MANILA, Philippines – Aside from sightseeing, more and more travelers today are driven by one major motivation — excellent local cuisine experiences and rich culinary traditions!
Digital travel platform Agoda announced the top five foodie destinations of travelers this month, according to booking data collected from August 1 to 19. They surveyed over 4,000 participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In first place is South Korea, which has taken the crown as the top destination for travelers in Asia for cuisine. Agoda revealed that 64% of travelers visit South Korea, specifically to experience its culinary specialties.
On Jeju Island, you can enjoy fresh seafood and sizzling Heukdwaeji (black pork) on a traditional Korean barbecue grill. In coastal cities, there’s Ganjang Gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce). Travelers also visit Gangneung for some Chodang Sundubu or hot soup with soft tofu. Lastly, traditional markets, such as the Gwangjang Market in Seoul, are great places for street food like Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Bindaetteok (savory pancakes).
In second place is Taiwan (62%), attracting travelers with bustling night markets like Shilin and Raohe, where a variety of street food like Stinky Tofu, Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings, Beef Noodles, and Bubble Tea are available. The Taiwanese food experience extends beyond street food, as it also offers unique teas, like Alishan’s Oolong Tea.
In third place is Thailand (55%). Bangkok’s Yaowarat is where you’ll find the most affordable and popular meals, such as Crispy Pork Belly, Pad Thai, Crispy Oyster Omelet, and Mango Sticky Rice. Travelers can also enjoy regional specialties — in the north, there is Khao Soy, a Thai egg noodle soup in a curry broth, in Chiang Mai; while in the south is Khanom Jeen, a fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries.
In fourth place is Japan (52%), where tourists flock to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi in Tokyo, while local delights such as takoyaki or octopus balls and yakitori or grilled chicken skewers can be found in popular areas like Shinjuku and Ginza.
Otaru in Hokkaido is the place for seafood lovers to indulge in Japan’s famous crabs, uni, or fresh Seafood Donburi.
In fifth place is Malaysia (49%), known for being a melting pot of diverse culinary flavors. One of the highlights of the Malaysian food scene is the Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur, which can be served as Nasi Lemak Bungkus, which is wrapped rice with coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings, or Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah, which features spicy chicken.
The Malaysian culinary landscape also features street food classics in the Penang region such as Char Kway Teow or a stir-fried rice noodle, Hokkien Mee or a savory noodle soup, and Cendol or shaved ice dessert. Kota Kinabalu features fresh local dishes like Hinava or raw fish salad and Tuaran Mee. Lastly, Kuching is known for Manok Pansoh, a traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs.
Filipinos who travel often set courses for Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan. The Philippines is mostly visited by South Korean foodies. — Rev Dela Cruz/Rappler.com
