The best foodie experiences in Asia

Asia is an expansive region packed with a diverse array of exciting food experiences. From the sultry flavors of Thailand to the exquisite creations found in Japan, you can’t miss eating adventures around Asia.

Browse Ningxia Night Market in Taipei

Taiwan is renowned for its snack culture, and there’s no better place to sample the full range of delicacies than at the Ningxia Night Market. Although this is not the largest night market in the city, it is one of the most popular among locals, and you can bet the flavors are true to tradition. When the sun sets, wander through the many rows of lighted stalls, and dive into specialities such as oyster omelettes, deep-fried taro balls filled with salted egg yolk, and roasted sausage stuffed inside glutinous rice.

Explore the historical morning markets of Takayama

Takayama in Gifu prefecture is at the heart of Japanese culinary history. The region is famous for producing high-altitude vegetables, renowned sake, Hida beef, and many other delicacies. The morning markets, which open at 6 a.m., date back more than 300 years, and local farmers put out fascinating displays. Visitors will find beautiful seasonal produce, unique local pickles, bags of homemade miso wrapped in leaves, preserved fish, soy bean candies, and more.

Visit the Bibimbap Festival in Jeonju

It’s fitting that a city considered among the best places in Korea to sample bibimbap hosts one of the biggest celebrations commemorating this simple, delicious dish. Held each year in October in Jeonju, the festivities include cultural performances, tours, and plenty of opportunities to sample the celebrated dish. The denouement is the preparation of a giant bibimbap that is large enough to serve 400.

Numb your tongue with dinner in Chengdu

Chengdu chefs are known for creating epic dishes that use a heady mixture of various of chili peppers (dried, pickled, crushed or in paste form) plus special numbing Sichuan peppers (huajiao) that make the lips tingle and the tongue sing. Dig into delicious renditions of mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, bullfrog with chili peppers, and more.

Sample boat noodles in Ayutthaya

Thai boat noodles are another popular dish best sampled in its city of origin. Ayutthaya was originally founded around 1350 and offers streets rich in history, as well as shops hawking this incredible specialty. Originally vendors would ride little sampans through the rivers while serving the dish, but you can still enjoy the rich pork broth, roasted meat, crackling, and rice noodles served from the comfort of dry land.

Read more: Discover Obangsaek, philosophy in Korean cuisine

Source The Culture Trip

Shopping Guide: What to buy in Osaka, Japan

Here are the souvenirs that people from Osaka will definitely recommend to visitors that come to Osaka, be it for pleasure or for business, who will then certainly purchase them to share with their family and friends.

Happy Turn's Snack

Happy Turn snack is regarded as the premium version of the regular Happy Turn rice cracker that one might be familiar with. The regular Happy Turn is a snack made of rice crackers and have a sweet and savoury powder dusted on top. The premium version of Happy Turn comes in a variety of flavours. During the spring and summer seasons, the light-textured, crispy cracker is put on sale. During fall and winter, one gets the chance to buy the variety which melts in the mouth.

Takoyaki Calbee Jagariko

Calbee Jagariko is a popular snack across Japan, but Osaka decided to give it a twist. They added octopus ball flavouring called takoyaki to the crunchy corn sticks. Actually, the well-known delicacy takoyaki was created in Osaka, and you will find many restaurants serving them with beer.

Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake

If there is one cheesecake that you must try, then it has to be from Uncle Rikuro’s. This is one of the most famous cheesecakes, you would find in Japan and is only available in Osaka. In fact, people who love this item go an extra mile to try out this delicious cheesecake. Soft and fluffy, these cakes are made from cheese imported from Denmark. High-quality milk and butter are used from Hokkaido. Such top quality ingredients add to the creamy texture of the cake.

Kuidaore Taro Pudding

If you are visiting Osaka and intend to shop for something uniquely Japanese, then you should definitely buy a souvenir which is related to Osaka’s most iconic Kuidaore Taro. The Kuidaore Taro Pudding comes in a cute packaging wrapped in a small box. Each comes with three puddings in it. The pudding has a soft and gooey texture and is filled with a rich caramel Brulee sauce.

Dojima Roll

This is no ordinary rollcake. This delicious rollcake is made with a lot of care from one of Japan's famous patissiers. You will love the subtle taste and sweetness of the soft rollcake that is filled with fresh cream. This is probably the most popular souvenir among the locals and visitors. They have matcha flavored rollcake as well.

Osaka's Half-baked Soft Castelo

With no reservations, fresh eggs are used and these half-baked castelos are made into bite-size shapes. Castelos are originally from Portugal but they have a long history in Japan too. These castelos are half-baked, giving them a unique taste and texture.

