Foods of Asia

I took a one-month solo trip to Asia in March, and it was amazing! Somehow I managed to hit 8 different countries in 30 days. Here are some of my favorite foods I ate along the way — with photos. I hope you enjoy!

“You have to taste a culture to understand it” — Deborah Cater (British travel & food blogger)

Beijing — Roast Beef with Mint [Yunnan (Dian) cuisine from Southwestern China]

Shanghai — Vegetable Dumplings [steamed with a side of chili sauce]

Seoul — Korean BBQ [veggies, garlic, beef, and ssamjang dipping sauce made from soy bean paste, chili paste, garlic, onion, and sesame oil]

Tokyo — Ramen [wheat noodles with miso broth, egg, and pork]

Osaka — Okonomiyaki [savory pancake made with eggs, cabbage, green onion, and bonito flakes]

Taipei — Peanut Ice Cream Roll [Crepe filled with peanut candy shavings, ice cream, then cilantro. I got one scoop of peanut butter & one scoop of taro ice cream]

Hong Kong — Fried Chicken Bao [buns made from lotus leaf, typically filled with pork belly]

Macau — Egg Tart [custard-filled tart with pastry crust]

Malaysia — Pandan Leaf Cendol [shaved ice with coconut syrup, coconut milk, green rice flour noodles flavored from pandan leaf, red beans, corn, and purple rice balls]

Singapore — Black carrot cake [radish cake stir-fried with eggs, scallions, garlic, and sweet molasses sauce — No carrot added]

Food can connect people, and its power to do so should not be underestimated. It can be used as a way of connecting and engaging with other cultures, it can promote understanding, and it can even change the perception of a nation. #Gastrodiplomacy

Contact me at hello@nicolebarile.com to learn more about working across cultures, or visit me here.