Asia’s Top 5 Most Incredible Culinary Adventures
By: Patricia

By: Caroline Mongrain

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The food and flavours of a destination are integral to the overall travel experience. Uncover the culinary secrets of the world’s most tantalising cuisines, with behind the scenes cooking classes and visits to local markets where you will learn more about local delicacies and the distinct flavours of each region.

China Cuisine Journey

Photo by WorldExpeditions

Chinese cuisine is as diverse and complex as its long history. Early development of cooking styles coincided with the changing fortunes of successive dynasties, resulting in four distinct schools of cooking: North, East, South and West. Influenced by the chefs of the imperial palace, the North is famous for China’s most well-known dish, Beijing Duck, and an opportunity to sample this delicacy will be a highlight. To cope with the harsh winters, a wheat-based repertoire of noodle dishes, pancakes and flatbreads has evolved. These dishes are supplemented by cabbage, spring onions and garlic, and seasoned with soy sauce and bean paste. Mongol influence can also be found in the form of traditional hotpots and barbecued meats.

Photo By kwramm

In contrast, the more delicate, rice-based cuisine of Eastern China is influenced by the region’s fertile soils, subtropical climate and its proximity to the sea – seafood is common and incredibly fresh. Stir-frying is a favourite cooking method here, as is slow braising in soy sauce, sugar and spices.

The food of the South, and in particular Guangzhou, is widely recognised as China’s best cuisine using the freshest and most diverse ingredients. The region also turns out a high number of quality chefs. Stir-frying as well as Dim Sum are the favoured methods of cooking. The West’s cooking is famous for its use of the red chilli, introduced by Spanish traders during the Qing Dynasty, and the sought after Sichuan peppercorns. This was primarily to induce sweating to help cope with the humid summer.

Spices of India

The diversity of cuisine in India is paralleled by the contrasting landscapes and cultures throughout the nation; from the relaxed pace of Kerala in the south to the bustling streetscapes of the capital New Delhi, and everything in between. A highlight for connoisseurs of indian cuisine are the spice plantation farms and local spice markets which introduce travelers to the cultivation of spices like black pepper, cloves, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, nutmeg and lemongrass. Kerala fish curry is made with fresh exotic flavours, and the method of preparation is very distinct and delicious. Try your hand at using traditional earthenware pots and pans, and experience a variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice.

MasterChef semi-finalist Jimmy Seervai has joined World Expeditions to create an amazing 18 day culinary tour of India. Participate in master classes with Jimmy and a variety of well-known Indian chefs, and dine in specialty restaurants across the county from south to north.

Flavours of Japan

Japan is a culinary empire of unparalleled quality, and there is no aspect of its culture that “travels” as delightfully as cuisine. Restaurants everywhere in the world offer authentic sushi, sashimi, tempura and other dishes. Or do they? In your first days in Japan you will quickly discover a huge difference in local ingredients and skills, with variations of in-house atmosphere that are quite simply impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Photo By Fabiano Kai

The city of Kyoto lies between two oceans stocked with different kinds of fish; it enjoys good grain from its immediate surroundings; and its markets offer unique local varieties of vegetables. No place in the world is as sensitive to seasonal changes in flavour. And no other city has as many sub-groups of people with specific culinary interests – The craftspeople who enjoy drinking from vessels they themselves have created; theatre folk with vivid appetites; tea ceremony acolytes who indulge in the world’s most refined system of table manners; business folk who seek to be entertained; and Buddhist monks for whom simplicity is profound.

Thailand homestay and cooking school

Learn the art of delicious Thai cooking while staying in a Thai teak homestay on the Chao Praya River, Bangkok. Here, you will be treated as a friend of the family rather than visitor. You will learn the art of Thai cuisine while experience the Thai way of living. We rise early and visit the local open air morning market full of fascinating herbs, spices and local delights. Here we are taught how to look for the perfect ingredients for our day’s menu then we sit back and dig in!

Photo byWorldExpeditions

Beginning with ‘An introduction to Thai herbs and spices’ to create:

Larb Moo - A spicy Thai pork salad ; Tom Yam Kung - Hot and sour prawn soup ; Phad Thai - Thai fried noodles ; Kaeng Ka-Ri Kai - Yellow chicken curry ; Paneang Nua - Coconut Beef Curry

Then learn how to perfect the art of cooking with other local delights:

Tom Khaa Kai - Coconut and galangal soup ; Phad Phrik Khing Moo/Kai - Savoury stir-fried pork or chicken with long beans ; Kaeng Kai Sai Normai - Chicken in red curry with bamboo shoots ; Kaeng Kheo Waan Neua - Green Beef Curry

Photo By suanie

A taste of Vietnam

The fine taste of Vietnamese cuisine is a result of the harmonious blend of fresh herbs and regional ingredients. Local food markets are complete with food venders who offer up a selection of mouth-watering market specialties.

Photo byWorldExpeditions

Most Hanoi locals are up early, stopping at their favourite pho (pronounced fuh) stand to breakfast on this most famous of Vietnamese dishes, originally a specialty of Hanoi. Served piping hot, this fragrant beef broth is ladled steaming over fresh-blanched rice noodles and served with green onions and coriander. Add lime and fresh chilli to taste.

Vietnam is the source of a wide variety of tasty exotic fruits found throughout Asia: Rambutan and longan (cousins of the lychee), waterapple, star fruit, jackfruit, magosteen, pomelo, dragon fruit, and better-known tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, papaya & banana.