Top 10 Street Foods in Asia: Indonesia's Siomay and Batagor Make the Cut

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Asia bursts with vibrant cultural celebrations, and at the heart of these lively traditions lies an irresistible treasure of street food. Cherished by locals and travelers alike, these flavorful bites offer more than just affordability and convenience, as they serve as a scrumptious gateway into each country’s unique heritage.

Must-Try Street Food in Asia 

TasteAtlas, the renowned global food guide, has unveiled its much-anticipated annual list of the Asian best street food, and the competition is nothing short of delicious. Featuring beloved favorites like Indonesia’s Siomay and Batagor, China’s Guotie, and India’s Parotta, here are the top ten highly-rated dishes. 

1. Guotie - China 

Guotie, a pan-fried dumpling, is a flavorful celebration of minced pork, Chinese cabbage, ginger, scallions, rice wine, and sesame seed oil.

Identified as a Northern Chinese interpretation of the country’s beloved dumpling, Guotie achieves an irresistible contrast of crispy bottoms and tender tops. A splash of liquid is added to the hot pan during frying, creating a delicious balance of crunch and softness with every bite.

2. Siomay - Indonesia 

Indonesia’s must-try snack, Siomay, is deemed as one of the best street foods in Asia. Featuring a variety of components including dumplings (siomay), cabbage, tofu, eggs, potatoes, and bitter melons, this dish is easily found everywhere around street vendors. With a generous coat of peanut sauce, siomay accounted for beloved critics from both locals and travelers. 

3. Parotta - India 

Parotta, a traditional Southern Indian flatbread, is a popular addition to the country’s vibrant street food scene. Unlike its counterpart, paratha, parotta is specifically made from refined wheat flour known as maida, water, oil, and occasionally eggs. Once ready, these flatbreads are often served with meat curries to complement the flavors. 

4. Ohn No Khao Swè - Myanmar 

Literally translating to noodles with coconut milk, ohn no khao swè emerges as a staple street food in Myanmar, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beneath its comforting soup, the dish is completed with boiled eggs, noodles, shredded chicken, fresh cilantro, green onions, and chickpea fritters. 

5. Bánh Mì - Vietnam 

With a history tracing back to the colonial period, bánh mì holds the distinction among the best street foods in Asia. What started as a humble dish of baguette, vegetables, and meat has transformed into a national treasure, accessible at every corner, from street vendors to bigger restaurants.

Today, the fillings for bánh mì are as vast as they are interesting, including chicken, pork, beef, seafood, terrines, sausages, and many more cold cuts. 

6. Roti Canai - Malaysia 

Often seen as Malaysia’s flavorful twist on an Indian classic, Roti Canai transforms buttery, layered dough into a crispy delight. While traditionally enjoyed as a side dish, this versatile flatbread has evolved into a satisfying meal on its own. Popular variations are stuffed with tasty fillings like eggs, onions, sardines, or even margarine, offering endless ways to enjoy its flaky goodness.

7. Batagor - Indonesia 

Batago is a beloved street food gem from Bandung, known for turning simple ingredients into crave-worthy bites. This local favorite features golden-fried fish dumplings and crispy tofu, all drenched in a nutty peanut sauce that packs a punch of flavor. While the crispy version steals the spotlight, batagor also shines when served in a warm, savory broth, complete with sweet soy sauce and fiery chili paste on the side.

8. Siu Mei - China 

Rather than a certain ingredient, siu mei refers to a Chinese roasting technique that brings meat to life over an open flame, infusing every bite with smoky and savory depth. Translated to roast flavor in Cantonese, siu mei dishes are often paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.

One of its signature charms lies in the dining experience itself, where customers can handpick their favorite cuts straight from the roast-laden displays hanging in restaurant windows.

9. Sate Kambing - Indonesia 

Sate kambing is a quintessential Indonesian street food readily found at nearly every local eatery across the country. Often likened to barbecue skewers from other parts of the world, this dish takes things up a notch with rich and aromatic flavors. Each bamboo skewer holds three to four juicy cubes of marinated chevon meat, expertly grilled over a charcoal flame to achieve that smoky perfection.

10. Sate Madura - Indonesia 

Another variation of sate comes from the island of Madura, northeast of Java. Widely known as sate madura, this dish distinguishes itself from other styles with its slightly peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce poured over the skewers. Aside from rice, sate madura is often paired with local rice cakes called lontong.

These standout street foods across Asia are more than just tasty bites, but they are also flavorful reflections of culture, tradition, and community. But, if you are hungry for more culinary gems, let’s dive into the most legendary restaurants in the world.

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