Food isn’t just about eating, it’s about exploring, experiencing, and
enjoying every bite. And the best place to do that is where a favorite dish originates from. Digital travel
platform Agoda has unveiled the top destinations in Asia that travelers visit specifically for a culinary trip,
and it’s South Korea that takes the crown for foodies on the move.
No less than 64% of travelers to South Korea shared with Agoda that South Korea’s culinary delights are
their main reason for traveling. The land of kimchi, Korean barbecue, and fried chicken is followed closely
by Taiwan (62%), with Thailand (55%), Japan (52%, and Malaysia (49%) completing the top five. The
study surveyed over 4,000 Agoda users after they completed bookings to destinations in various markets.
Mr. Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda said, “Food is
more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. Some travelers are so passionate about food that
they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that
travelers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions
rather than just sightseeing. Agoda is proud to offer great value deals to visit these foodie heavens, so
that there’s more left to spend on the tastiest local dishes.”
Here’s a whirlwind Culinary Tour Through Asia’s Top Five food destinations:
- South Korea
South Korea’s culinary scene attracts foodies from all over the globe, undoubtedly helped by the
popularity of K-dramas and movies which frequently showcase unique gourmet experiences. On
Jeju Island, savor fresh seafood and melt-in-your-mouth heukdwaeji (black pork) sizzling on a
traditional Korean BBQ grill. Adventurous eaters will enjoy ganjang gejang (raw crab marinated in
soy sauce) – a dish guaranteed to spark conversation (and maybe a little sweat!) in coastal cities
like Incheon. For comforting soul food, visit Gangneung for some chodang sundubu (hot soup) with soft tofu). Traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, are a great place for
street food like tteokbokki (spicy ricecakes) and bindaetteok (savory pancakes). - Taiwan
Taiwan is a culinary wonderland where ancient traditions and modern influences collide. Taipei’s
legendary night markets, like Shilin and Raohe, are a must-visit experience for any foodie. From
the infamous stinky tofu to the global sensation of bubble tea. In Tainan, traditional dishes like
danzai noodles and milkfish soup highlight the island’s deep food heritage. Taiwan also offers a
unique tea culture, with Alishan’s oolong tea holding a place in every tea lover’s heart. - Thailand
Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, offering a street food culture that is hard to match. The
traditional food stalls of Yaowarat, known as Chinatown in Bangkok, are where dishes like crispy
pork belly, pad thai, crispy oyster omelets, and mango sticky rice aren’t just among the most
delicious meals but also the most affordable. In the north of Thailand, the rich and creamy Khao
Soy in Chiang Mai is a must-try, while in the south it’s the lesser-known Khanom Jeen, a
fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries, that’s becoming a favorite
among foodies. - Japan
Japan is a dream destination for food enthusiasts, offering everything from izakaya bar bites to
kaiseki full course experiences. In Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi
or explore local delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in
popular areas like Shinjuku and Ginza. Seafood lovers should visit Otaru in Hokkaido to enjoy
famous crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi. For ramen aficionados, Tenjin in
Fukuoka is the place to try tonkotsu ramen, the area’s famous bowl featuring rich pork broth. - Malaysia
A melting pot of flavors, Malaysia’s cuisine is a reflection of its multicultural heritage. In Kuala
Lumpur, Nasi Lemak comes in various forms, from Nasi Lemak Bungkus (wrapped rice with
coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings) to Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (spicy
chicken). The Penang region delights visitors with street food classics like Char Kway Teow (a
stir-fried rice noodle), Hokkien Mee (a savory noodle soup), and Cendol (shaved ice dessert). In
East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu features fresh local dishes like Hinava (raw fish salad) and Tuaran
Mee. Kuching is known for Manok Pansoh, a traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo
with herbs.
Travelers from India that listed their appetite as the main travel motivator are most often setting course for
Thailand, followed by Turkey and Laos. India on the other hand, is mostly visited by foodies from
Vietnam, closely followed by travellers from Japan.
Agoda makes it easy to turn food dreams into reality with access to over 4.5 million holiday properties,
130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities. From street food tours in Bangkok to sushi-making classes
in Tokyo, Agoda helps travelers explore global flavors. For more information, visit agoda.com or download
the Agoda app.