A Foodie’s Paradise: Agoda Reveals Top Five Food Destinations in Asia

Want to know the best places to go for food-tripping in Asia? Digital platform Agoda unveiled the top destinations in Asia that travelers visit specifically for a culinary experience, and the land of Kimchi and Samgyeopsal takes the top spot!

Based on Agoda’s survey data, no less than 64% of travelers to South Korea shared with the platform that the country’s culinary delights are their main reason for traveling. It’s followed closely by Taiwan (62%), Thailand (55%), Japan (52%), and Malaysia (49%). The study surveyed over 4,000 Agoda users after they completed bookings to destinations in various markets.

“Food is a cultural experience. Some travelers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that travelers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing. Agoda is proud to offer great value deals to visit these foodie heavens, so that there’s more left to spend on the tastiest local dishes,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda.

Planning a trip soon? Here’s a quick look into each destination’s tastiest culinary offers.

South Korea

South Korea’s culinary scene gained much popularity across the globe from K-Dramas and movies which featured some of its unique gourmet experiences from sweet and spicy rice cakes you can buy off the street to juicy grilled barbeque enjoyed with a bottle of Soju (distilled rice spirit). On Jeju Island, you can savor fresh seafood and melt-in-your-mouth heukdwaeji (black pork) sizzling on a traditional Korean BBQ grill.

If you’re an adventurous eater, you can enjoy ganjang gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) in coastal cities like Incheon. If you’re looking for comfort food, visit Gangneung for some chodang sundubu (hot soup with soft tofu). Meanwhile, traditional markets such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul are great places for street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and bindaetteok (savory pancakes).

Taiwan

A culinary wonderland where ancient traditions and modern influences collide, Taiwan offers travelers a chance to experience food like never before. Taipei is known for its legendary night markets like Shilin and Raohe where you can eat stinky tofu and drink refreshing bubble or boba tea. In Tainan, traditional dishes like Danzai noodles and milkfish soup highlight the island’s deep food heritage. Taiwan also offers a unique tea culture, with Alishan’s oolong tea being a tea lover’s favorite.

Thailand

Thailand has a street food culture that is tough to match. The traditional food stalls of Yaowarat, known as Chinatown in Bangkok, offer popular dishes like pad thai, crispy oyster omelets, and mango sticky rice. It’s not only good, but affordable too! In the north of Thailand, the rich and creamy Khao Soy in Chiang Mai is a must-try, while in the south it’s the lesser-known Khanom Jeen, a fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries, that’s becoming a favorite among foodies.

Japan

More than its unique cultural experience, Japan is a food paradise offering everything from izakaya bar bites to kaiseki full-course experiences. In Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi or explore local delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in tourist hotspots like Shinjuku and Ginza. Seafood lovers should visit Otaru in Hokkaido to enjoy famous crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi. For ramen lovers, Tenjin in Fukuoka is the place for tonkotsu ramen, the area’s famous bowl featuring rich pork broth. Say it with us, itadakimasu!

Malaysia

Malaysia’s cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage, turning it into a melting pot of flavors. In Kuala Lumpur, Nasi Lemak comes in various forms, from Nasi Lemak Bungkus (wrapped rice with coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings) to Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (spicy chicken). The Penang region offers visitors street food favorites like Char Kway Teow (a stir-fried rice noodle), Hokkien Mee (a savory noodle soup), and Cendol (shaved ice dessert). In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu features fresh local dishes like Hinava (raw fish salad) and Tuaran Mee. Meanwhile, Kuching is known for Manok Pansoh, a traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs.

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