The countries of eastern and southeastern Asia have a culinary tradition that stretches back over thousands of years. Rice was first cultivated in China in Neolithic times and still forms the foundation of most East Asian cuisines. Rice and wheat noodles are also popular.
Pork, chicken and seafood are favored proteins, supplemented by a wide variety of soy products. Vegetables add nutrients, flavor and color to dishes, with a dizzying array of cabbages, greens, onions, sprouts and mushrooms put to good use.
While many of the ingredients used in cooking are the same or similar throughout, the method and style of preparation varies widely. The Japanese favor simple and delicate dishes, whereas Koreans prefer the fiery punch of chilies. The Vietnamese keep their cooking clean and light, while in Malaysia, rich and full-flavored curries rule the day.
Cuisines and Recipes of East Asia
Cook up some East Asian favorites with recipes from the countries of East Asia.
-
China: Recipes and Cuisine
One of the world’s oldest and greatest culinary traditions, Chinese cuisine centers on the Eight Great Traditions, regional styles that form the foundation of most Chinese cooking.
-
India: Recipes and Cuisine
India is more than just a country; it’s an entire civilization. The subcontinent is home to an ancient and complex society. Its cuisines are a delicious mosaic of foods, flavors and ingredients.
-
Indonesia: Recipes and Cuisine
Indonesia sits at the crossroads of many cultures — Indian, Chinese, Malay, Dutch, Portuguese. The culinary traditions of all these countries have influenced the cooking of Indonesia.
-
Japan: Recipes and Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is known for the direct simplicity of its dishes, as well as the striking beauty of their final presentation. Light, healthy meals with a bold punch of flavor are the norm.
-
Korea: Recipes and Cuisine
Korean cooking has been referred to as “Japanese food with guts.” Dishes are hearty and bracing. Garlic, scallions, chilies, soy sauce and sesame are essential flavorings for many dishes.
-
Malaysia: Recipes and Cuisine
Malaysian cooking draws from a wide variety of influences including Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Thai and Nyonya.
-
Philippines: Recipes and Cuisine
Filipino cuisine is an amazing amalgam of native, Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian and Spanish cooking. Popular dishes are adobo, pancit, lumpia, sinigang and halo-halo.
-
Singapore: Recipes and Cuisine
The cuisine of Singapore is a rich fusion of the culinary traditions of the many ethnic groups that make up its population. Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian dishes and ingredients are popular.
-
Thailand: Recipes and Cuisine
Full of flavor and fiery with spice, Thai cuisine is one of the culinary gems of Southeast Asia. There is an emphasis on fresh meats, seafood and vegetables seasoned with a variety of curry pastes.
-
Vietnam: Recipes and Cuisine
Fresh, light and flavorful, Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, pungent fish sauce, tart limes and a wide variety of familiar and exotic herbs.