Asia is known as a continent with a rich culinary diversity and unique character. Each country in Asia has a distinctive cuisine that reflects centuries of culture, history and tradition. These Asian foods are not only a part of everyday life, but also have a strong appeal to travelers from around the world who want to experience the authentic flavors of Asia
1. Peking Duck (China)
Peking Duck is one of the most iconic Asian foods from China that has been known since the Ming Dynasty. This dish is famous for its crispy skin and tender meat. The cooking process is very detailed, including drying the duck skin for several days before roasting it to perfection. Peking Duck is usually served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced cucumber and green onions, giving it a unique combination of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors.
2. Biryani Rice (India)
Biryani rice is a rice dish cooked with spices and often with meat such as chicken, mutton or beef. Its origins can be traced to the Mughal era. The dish was developed with Persian and Central Asian influences. Biryani is famous for its rich and aromatic flavors of spices, such as turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and cilantro, all of which combine with long, fluffy basmati rice.
3. Hainanese Rice (Hainan, China)
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish that originated in Hainan, China, but has become very popular in Singapore. The dish consists of tender braised chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock as well as garlic and ginger seasoning. Its simple yet delicious flavor makes Hainanese rice a comfort food loved by many. It is usually served with chili sauce, soy sauce, and ginger sauce.
4. Doner Kebab (Turkey)
Doner Kebab is a fast food that originated in Turkey, but its popularity has spread all over the world. The meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) is slow-roasted on a vertical grill and thinly sliced when ordered. It is then served in pita bread or lavash with the addition of fresh vegetables, yogurt sauce, and spices. The rich flavors and diverse textures make Doner Kebab a favorite choice of many.
5. Satay (Indonesia)
Satay is an Asian food consisting of small pieces of meat skewered on bamboo skewers and grilled over charcoal. The meat used can vary, such as chicken, mutton, beef, or even seafood. Satay is usually served with a thick and sweet peanut sauce, and comes with sliced shallots, cucumber, and lontong or rice. The aroma of the grill and the savory, sweet taste of the peanut sauce make satay one of the most popular street foods in Indonesia.
Retail Food Product Innovation Inspiration
Food companies can use Asian foods above as inspiration in retail food product innovation, such as instant noodles, cup noodles, snacks, potato chips and cassava chips, and instant seasonings. The unique flavor characteristics and appeal of each of these dishes can appeal to consumers. Presenting the authentic flavors of Peking Duck, Biryani Rice, Hainanese Rice, Doner Kebab and Satay in retail food products can provide a different and interesting culinary experience.
Collaboration with Innovative Flavor Companies
To bring these flavors into food products, companies can collaborate with innovative flavor companies such as Falmont. Falmont is a flavor company in Southeast Asia that has the ability to duplicate authentic flavors from existing flavors through in-depth research and utilizing modern technology. With high flavor accuracy, Falmont can help food companies create products that are not only delicious, but also take consumers on an authentic culinary journey.