One of the best parts of travelling is the food, and nowhere does street food better than Southeast Asia. From fiery curries to sweet, coconut-infused desserts, this region is a paradise for food lovers. If you're planning a trip, here are the must-try dishes and where to find them.
Thailand: Pad Thai & Mango Sticky Rice
📍 Best place to try it: Thip Samai, Bangkok
Pad Thai is a staple of Thai cuisine, with its perfect mix of rice noodles, tamarind sauce, prawns, and crunchy peanuts. Finish your meal with mango sticky rice – sweet, creamy, and utterly delicious.
Vietnam: Banh Mi & Pho
📍 Best place to try it: Banh Mi Phuong, Hoi An
Vietnam’s banh mi is the ultimate sandwich – a crispy French baguette filled with meats, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce. Pair it with a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup bursting with flavour.
Malaysia: Nasi Lemak & Char Kway Teow
📍 Best place to try it: Village Park Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur
Nasi Lemak is Malaysia’s national dish – coconut rice, sambal (spicy chilli paste), fried anchovies, peanuts, and boiled egg. For something indulgent, try char kway teow, a smoky stir-fried noodle dish.
Indonesia: Nasi Goreng & Satay
📍 Best place to try it: Warung Mak Beng, Bali
Nasi goreng (fried rice) is packed with flavour and often topped with a fried egg. Satay, skewered and grilled meat with peanut sauce, is a must-try street food staple.
Final Thoughts
Southeast Asia’s street food culture is one of the best in the world, and each dish tells a story about the country it comes from. Whether you're sipping pho in Vietnam or tucking into satay in Indonesia, every meal is an adventure.
Fancy trying these dishes for yourself? Book onto a food tour with GetYourGuide - I thoroughly recommend the Saigon Street Food Tasting & Sightseeing Tour by Motorbike and the Hands On Cooking Class in Bangkok.
