10 Must-Try Asian Street Food Recipes

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From bustling night markets to roadside food stalls, Asian street food brings some of the most crave-worthy flavors right to the streets. This tantalizing guide covers 10 iconic street food recipes that capture the diversity and excitement of Asian cuisine. Each dish highlights inventive culinary traditions, from the complex Malaysian broth of Hokkien Mee to the simplistic perfection of a Mumbai toastie.

Follow along as these recipes transport you straight to the noisy streets of Bangkok or Taipei, filled with sizzling woks and hungry crowds. You’ll learn how to balance sweet, salty, spicy and savory flavors in perfect harmony, with tips for nailing authentic textures and aromas.

So grab your chopsticks and open your mind as you recreate these streetwise classics in your own kitchen. You don’t need a plane ticket to discover addictive new flavors and favorite weeknight meals. With this article as your guide, you can scour Asia’s best street food offerings and then enjoy them in the comfort of your home, one dish at a time.

Mumbai Street Toastie

A staple dish in the bustling streets of India, this sandwich is packed with flavor and spices that will truly elevate your taste buds to new heights. From the crispy exterior of the bread to the savory filling, this Toastie is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and authentic street food.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced cook. All you need is some bread, butter, cheese, and a variety of spices like coriander powder, cumin, and red chili powder. Simply slice the bread, spread some butter, add the spices, and toast it until golden brown.

Then, add your favorite fillings like boiled potatoes, onions, and green peppers, and finish off with a generous amount of grated cheese. Top it off with a quick sprinkle of chaat masala and cilantro, and you have yourself a delicious Mumbai Street Toastie that will have you coming back for more.

Garlic Prawn Pad See Ew 

Garlic Prawn Pad See Ew is one of those dishes that will instantly transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok or the vibrant night markets of Taiwan. It’s a quintessential Asian street food that offers an explosion of flavors and aromas that are hard to resist.

Preparing Garlic Prawn Pad See Ew is super easy and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. The key is to use fresh prawns, garlic, and dark soy sauce to get the authentic taste. The dish is traditionally made with flat rice noodles, which give it that distinctive texture and flavor.

I like to add some crushed red chilies for an extra kick, but you can adjust the spices to your liking. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick and delicious meal.

Chilli Pan Mee

Originating in Malaysia, this dish has become popular in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia. Unlike other noodle dishes, Chilli Pan Mee is a unique combination of homemade noodles, crispy anchovies, minced pork, and a spicy condiment made from chilli flakes, garlic, and shallots.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, then you’ll definitely love this flavourful dry noodle dish. The ingredients used to make Chilli Pan Mee offer a perfect balance of taste, with the savory, meaty flavour of pork and the crunch and saltiness of the dried anchovies complementing the hot and spicy chilli condiment.

Malaysian Hokkien Mee

This dish has become a staple comfort food for many locals, and is now beloved by foodies all over the world. With its spicy yet savoury flavours, Hokkien Mee is the perfect dish for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.

The secret to making the perfect bowl of Hokkien Mee lies in the broth. To make this savoury and flavourful soup base, you will need to simmer a combination of pork bones, shrimp heads, and garlic for hours, until the broth is rich and fragrant.

Once you have the broth ready, you can start adding in your favourite ingredients, such as sliced pork, shrimp, squid, and vegetables. To give the dish an extra kick, you can also add in some chilli paste or sambal to the broth, according to your taste preferences.

Nasi Lemak

Making Nasi Lemak at home requires a few key ingredients, including coconut milk, pandan leaves, lemongrass and dried anchovies. These flavors combine to create the signature aroma and flavor of Nasi Lemak, which is both deeply satisfying and unforgettable.

While it may seem like an intimidating dish to prepare at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up this delightful breakfast in no time. Whether you prefer your Nasi Lemak spicy or mild, with crispy anchovies or juicy grilled chicken, this dish is sure to impress.

It is a comforting and nostalgic breakfast that is beloved by all who experience it, and it is a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Asian street food.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow, also known as stir-fried rice cake strips, is a popular Asian street food that originated from Malaysia and Singapore. It is a flavourful traditional dish that is typically served as a quick and delicious snack or a hearty meal.

Char Kway Teow is made up of flat rice noodles stir-fried over high heat with a combination of ingredients, including egg, shrimp, bean sprouts, chives, and chili, all seasoned with soy sauce.

From the bustling markets in Bangkok to the traditional night bazaars in Taipei, I have tasted a variety of Asian street food. However, the one dish that always stands out to me is the Char Kway Teow.

Thai Beef Satay

Thai Beef Satay is undoubtedly one of the most famous and well-loved dishes of Southeast Asia. Originating in Thailand, this popular grilled meat skewer recipe has gained immense popularity across the globe.

The dish is usually served as an appetizer, particularly during outdoor barbeques, and is incredibly easy to prepare at home. Made with thin strips of beef marinated in a bold and rich mixture of lemongrass, fish sauce, garlic, and curry powder.

Thai Beef Satay can be paired with lime wedges and peanut dipping sauce, making it a tantalizing treat for the taste buds. When it comes to street food, Thai Beef Satay is a dish that cannot be overlooked. The smoky, savory, and slightly sweet taste of the dish is something that will leave you craving for more every time.

Malaysian Roti Canai

Malaysian Roti Canai is a famous street food snack in Malaysia that is loved by locals and tourists alike. Often eaten for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack, Roti Canai is a flaky and crispy flatbread that is typically served with dhal curry or a spicy chicken curry.

Although this dish originated in southern India, it has become an integral part of Malaysian cuisine, and people often visit Malaysia just to try this delectable dish. Preparing this dish requires a little bit of patience, but the end result is truly worth it.

Sticky Pork Belly Banh Mi

This Vietnamese sandwich is packed with flavor and perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy components. Traditionally, a Banh Mi is a French-inspired sandwich that features a baguette filled with various meats, vegetables, and condiments.

The Sticky Pork Belly version puts a unique twist on this classic recipe by using succulent pork belly that’s braised in a sweet and sticky marinade. The result is a mouthwatering sandwich that will satisfy your cravings for both meat and carbs.

Tantanmen Ramen

It’s a Japanese dish that has its roots in the Sichuan province of China. The dish consists of a spicy, rich soup, topped with ground pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions. The soup is usually thickened with sesame paste, which gives it its signature creamy texture.

Given its spicy nature, it’s a great dish to prepare on a chilly day, or when you want to treat yourself to something hearty and comforting. When it comes to preparing this dish, it’s all about building flavors. You start by cooking your aromatics – the garlic and ginger – until fragrant. Then, you add in the ground pork and cook it until fully browned.