The Most Popular Asian Dish, Ranked

Choose the dish you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:29
In the realm of culinary delights, Asian cuisine holds a special place with its diverse flavors and rich history. As food enthusiasts look for recommendations on which dishes to try next, having a clear, community-powered ranking can guide their choices. This not only simplifies decision-making but also enhances their dining experiences by pointing them towards crowd favorites. This website allows food lovers to cast their votes for their beloved dishes, contributing to a dynamic leaderboard of the top picks in Asian cuisine. As more individuals participate and share their preferences, the accuracy of the rankings improves, reflecting the true popularity of each dish. So, cast your vote today and see where your favorite stacks up against the rest!

What Is the Most Popular Asian Dish?

  1. 1
    65
    votes
    Fried Rice
    Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
    A popular Chinese dish made with cooked rice, vegetables, and sometimes meats, eggs, and sauces. It is a simple and delicious dish that can be found in many Asian restaurants around the world.
    Fried rice is a popular Chinese dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with a variety of ingredients. It is typically seasoned with soy sauce, and can include vegetables, meat, or seafood for added flavor and texture.
    • Main Ingredients: Cooked rice, soy sauce, vegetables, meat or seafood
    • Cooking Method: Stir-frying
    • Preparation Time: Varies, generally around 15-20 minutes
    • Flavor: Savory and aromatic
    • Texture: Tender rice with a slightly crispy exterior
    Fried Rice in other rankings
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Pad Thai
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A Thai dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, vegetables, and meat or seafood, topped with peanuts and served with lime wedges. It is a flavorful and filling dish that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
    Pad Thai is a popular and beloved Thai dish that is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavors and unique combination of ingredients. It is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is commonly enjoyed as a street food in Thailand and has gained immense popularity as a go-to comfort food. The dish typically combines thin rice noodles, protein (such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu), eggs, bean sprouts, green onions, peanuts, and a flavorful sauce that brings all the elements together. Pad Thai is known for its balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, which makes it irresistibly tasty.
    • Noodles: Thin rice noodles
    • Protein: Shrimp, chicken, or tofu
    • Vegetables: Bean sprouts, green onions
    • Garnish: Crushed peanuts, lime wedges
    • Sauce: Tamarind sauce, fish sauce, sugar
    Pad Thai in other rankings
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    A Japanese dish made with vinegared rice, seafood, vegetables, and sometimes eggs, served with soy sauce and wasabi. It is a popular dish that has gained popularity around the world, and can be found in many sushi restaurants.
    Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice combined with various fillings, usually raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. The rice is often wrapped in seaweed (nori) and comes in different shapes and sizes, such as rolls (maki), hand-pressed bites (nigiri), or small clumps (temari). Sushi emphasizes simplicity, freshness, and balance of flavors, making it not just visually appealing but also a delight for the taste buds. The combination of colors, textures, and presentation contributes to its overall beauty.
    • Ingredients: Typically includes raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, and vinegared rice.
    • Vinegared Rice: The rice used in sushi is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a distinct tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
    • Nori: Seaweed sheets that are commonly used to wrap sushi rolls, adding a savory taste and a contrasting texture.
    • Maki: Sushi rolls wrapped with nori, filled with ingredients, and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
    • Nigiri: Hand-pressed sushi with a small mound of rice topped with sliced raw or cooked seafood.
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    A Japanese dish made with noodles, broth, and various toppings such as meat, vegetables, and eggs. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be found in many ramen shops and restaurants.
    Ramen is a Japanese dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a savory broth flavored with various seasonings. It is typically topped with a combination of ingredients such as sliced pork, seaweed, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. Ramen has gained widespread popularity worldwide due to its rich and complex flavors.
    • Noodle Type: Wheat-based, thin and curly
    • Broth Varieties: Shio (salt-based), Shoyu (soy sauce-based), Miso (soybean paste-based), Tonkotsu (pork bone-based)
    • Toppings: Chashu (sliced pork), Menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), Nori (seaweed), Ajitsuke Tamago (marinated soft-boiled egg), Negi (chopped green onions)
    • Flavor Enhancements: Tare (seasoning), Aji-tama (flavored egg), Kaeshi (soy sauce seasoning), Chili oil, Sesame oil
    • Regional Variations: Hakata, Sapporo, Tokyo, Kitakata, Kumamoto, Tsukemen (dipping noodles)
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    Pho

