Asian food culture has many tasty legends with references to history and traditions in these numerous gastronomic gems. All are flavored with the spirit of the East, and every plate has something to do with the differences in feel of a certain region. It would be quite interesting to look into some of the most popular Asian dishes and interesting myths and histories behind them in this article.
Iconic Asian Dishes and Their Stories
Peking Duck (China)
Peking Duck is one of the favorite and widely known delicacies in China. It has been documented that this dish originated from Beijing and has even been popular till the time of the emperors. Originally, it was a delicacy prepared for the Royalty and therefore had the nickname ‘the food of Kings and men of high repute of epicure taste’. The preparation of Peking Duck is an art form: it is seasoned, air-dried and roasted, this gives it the characteristic crispy skin of the duck. Originally, it is accompanied by thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and green onions so each person can make their own delicious wrap.
Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)
Yum Goong soup is one of the famous Thai soup commonly described as both hot and sour. As the name suggests it’s aromatic, and it’s prepared with fresh shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and chillies to prepare the rather spicy soup. The history of Tom Yum Goong can be dated back to the fishery regions of Thailand since seafood used prevalent in the preparation of this dish. The direction of the soup is fully compliant with the Thai approach to creating the tasty dishes – everything is in balance, and all the tastes are sour and spicy with a slight trace of the savory flavor.
Katsu Curry (Japan)
Katsu Curry is one of the famous dishes in Japan that combines fried cutlet known as katsu, with the curry sauce. It dates back to the early period of Japan’s modernization during Meiji period characterized by interaction with western countries. British curry was modified by Japanese chefs to incorporate the local palate by adding a breaded pork or chicken cutlet to the curry to become the current fusion dish. It is accompanied by steamed rice and pickled vegetables, so it’s a rather filling comfort dish.
Butter Chicken (India)
However Murgh Makhani popularly known as Butter Chicken is a famous Indian delicacy that was first prepared in Delhi in the 1950’s. Following the tradition it is said that once the Moti Mahal restaurant prepared this dish by accident, they roasted the chicken tandoori-style and then boiled it with a tomato-based sauce, butter, and cream sauce. The spice level achieved was moderate and the creation of a creamy curry soon became a definite favourite. The main dish goes well with naan bread or basmati rice as this dishes the spicy sauce for the Butter Chicken to be gulped down with it.
Pho (Vietnam)
Pho, which is a Vietnamese noodle soup, has served as one of the most ordered dishes across the world. This meal consists of rice noodles and clear, seasoned soup, which normally is prepared using beef stock and spices such as the star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. In case of pho, beansprouts, cilantro, lime, and chili are some of the garnishes prepared on the side implying that the flavor of the broth is not compromised, but the eaters may add their preferred garnishes. The evolution of the Pho dish can be traced back to as early as the beginning of the Twentieth Century in northern Vietnam, where it was sold by hawkers, to later spread like wildfire. It is the food that captured the essence and the complexity of Vietnam’s kitchen all in one plate.
Biryani (India)
Biryani is yet another rice recipe that has obtained its unique character in accordance with the multi-fold ethnic base of India. Every single region of India also offers a unique type of the signature dish, biryani, which differs in spices used, the type of meat, and the way it is cooked. This typically consists of basmati rice, meat – chicken, lamb, or goat, yogurt, and spices. Because Biryani is a delicacy made on special occasions and functions, one gets to appreciate its place in India’s food map. It is, however, widely considered to have Persian culinary influences, which was introduced into India by the Mughal Empire.
Ramen (Japan)
It is agreed that Ramen is a staple Japanese dish which has attracted the attention of the global culinarization society. Ramen is a Chinese influenced wheat noodle soup involving soy sauce or miso, garnished with pork slices, green seaweed called nori, menma and spring onions. Ramen shops can be found all over Japan and there are great variations in every shop’s take on this comfort food. Ramen’s history is connected with Chinese people, who first introduced noodles to Japanese cuisine and probably contributed to the modern ramen recipe.
Conclusion
The Asian food culture can be considered a true gem that contains many recipes that have become symbolic of each country, as well as each recipe has is own tale and experience. From antique Peking Duck and the historical backgrounds through which the Butter Chicken was invented to serving in fulfilling the appetite in addition to an interface to history.