Noodle dishes are a staple food in many cultures, but they take on a whole new level of deliciousness in Southeast Asia. From savory soups to stir-fried delights, the variety of noodle dishes in this region is truly mouth-watering.
In this article, we'll showcase 9 of the best noodle dishes from Southeast Asia that you simply have to try in 2023, when you are visiting the region.
| Noodle Dish | Country Origin | Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Pho | Vietnam | 🇻🇳 |
| Pad Thai | Thailand | 🇹🇭 |
| Laksa | Singapore and Malaysia | 🇸🇬🇲🇾 |
| Tom Yum Noodles | Thailand | 🇹🇭 |
| Hokkien Mee | Singapore and Malaysia | 🇸🇬🇲🇾 |
| Kway Teow | Malaysia | 🇲🇾 |
| Bun Cha | Hanoi, Vietnam | 🇻🇳 |
| Mie Goreng | Indonesia | 🇮🇩 |
| Bun Cha | Vietnam | 🇻🇳 |
Must Try 9 Noodle Dishes in Southeast Asia
Here are the dishes you must try when you are visiting Southeast Asia. We will provide you some recommended restaurants that we personally went to as well. You are ready to put on your sneakers, ready to go on a food tour.
On how to cook some for the dishes check our Salaryman Cooking food recipe of best street food dish recipe and guide.
Pad Thai - Thailand's National Dish
Originating from Thailand, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that is now known as Thailand's national dish. This dish is made with thin rice noodles, stir-fried with eggs, tofu, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a flavorful sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Pad Thai is a popular street food in Thailand and is often served with a side of fresh lime and crushed peanuts. Some of the best Pad Thai to eat in Bangkok is at Thipsami restauranat nearby to Khao San Road. There is a long queue, so be there early.
Check out new recipe guide on how to cook Shrimp Pad Thai.
Tom Yum Noodles - A Spicy Noodle Soup from Thailand
Tom Yum Noodles is a spicy noodle soup dish that is popular in Thailand. It is made with thin rice noodles or egg noodles, served in a spicy and sour soup that is made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili paste. Tom Yum Noodles is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. A famous soup dish that you can eat as a bowl of noodles. Some of the best Tom Yum noodle is at Patunam road.
For a simple step on how to cook Tom Yum Noodles at the comfort of your home. Check out the easy-to-do spicy Tom Yum Noodles recipe.
For more famous Thai dishes, check out Thai Panang curry guide here. Voted as the best food in 2022.
Pho - A Vietnamese Comfort Food
Pho is a noodle soup dish that is the national dish of Vietnam. The broth is made from simmered beef or chicken bones, and is flavored with ginger, star anise, and cloves. The soup is served with rice noodles, herbs, and sliced meats, and is typically topped with bean sprouts, lime, and chili peppers. A big bowl of Pho after a long day is just perfect and just right!
Laksa - A Spicy Noodle Soup from Malaysia
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that's a staple in both Malaysia and Singapore. The soup is made from a spicy coconut milk broth, and is typically served with rice noodles and seafood, such as prawns or fish cakes. Some variations of Laksa also include a dollop of chili paste, adding an extra kick to the dish. For an in-depth recipe guide on how to cook Laksa, check it out with Salaryman Cooking.
Bun Cha - Grilled Pork Noodles from Hanoi
Bun Cha is a Vietnamese noodle dish that's made with thin rice noodles, grilled pork, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and vinegar. The dish is typically served with fresh herbs, such as mint and cilantro, and is a popular street food in Vietnam.
Seeking on simple recipe on how to cook Bun Cha. Check out the easy-to-do Bun Cha recipe with Salaryman Cooking now.
A great combination to eat with Bun Cha is the famous egg coffee of Hanoi. After a nice hot bowl of Bun Cha. Go for a short walk and go straight to drink Vietnam's famous coffee. Check out the guide here for Vietnam famous egg coffee and how to make it at home.
Hokkien Mee - Malaysia & Singapore
Hokkien Mee is a stir-fried noodle dish that's a staple in both Malaysia and Singapore. The dish is made with thick yellow noodles, seafood, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic. Hokkien Mee is a dish that will fill you up and make you happy for the whole day. For great recommendation to try Hokkien Mee in Thailand check the guide here.
For the best Hokkien Mee to try in Singaopre you must visit Newton Hawker center in Downtown, Singapore.
Try out other famous noodles dishes from Singapore and Malaysia. A simple and easy to do recipe with wok hei for Char Kway Toey. A noodle dish is like a warm hug around you, after a bad day of works.
Khao Soi (Thailand)
Khao Soi is a Burmese-influenced noodle dish from northern Thailand. The dish consists of a spicy curry broth, filled with egg noodles and chicken, beef, or pork. Topped with crispy noodles and a squeeze of lime, Khao Soi is a delicious and satisfying meal. When in Chiang Mai, head over to Khao Soi Prince or Khao Soi Islam to try some of the best Khao Soi in Thailand.
For an in-depth guide on Khao Soi being an unsung hero to Thailand top dishes, check our Khao Soi guide here.
Mie Goreng (Indonesia)
Mie Goreng is an Indonesian stir-fried noodle dish that's a popular street food. The dish is made with thin egg noodles, vegetables, and a spicy sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and chili paste. Mie Goreng is a versatile dish, and can be made with a variety of meats, seafood, or vegetables.
Bak Mi Goreng - Indonesia
Bak Mi Goreng is an Indonesian fried noodle dish that is similar to Mie Goreng. The difference is that it is made with thicker egg noodles and is typically served with a crispy fried egg on top.
Final Though
In conclusion, Southeast Asia is home to an array of delicious and diverse noodle dishes. From the savory Pho of Vietnam to the spicy Laksa of Singapore and Malaysia, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking to branch out from your typical pasta routine, these mouth-watering dishes are definitely worth trying. So next time you're in the mood for something new and delicious, be sure to give one of these Southeast Asian noodle dishes a try.
