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What are the most surprising gastronomic excursions in Asia?

Arletta Filippi

Hey friend,

When it comes to gastronomic excursions in Asia, there are so many options that it's hard to pinpoint the most surprising ones. But I'll do my best to give you some ideas!

First off, have you ever heard of "gastronomic tourism"? It's basically traveling to different places specifically to try their food. And Asia is a great place to do it. Some countries that immediately come to mind are Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

In Japan, you absolutely have to try their street food. From takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), there's something for everyone. And if you're feeling brave, try some natto (fermented soybeans) or fugu (blowfish)!

South Korea is known for its barbecue, but there's so much more to try. Bibimbap (rice, veggies, and usually a fried egg) is delicious and healthy. And if you're feeling adventurous, try some live octopus (yes, as in still moving)!

Thailand is a paradise for spice lovers. Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles with peanuts and veggies) is a classic, but don't be afraid to try some som tam (spicy green papaya salad) or larb (spicy minced meat salad).

Vietnam is famous for pho (beef noodle soup), but you should also try banh mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and cha ca (turmeric fish). And if you happen to be in Hanoi, don't miss out on bun cha (grilled pork with noodles).

China is such a huge country that it's hard to narrow down what to try. But some classic dishes include dim sum (bite-sized snacks like dumplings and pork buns), Peking duck, and hot pot (a communal pot of boiling broth with various meats and veggies).

But if you really want something surprising, how about heading to North Korea for a culinary adventure? Yes, really. There's a restaurant in Pyongyang called Okryugwan that's been around since the 1960s and is famous for its cold noodles. And if you're feeling brave (or just really curious), you could try some dog meat soup or grilled dragonfly!

Of course, these are just some ideas to get you started. The beauty of gastronomic tourism is that everyone's tastes are different, so the possibilities are endless. I hope you get the chance to explore some of these amazing foods soon!

Happy eating!