    A Vietnamese dish made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat or seafood, served with lime wedges and various condiments. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that is popular in Vietnamese cuisine.
    Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup known for its complex and aromatic flavors. It typically consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various meat toppings, garnished with fresh herbs and condiments. The dish is renowned for its balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory flavors, making it a delightful culinary experience.
    • Broth: A rich and aromatic soup base typically made from beef bones or chicken, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor.
    • Noodles: Thin, flat rice noodles that are cooked separately and added to the broth before serving.
    • Meat: Common meat toppings include thinly sliced beef (rare or cooked), chicken, or meatballs. Vegetarian and seafood options are also available.
    • Herbs: Fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and bean sprouts are added as garnish to enhance the overall flavor.
    • Condiments: A variety of condiments such as lime wedges, sliced chili peppers, hoisin sauce, and sriracha are served on the side, allowing each person to customize their bowl.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    A Korean dish made with fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radish, and various spices. It is a staple in Korean cuisine, and is often served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other dishes.
    Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and radishes. It has a spicy and tangy flavor and is a staple in Korean cuisine.
    • Regional variations: Over 200 types of kimchi, including baechu kimchi (cabbage kimchi), dongchimi (radish water kimchi), kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi)
    • Ingredients: Napa cabbage, radishes, garlic, ginger, scallions, red chili pepper powder (gochugaru), salt, and fermented seafood (optional)
    • Fermentation period: Varies from a few days to several weeks
    • Preparation time: Around 4-6 hours
    • Health benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, high in fiber, probiotic properties
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    A Chinese dish made with dough filled with meat or vegetables, and either steamed, boiled, or fried. It is a delicious and versatile dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants and street food vendors.
    Dumplings are a type of food made by wrapping a dough casing around a filling, which can consist of a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, seafood, or even sweet fillings. The filled dough is then cooked by steaming, boiling, frying, or baking. Dumplings are loved worldwide for their comforting taste and versatility.
    • Varieties: There are numerous varieties of dumplings found across different regions and cuisines, such as Chinese jiaozi, Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, Italian ravioli, Polish pierogi, and more.
    • Wrapper: The dough wrapper used for dumplings can be made from wheat flour, rice flour, or even potato starch, offering a range of textures and flavors.
    • Filling: The filling for dumplings can be savory or sweet, with popular choices including minced meat, vegetables, seafood, tofu, cheese, or fruit.
    • Cooking Methods: Dumplings can be cooked through various methods like steaming, boiling, frying, or baking, each offering different textures and flavors.
    • Cultural Significance: Dumplings hold cultural significance in many countries and are often served during festivals, celebrations, or family gatherings as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and togetherness.
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    A dish with roots in Indian cuisine, made with a sauce or gravy containing various spices, vegetables, and meats or seafood. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that is popular in many Asian countries.
    Curry is a dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has become popular worldwide. It is a rich and flavorful dish made by combining various spices and herbs with meat, vegetables, or legumes. The dish has a thick and aromatic sauce that can vary in spiciness and complexity depending on regional variations and personal preferences. Curry is often served with rice or bread and is known for its diverse and vibrant flavors.
    • Variations: There are countless variations of curry, including Indian curry, Thai curry, Japanese curry, and many more, each with its unique blend of spices and regional influences.
    • Ingredients: Curry typically includes a combination of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. It can be made with a wide range of ingredients, including meats like chicken, lamb, or beef, as well as vegetarian options like potatoes, lentils, or chickpeas.
    • Flavor Profile: Curry is known for its complex and robust flavors. It can be spicy, tangy, sweet, or savory, depending on the combination of spices and other ingredients used. The flavors are often rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
    • Regional Influences: Different regions have their unique twists on curry. Indian curry, for example, varies significantly from one state to another, with each region having its distinct flavors and cooking techniques. Thai curry is known for its liberal use of coconut milk, while Japanese curry has a thicker and milder sauce.
    • Cultural Significance: Curry holds significant cultural importance in the cuisines of many countries. It is often associated with communal meals, family gatherings, and festive occasions. It has also become a popular international dish, enjoyed by people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    A Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, and a spicy sauce, usually served in a hot stone bowl. It is a flavorful and filling dish that is popular in Korean cuisine.
    Bibimbap is a traditional Korean mixed rice dish that is famous for its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. It is a harmonious combination of rice, assorted seasoned vegetables, meat or tofu, fried egg, and gochujang (fermented spicy red pepper paste) sauce. The name 'bibimbap' translates to 'mixed rice' in English, which perfectly captures the essence of the dish.
    • Type: Korean mixed rice dish
    • Ingredients: Rice, various seasoned vegetables, meat or tofu, fried egg, gochujang sauce
    • Preparation: Cooking rice, separately preparing vegetables and meat/tofu, assembling all ingredients in a bowl or on a hot stone plate, and mixing them together
    • Flavor: A blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors
    • Colors: Vibrant and visually appealing, thanks to the colorful vegetables
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    A dish with origins in Indonesia, made with skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken, beef, or pork, served with a peanut sauce. It is a flavorful and popular dish that can be found in many Southeast Asian countries.
    Satay is a popular street food in Malaysia, consisting of skewered and grilled meat or seafood marinated in a flavorful blend of spices. The meat is usually chicken, beef, or lamb, but variations with shrimp or fish are also common. Satay is typically served with a delicious peanut dipping sauce and accompanied by compressed rice cakes known as ketupat. It is known for its mouthwatering aroma and smoky taste.
    • Meat Varieties: Chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp, fish
    • Marinade: Spice blend including turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and coriander
    • Cooking Method: Grilled over charcoal fire
    • Skewers: Bamboo or lemongrass sticks
    • Dipping Sauce: Peanut sauce made with roasted peanuts, chili paste, tamarind, and spices

