Having spent over a decade traveling across Asia, and now living in Thailand, I’ve come to realize that what initially drew me to this region—its sunny weather and stunning landscapes—pales in comparison to the food. The culinary experiences here are among the best in the world, and the best part? They come at ridiculously low prices. While everyone has their own favorites, here are the five food experiences in Asia I simply can’t live without.

1. Isaan Cuisine (Thailand)

Forget the usual Thai dishes like Green Curry and Pad Thai, because Thai food offers so much more. Among the top favorites for me is Isaan cuisine, which hails from the northeastern region of Thailand. Isaan food is all about bold flavors—grilled meats, spicy dips, vibrant salads, and sour soups. While not as globally recognized as other Thai dishes, Isaan food can be found in Bangkok, particularly at the roadside barbecues that spring up at night. These places are perfect for grabbing a beer, devouring smoky grilled meats, and sweating it out in the hot, spicy heat. My personal favorite here is Laab Moo, a spicy minced pork salad that acts as the perfect introduction to the world of Isaan cuisine. When I lived in Bangkok, these late-night barbecues were by far my best foodie experiences.

2. Mamak / Indian Cuisine (Malaysia and Singapore)

Indian food is one of my all-time favorites, but I find traveling in India a bit overwhelming. So, instead, I opt for the next best thing—the Indian influence throughout Malaysia and Singapore. The Indian food here is deeply authentic and, best of all, incredibly affordable. Whether it’s the famous tandoori chicken, delicious biryanis, or flatbreads like roti and naan, the food here is hard to beat. My pick for the most iconic dish in this region would be Fish Head Curry, a unique fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary cultures. Originally created by an Indian chef who added fish head to his curry in an effort to cater to Chinese customers, this dish is worth seeking out, and it perfectly embodies the diverse food culture of the region.

3. Street Food (Asia)

Street food in Asia deserves a mention of its own. The vibrant and diverse street food scene is a food lover’s dream—cheap, authentic, and incredibly tasty. While some people might worry about hygiene, I’ve found that street food is often safer than people think. I’ve been eating from street food carts almost every day for the past four years without any issues. The key is that most of the risks often come from water contamination, not the food itself. Seeing food being cooked fresh in front of you adds to the experience, and there’s nothing quite like devouring local delicacies from a bustling street corner. From the buzzing markets in Bangkok to food stalls in Ho Chi Minh City, street food has become one of the main reasons I can’t bear to leave Asia.

4. Local Liquors (Back Alleys and Street Corners)

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is through drinks, and in Asia, that often means local spirits. I first discovered this in Bangkok, where I earned some local cred by regularly drinking Yaa Dong, a potent street liquor favored by motorbike taxis and manual laborers. Since then, I’ve had similar experiences across Asia, from sipping Toddy in Myanmar to tasting Arak in Sri Lanka and Lao-Lao in Laos. Whether you’re sitting roadside with locals, sharing a drink, or just observing the unique customs around drinking, local liquors are a fun, affordable way to experience a region. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re incredibly cheap—often only a dollar or two for a shot.

5. Noodles (China)

Growing up in Southeast Asia, noodle soups never really appealed to me, especially when there were heartier options available. But my trip to China completely changed that perspective. Chinese noodles are a whole different ball game. The chewy texture of the noodles, paired with rich, savory broths, makes for a deeply satisfying meal. What makes Chinese noodle dishes stand out are the unique broths, often spiced with Sichuan peppercorns that deliver a hot, numbing sensation. On top of that, noodle dishes in China often come with an array of toppings like sausage or even chicken drumsticks. For me, it’s about the variety—the different broths, the addictive pickled long beans, and the unique flavors that keep drawing me back. Every visit to China means stumbling upon new noodle shops, experimenting with whatever dish is on the menu, and savoring whatever comes in the bowl.

Asia offers an endless array of culinary delights, and these five food experiences have left a lasting impression on me. Whether you’re savoring grilled meats in Isaan or slurping up noodles in China, these dishes are what make this region a food lover’s paradise.