The Most Popular Asian Food in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:29
Imagine walking through a bustling market, where the air is rich with spices and every turn offers a new culinary discovery. That's the adventure of exploring Asian cuisine in America, a melting pot of flavors from far-off places. This variety can make it tough to pinpoint which dishes rise to the top in popularity. That's where our ranking comes in, offering a snapshot of what's capturing the hearts and taste buds of food lovers.
By participating in our voting process, you help paint a clearer picture of which Asian foods resonate the most in the American palette. Each vote is a voice, contributing to a dynamic list that reflects the diverse preferences across the country. So, whether you're a die-hard fan of bold flavors, or new to the delights of Asian cuisine, your contribution is crucial. Watch as your favorites climb the ranks and inspire others to try and love them too.
What Is the Most Popular Asian Food in America?
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146votesChinese cuisine is the most popular Asian cuisine in America, with dishes like General Tso's Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken being commonly enjoyed.Chinese food is a diverse and flavorsome cuisine that has gained immense popularity in America. It encompasses a wide range of dishes, incorporating various regional cooking styles and ingredients from China. Chinese cuisine is known for its balance of flavors, contrasting textures, and emphasis on fresh ingredients.
- Origin: China
- Regional Variations: Cantonese, Szechuan, Hunan, Shandong, etc.
- Ingredients: Rice, noodles, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, tofu, seafood, poultry, pork, and various vegetables
- Cooking Techniques: Stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, braising, and boiling
- Flavor Profiles: Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami
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214votes
MichaelMaggs · CC BY-SA 3.0Japanese Food
Japanese peopleJapanese cuisine, including sushi, tempura, and ramen, has gained widespread popularity in the United States.Japanese food refers to the cuisine of Japan. It is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and precise preparation techniques. Japanese food offers a unique combination of flavors, textures, and presentation, making it immensely popular worldwide.- Rice: Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is served with almost every meal.
- Fish and seafood: Japanese cuisine features a wide variety of fish and seafood, often served raw as sashimi or sushi.
- Noodles: Noodles like ramen, soba, and udon play an important role in Japanese cuisine.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce is used in many Japanese dishes to enhance flavor.
- Miso soup: Miso soup, made from fermented soybean paste, is a common side dish.
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325votes
Korean Food
Korean peopleKorean barbecue, bibimbap, and kimchi are rapidly increasing in popularity due to their unique flavors and health benefits.Korean food refers to the traditional cuisine of Korea, known for its diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, and a wide range of side dishes. It is characterized by the use of various spices, fermented ingredients, and a balance between different tastes such as spicy, sweet, salty, and sour. Korean food is often enjoyed with rice and is known for its emphasis on health and well-being.- Spices: Korean cuisine utilizes a variety of spices, including red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Fermented Ingredients: Fermented ingredients such as kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage) and doenjang (soybean paste) are essential in Korean food, providing unique flavors and promoting gut health.
- Side Dishes: Korean meals are often accompanied by numerous side dishes, called banchan, which can include pickled vegetables, tofu, fish, and more.
- Barbecue: Korean barbecue, known as 'gogi-gui,' involves grilling various meats (beef, pork, chicken) at the table, which are then wrapped in lettuce or served with rice.
- Rice: Rice is a staple in Korean cuisine, and it is typically steamed and served as a main component of a meal.
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413votes
Mattes · Public domainThai cuisine, known for its spicy and flavorful dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup, has been growing in popularity over the past few years.Thai Food is a vibrant and flavorful cuisine that originates from Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia. Known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, Thai food offers a wide variety of dishes that cater to different taste preferences.- Flavors: Thai food is renowned for its multi-dimensional flavors, combining the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.
- Ingredients: Thai cuisine often incorporates fresh herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, basil, cilantro, lime, chili peppers, and fish sauce.
- Rice: Thai cuisine prominently features jasmine rice, which is fluffy and aromatic, serving as a staple in many dishes.
- Curries: Thai curries, such as red, green, and yellow curries, are popular and are made with a rich blend of spices and coconut milk.