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Ranking factors for popular dish

  1. Global appeal and recognition
    Consider how well-known the dish is outside of its country of origin. Popularity in various countries or regions will play a crucial role in determining its ranking.
  2. Cultural significance
    Some dishes may hold high cultural value or be symbolic of particular events or traditions in their country of origin. This can contribute to their popularity and relevance as an Asian dish.
  3. Taste and flavor profile
    The dish should have a delicious and unique taste that attracts a wide range of people from different backgrounds. Its flavor profile should also be representative of Asian cuisine.
  4. Versatility and adaptability
    A popular Asian dish may be one that can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions or modified to suit local preferences.
  5. Availability and accessibility
    Assess how commonly available or easy to find the dish is in restaurants or food outlets in various countries and regions.
  6. Representation of the regional cuisine
    The dish should be a good representation of its region of origin and showcase the ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors characteristic of that region.
  7. Historical background
    Consider the history behind the dish—how it was created and popularized, as well as its impact on the culinary world.
  8. Appearance and presentation
    A visually appealing dish can significantly contribute to its overall popularity and may entice people to try it.
  9. Nutritional value and balance
    A popular Asian dish may be one that is healthy and nutritious, making it more appealing to a wider audience.
  10. Social media presence and online reviews
    Nowadays, people love to share their food experiences online. A dish with a strong social media presence and positive online reviews will often be more popular than one that doesn't.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Asian dish. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2185 views
  • 188 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dish once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular asian dish

Asian cuisine is known for its diverse range of flavors and ingredients, making it a popular choice for food lovers all around the world. With so many delicious dishes to choose from, it can be tough to pinpoint the most popular Asian dish. However, there are a few standout dishes that have gained popularity and are now widely recognized as some of the most iconic Asian dishes. One of the most beloved Asian dishes is sushi, a Japanese dish made of vinegared rice and various fillings such as fish, vegetables, and meat. Sushi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, and has become a favorite of food enthusiasts worldwide. Another popular Asian dish is pho, a Vietnamese soup made with rice noodles, broth, meat, and herbs. This savory dish is popular for its comforting taste and has become a staple dish in many Vietnamese households. Other notable Asian dishes include Korean BBQ, Thai curry, Chinese dumplings, and Indian biryani. Each of these dishes has its unique flavor and cultural significance, making them a must-try for anyone interested in Asian cuisine. Overall, Asian cuisine offers a wide range of delicious and unique dishes that are beloved by people worldwide. Whether you're a fan of sushi, pho, or any other Asian dish, there's no denying that the flavors and ingredients used in Asian cuisine are truly special.

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