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1. Satay, Singapore
In some Southeast Asian countries, satay, or grilled meat with satay sauce, is a very popular dish. In Singapore, satay skewers are one of the island nation's signature dishes and are among the most popular dishes for tourists worldwide.
This dish is quite elaborately prepared. Pieces of beef and goat meat, after being marinated with spices, are skewered onto sharpened bamboo sticks and then grilled over a fire. The best, however, is satay made from chicken. Chicken is cut into long, thick pieces about 2cm thick and marinated with lemongrass, coriander powder, shallots, garlic, turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, seasoning powder, sugar, peanut powder, honey, and cooking oil.
The dish has its own unique characteristics due to the combination of many spices, especially the layer of chili oil on top which enhances the flavor. People in this island nation often eat it with sliced cucumbers.
2. Lechon, Philippines
Lechon (whole roasted pig) is an indispensable dish during festivals and family celebrations in the beautiful country of the Philippines. Small pigs are marinated, skewered on bamboo sticks, and roasted over a small charcoal fire.
After roasting, the pork skin turns a beautiful golden color, and the meat is fragrant and crispy with a distinctive flavor of meat blended with the aromas of onions, lemongrass, pepper, pandan leaves, etc. Because of its elaborate preparation, Lechon is usually reserved for special occasions. Without roasted pork, the celebration is considered incomplete and not solemn. Therefore, Lechon is a must-have at occasions such as weddings, graduation ceremonies, and baptisms.
3. Yakitori, Japan
Yakitori, grilled chicken, is a popular dish among tourists visiting Japan. Chicken meat, from thighs and skin to liver and gizzard, is typically grilled on skewers. Its distinctive savory-sweet flavor, with hints of sesame oil, ginger, and honey, is always captivating to those who try it.
This is considered a familiar street food in Japan, grilled over glowing charcoal and emitting a fragrant aroma. People can add variations by skewering vegetables or beef.
4. Char siu, China
This is Chinese roasted pork, popular in this populous country, with a relatively simple preparation method. The pork is marinated overnight with soy sauce, peppercorns, sugar, bean paste, white wine, and honey, then roasted in an oven at the appropriate temperature until cooked through. Char siu pork is often served with white rice or bread and is delicious. You'll experience the rich, savory flavor of this dish.
5. Tandoori Chicken, India
Tandoori chicken is traditionally roasted in a large clay oven, also known as clay oven chicken. Nowadays, it can be roasted on a grill. This is a very popular style of Indian barbecue.
People in this region often marinate chicken with lemon juice, garlic, ginger, coriander, pepper, cloves, etc., then grill it until golden brown and fragrant. This dish is served with raw onions and a squeeze of lemon to reduce the spiciness.
6. Korean-style grilled pork belly
Grilled meat is one of the most popular and oldest dishes in the world, prepared from various ingredients such as chicken, pork, beef, lamb, etc., characterized by cooking over fire and infused with a smoky flavor.
In the cold country of South Korea, tourists will find it impossible to resist the alluring and fragrant aroma of grilled pork belly emanating from the street vendors. Don't miss out on grilled pork belly when you visit the land of kimchi.
7. Bulgogi, South Korea
One of the most famous dishes in Korean cuisine is Bulgogi, made with thinly sliced beef marinated in a variety of characteristic spices such as onions, sesame seeds, sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
To prepare this dish, after mixing the ingredients with the beef for about 2 hours, the chef bakes it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The meat is also served with white rice or noodles, and is very flavorful and appealing due to the sweetness of the beef and the spices.
