drinkers to explore a variety of flavors and experiences, from spiced blends to smooth, aromatic orthodox teas.
AWARDS
Global Tea Championship - Winner
2019, 2017
BEST Halmari Tea Estate Teas and Herbal Infusions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Food Products
Gyokuro Saemidori from Yame Tea Kumaen is a high-quality green tea known for its rich, sweet flavor and distinct umami profile. This tea is grown in the Yame region, which is famous for producing premium teas in Japan. Gyokuro tea is unique in that its leaves are shaded for several weeks before harvesting, reducing the amount of sunlight they receive and increasing the amino acid content, making it sweet and less bitter.
Saemidori is a variety of tea known for its rich green color and high quality, providing a full, creamy taste with a mild yet pronounced umami character. In addition to its exceptional flavor, this tea is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that contribute to health.
AWARDS
The Leafies Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021
The Leafies Awards - Best in Show
2023
Japanese Tea Selection Paris - Grand Prix
2020
Oriental Beauty Tea 1, produced by Formocha, is renowned for its unique flavor profile and high-quality leaves. This tea originates from Taiwan and is celebrated for its natural sweetness, which comes from the bites of leafhoppers that enhance the tea's oxidation process.
The tea leaves are multi-colored, reflecting a careful and precise harvesting technique. Each sip of Oriental Beauty Tea 1 offers a rich, fruity aroma with notes of honey and a smooth, lingering finish.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
Issaku Japanese Green Tea is an exclusive green tea produced by Arahataen Tea Farm. This tea is unique due to its limited production, making it rare even in Japan. It is made using the deep steaming method, which results in a stronger flavor and natural sweetness.
It is exclusively harvested from the first spring plucking and handpicked by tea masters. Issaku tea is grown on specialized farms in the Shizuoka region, where the climate contributes to its exceptional quality. This tea is perfect for those who want to experience an authentic, high-quality Japanese green tea with a rich tradition and careful processing of each leaf.
AWARDS
Global Tea Championship - Winner
2019, 2018, 2017
The Kiwami Choan is a premium matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen, known for its exceptional quality. It won the Gold Award in the matcha category at the Leafies 2022 tea fair in the United Kingdom. The matcha is carefully cultivated and processed to maintain its rich, deep flavor, making it ideal for traditional tea ceremonies and connoisseurs who appreciate high-quality tea.
It is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. The Kiwami Choan matcha offers a smooth, umami-rich taste, with a vivid green color that embodies the mastery of Marukyu Koyamaen's tea-making tradition.
AWARDS
The Leafies Awards - Gold
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Tenju is a premium grade of matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen. This matcha is crafted from hand-picked tea leaves and is known for its rich, distinctive aroma and robust flavor, making it ideal for preparing thick matcha. It comes in a beautifully designed packaging with the tea's name printed on the box, which enhances its premium appeal.
The Tenju matcha is recommended for connoisseurs who appreciate traditional, high-quality matcha, and it is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Japanese tea culture.
Halmari Gold Assam is a premium black tea made from the finest tea leaves with golden tips. This tea comes from one of the most renowned tea estates in Assam, India, Halmari Tea Estate, which is known for its exceptional quality and over 100 years of tea production tradition.
The tea is recognized for its maltiness and light red liquor, with a rich, luxurious flavor that is favored by tea connoisseurs. For preparation, it is recommended to place the tea bag in hot water and let it steep for 3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to fully unfold.
Silver Tips Imperial by Makaibari is an exquisite semi-fermented oolong tea. Sourced from the world’s first biodynamic tea estate, this tea is carefully plucked only during the full moon, a practice that enhances its flavor profile. The tea undergoes production in five full moon cycles, ensuring a unique, limited harvest.
Known for its delicate and light liquoring, it has subtle vegetal notes balanced by a sublime sweetness and soft peony aroma. Silver Tips Imperial is celebrated for its relaxing and anti-aging properties, making it an ideal choice for evening consumption.
Ovaj čaj je pažljivo ručno urolan u male kuglice, što omogućava postepeno otpuštanje bogatog okusa tokom infuzije. Ovaj čaj pruža blagu i osvežavajuću aromu sa suptilnim cvjetnim notama. Njegov okus je delikatan, sa blagim slatkim tonovima i suptilnom voćnom notom koja ostavlja prijatan aftertaste.
Sa svojom jasnom crveno-zlatnom bojom i blagim mirisom trske, ovaj čaj nudi nežan, blago sladak i glatki ukus. Poznat je po svojim zdravstvenim benefitima, uključujući podršku zdravlju nivoa šećera u krvi, ublažavanje aftoznih rana i poboljšanje vida.
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 April 13, 2025, 191,184 ratings were recorded, of which 100,951 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.