Bâton D’or

Bâton d’or is a unique Japanese snack found in Osaka, which is part of the Pocky series. Although Pocky is a snack which is found all over the world, Bâton d’or is only found in Osaka and people often have to wait in long queues to buy this. There is also the Bâton d’or pretzel which is thicker than the normal Pocky. This is made by first kneading butter into a dough and then adding more butter in it. So, if you are a Pocky fan, then this is something you may want to buy for yourself. These Bâton d’or sticks also make good gifts to present to people.

Matcha Snacks

It is no surprise for Japan, the land of matcha to come up with a wide variety of matcha sweets. The top popular ones are probably Kit Kat, Pocky and Chocolate Kaki no Tane's matcha versions. You can get them right before you board your plane at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport that also sells other souvenirs too. Don't be surprised to find some of these matcha sweets sold out in less than an hour because there are many foreign visitors buying these matcha sweets in bulk.

Read more: Top onsen houses to try in Osaka, Japan

Source Internet

What to do and see in Phuket, Thailand

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of Thailand’s top island getaways. Covered in lush rainforests and stunning beaches, Phuket is a relaxing haven for travelers. So, whether it’s lounging under palm trees or exploring cultural sites, Phuket has something for everyone.

Hit the beach

Thailand is legendary for its stunning beaches, and so a trip to Phuket isn’t complete without hitting up one of the island’s patches of sand. Whether it’s a nightclub with thumping bass, or a romantic drink with a sunset, the island’s many beaches have it covered. Patong is Phuket’s most popular party beach, and with beer bars, neon-lit nightclubs, and even discos, it’s easy to see why. For something more family friendly, check out Karon, the island’s third longest beach with access to night markets and snorkeling. On Phuket’s west coast lies Layan beach, an out-of-the-way option that is less developed and is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Get a Thai massage

After a long day of shopping and snorkeling, unwind with a classic Thai massage. Travelers can have their pick of massage parlors found all over the island, from high-end spas and hairdressing salons to shopping malls and simple on-the-beach setups. While Thai foot massages are common, adventurous travelers can opt for a traditional massage, which involves energetic masseuses contorting their patients into a variety of pretzel shapes. Though a Thai massage can make for a memorable experience, it can also result in positive health benefits, such as lowered stress levels and improved blood circulation.

Phuket Trickeye Museum

Art-lovers can check out the Phuket Trickeye Museum, which is known for being the first of its kind in Southern Thailand. The museum features a broad collection of modern 3D artwork. As they tour the museum, travelers can enjoy a variety of optical illusions, such as dinosaurs and tigers that seem ready to burst through the walls. Many of the art pieces are also interactive, so visitors can actually become part of the artwork.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is internationally renowned for its high-quality white rum, which is distilled from sugar-cane. Tucked away in a peaceful area of Southern Phuket, the company takes pride in its sustainable practices, as well as for using indigenous, pesticide-free sugar-cane. Interested travelers can take a 30-minute tour through the distillery and learn the step-by-step process that goes into making rum. As a bonus, guests are rewarded after the tour with a tasty mojito made with Chalong Bay Rum.

Visit Big Buddha

Towering nearly 150 feet over the island, Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most admired landmarks. This enormous statue is perched atop the Nakkerd Hill overlooking southern Phuket and is easily visible from below. The statue is crafted from white marble, and its construction was mostly funded by donations. Visitors who make the trek to the statue can enjoy not only the cultural site, but also the stunning 360-degree view of the bays below. Positioned near Wat Chalong, Big Buddha can be reached by following the clearly-marked road signs leading the way.

Take a dive

The clear, blue waters of Phuket’s beaches are perfect for catching a glimpse of the island’s colorful marine life. Ocean-loving travelers can learn to scuba dive from one of the island’s many diving establishments. Most companies offer a variety of diving packages with day trips to a variety of sites near the island, including Anemone Reef, Phi Phi Island, and even an old ship wreck. More experienced divers can also earn their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate while on Phuket. With its azure waters and accessibility to quality dive companies, Phuket is an excellent hot spot for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Watch a Thai boxing match

Muay Thai, also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs,’ is Thailand’s most famous and beloved sport. This boxing style dates back to the 16th century and is a form of hand-to-hand combat with various parts of the body mimicking different weapons. For instance, the hands are used like knives, and the shins are toughened to mimic armor. Muay Thai has gained international popularity in recent years, with travelers coming to Thailand to train in the sport. There are several Muay Thai training camps in Phuket where visitors can live on-site and attend rigorous training classes. Travelers who would rather sit back and watch the action can attend a match at the Patong Boxing Stadium instead.

See more: 7 amazing islands around Phuket, Thailand

Source: Internet