- Street Food: Thailand is famous for its street food culture, offering a wide range of delicious and affordable treats like pad Thai, satay skewers, and mango sticky rice.
Thai Food in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular food in NSW
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522votes
Codename5281 · CC BY-SA 3.0Vietnamese Food
The Vietnamese peopleVietnamese cuisine, including pho and banh mi sandwiches, has become increasingly popular due to its fresh ingredients and bold flavors.Vietnamese food is a vibrant and diverse cuisine known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and balance of flavors. It combines influences from Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Vietnamese food is often characterized by its generous use of herbs, marinades, dipping sauces, and light and healthy cooking techniques.- Pho: A popular Vietnamese soup made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various meats or vegetables.
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich usually filled with pickled vegetables, grilled meats, and fresh herbs, served in a crispy baguette.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh and light rolls made with rice paper wrappers and typically filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs.
- Nuoc Cham: A classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili, often served with spring rolls or grilled meats.
- Ca Phe Sua Da: Traditional Vietnamese iced coffee made with strong dark roast coffee, condensed milk, and served over ice.
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613votes
Joe mon bkk · CC BY-SA 4.0Indian cuisine, with dishes like tikka masala and biryani, has been popular in the U.S. for decades due to its rich flavors and variety of vegetarian options.Indian food, also known as Indian cuisine, is a diverse and vibrant culinary tradition originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by a rich blend of spices, flavors, and ingredients, creating bold and complex tastes that have garnered popularity worldwide. Indian food offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, each with its own unique preparation methods and regional influences.- Spices: Indian food is renowned for its use of a wide variety of spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and mustard seeds.
- Regional Diversity: Indian cuisine varies from region to region, with distinct cooking styles and characteristic dishes in each part of the country.
- Vegetarian Options: Indian food offers a plethora of delicious vegetarian dishes, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.
- Curries and Gravies: Curries and gravies are prominent features of Indian cuisine, with a range of flavors, thickness, and spiciness.
- Breads: Indian breads like naan, roti, and paratha are staple accompaniments to Indian meals, often used for scooping up curries or wrapping dishes.
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712votes
Philippine Department of Tourism · Public domainFilipino Food
Filipino peopleFilipino cuisine, with dishes like adobo and lumpia, has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous flavors.Filipino food is a vibrant and flavorful cuisine that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. It is influenced by Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American cuisines, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors and cooking techniques. Filipino dishes are known for their use of bold spices, herbs, and condiments, as well as a variety of ingredients ranging from meats to seafood, vegetables, and tropical fruits.- Rice-based dishes: Filipino cuisine commonly features rice as the staple food, with dishes like adobo (meat stewed in vinegar and soy sauce), sinigang (sour soup), and pansit (noodle dishes).
- Use of diverse proteins: Filipino food incorporates various proteins such as pork, chicken, beef, fish, and seafood, often prepared in different ways, including grilling, stewing, frying, or boiling.
- Flavorful sauces and condiments: Filipino dishes are often paired with savory sauces and condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce (patis), shrimp paste (bagoong), and vinegar (suka), which add depth of flavor to the food.
- Adobo: One of the signature Filipino dishes is adobo, a popular meat stew made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and various spices such as black pepper and bay leaves.
- Lechon: Lechon, a whole roasted pig, is a centerpiece of traditional Filipino celebrations and feasts, known for its crispy skin and tender meat.
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85votes
Pauloleong2002 · CC BY-SA 4.0Malaysian cuisine, with dishes like nasi lemak and laksa, is gaining popularity in America due to its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors.Malaysian food refers to the culinary traditions and dishes originating from Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country known for its multicultural heritage. Malaysian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures. It is characterized by its vibrant and diverse range of dishes, often combining various spices, herbs, and ingredients for unique and flavorful experiences.- Influences: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures
- Flavors: A harmonious balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory
- Ingredients: Rice, noodles, seafood, poultry, beef, pork, spices, herbs, coconut milk, soy sauce
- Signature Dishes: Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, Satay, Roti Canai, Laksa, Rendang
- Bold Spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, chili, cinnamon, cloves, star anise
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94votes
Indonesian Food
Indonesian peopleIndonesian cuisine, with dishes like nasi goreng and satay, is gaining popularity in America due to its rich flavors and use of spices.Indonesian food refers to the cuisine of Indonesia, a diverse archipelago located in Southeast Asia. Indonesian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, rich spices, and a wide array of dishes influenced by various cultures including Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Dutch.- Rice-based dishes: Indonesian cuisine often revolves around rice as the staple food, with popular dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), nasi padang (spicy curry rice), and nasi uduk (coconut rice).
- Spices and herbs: The use of aromatic spices and herbs is fundamental in Indonesian cuisine, such as turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, ginger, coriander, and lime leaves.
- Sate (Satay): Indonesian sate is a popular street food consisting of marinated and skewered meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork) served with peanut sauce.
- Rendang: Rendang is a slow-cooked, rich and tender meat dish, usually made with beef, simmered in a flavorful coconut milk and spice mixture until the sauce becomes thick and caramelized.
- Noodles: Indonesian cuisine includes a variety of noodle dishes, such as mie goreng (fried noodles), bakmi (noodle soup), and kwetiau goreng (stir-fried flat rice noodles).
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104votes
Saphabodi · CC0Cambodian cuisine, with dishes like amok and kuy teav, is relatively unknown in America but is gaining popularity due to its unique blend of Southeast Asian flavors.Cambodian food encompasses a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that combines influences from neighboring countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, along with its unique flavors and ingredients. It is a compelling blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, resulting in dishes that are often aromatic and full of contrast.- Rice: Rice is a staple in Cambodian cuisine and is served with most meals.
- Fish: Fish is a key protein source, and many Cambodian dishes feature fresh or fermented fish.
- Curry: Curry is a popular flavoring agent in Cambodian cuisine and is often made with a paste of spices and herbs.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a frequently used herb that adds a citrusy aroma and flavor to many dishes.
- Palm Sugar: Palm sugar is a common sweetener in Cambodian food and adds a unique caramel-like taste.
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Ranking factors for popular food
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AvailabilityDetermine the presence of cuisine in various regions of the US. The more widespread the cuisine, the more likely it is to be considered popular.
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Number of RestaurantsThe number of restaurants offering a particular Asian cuisine in the US can be a good indicator of popularity. Higher numbers may imply higher demand for that cuisine.
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Sales & RevenueAnalyze the sales and revenue generated by different Asian foods in the US. Top-selling dishes and cuisines can be considered more popular in America.
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Consumer PreferencesSurvey Americans on their favorite Asian dishes and use this data to gauge the popularity of different Asian cuisines.
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Social Media PresenceAnalyze how often different Asian foods are mentioned and discussed on social media platforms. This can help identify trends in popularity.
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Online Reviews & RatingsExamine the ratings and reviews of various Asian cuisine restaurants on websites such as Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor. High ratings and positive reviews can indicate a higher level of popularity.
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Popularity among different age groupsConsider the preferences of different age groups when determining the popularity of Asian cuisine. Some dishes or cuisines may be more popular among younger people, while others may be favored by older generations.
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Immigrant InfluenceThe size and influence of Asian immigrant communities in the US should be taken into account. These communities can play a significant role in introducing and popularizing their native cuisines.
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Food Festivals & EventsParticipation in food festivals and events related to Asian cuisine can help determine which foods are popular among American consumers.
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Media CoverageThe exposure of certain Asian foods in mainstream media, such as TV shows, movies, and magazines, can also be taken into account when measuring popularity. The more exposure a cuisine receives, the more likely it is to be popular with Americans.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Asian food in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1952 views
- 150 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular asian food in america
In recent years, Asian cuisine has gained immense popularity in America, with a variety of dishes from different countries making their way into the mainstream. From sushi to Thai curries and Chinese dumplings, the options are endless. According to a recent survey, the most popular Asian food in America is Chinese food, followed closely by Japanese and Thai cuisine. However, with the growing interest in Korean and Vietnamese food, it is possible that these cuisines will soon become a staple in American households. With such a diverse range of options, it's no wonder that Asian food has become a beloved part of American cuisine.
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