From bustling street markets to hidden gems, discover the best of local food in Southeast Asia, to savour traditional dishes and eat like a local.
When it comes to unforgettable travel experiences, tasting the local food in Southeast Asia is one of the highlights. Rich in culture, tradition and flavour, each country offers a vibrant food scene that reflects its unique identity.
Whether you’re indulging in Pad Thai on the streets of Bangkok, sampling fresh pho in Hanoi, or exploring the aromatic spices of Penang, eating like a local in Southeast Asia is the gateway to understanding the soul of these countries.
Food in these regions are more than just nourishment—it’s a communal experience, a celebration of heritage, and often made fresh right in front of you. The best part? You don’t need a big budget to enjoy world-class dishes.
From humble hawker stalls to family-run eateries and night markets, the local food in Southeast Asia delivers an incredible culinary journey for every kind of traveller.
Vietnam: Best known for Pho and Pork Rolls
Hanoi in Northern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in the South are the two biggest cities in Vietnam and popular with tourists. Both cities are well-known for the most authentic local eating experiences.
The national favourite, Pho, is a must-try during your stay in either or both of these two locations. Pho bowls are a broth based meat dish with delicious rice noodles, fresh spices and crisp veggies.
Make your way to the roadside stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This traditional dish is a must-try that is served with a combination of rice noodles, fresh herbs and spices, and tender slices of different meat, all within a soulful slow-cooked broth.
Phu Vuong Pho is a pho restaurant located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam. Travellers can enjoy personalising a bowl of Pho without hindering the authentic local flavour.
To ensure food safety, travellers who dine around District 1 should opt for popular restaurants and vendors like Phu Vuong Pho. The restaurant is focused on the personalisation of each meal, allowing for diversification in the texture, taste, and aroma of a customer’s bowl.
If Pho is not your thing, head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a quick bite. Banh Mi, Vietnam’s iconic sandwich is a local favourite, usually found at stalls near markets or bus stations. Vendors prepare it fresh, stuffing a crispy baguette with a choice of meats, vegetables, pâté, and a range of sauces.
Grab your sandwich with an egg coffee. A specialty drink made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk is the perfect match with a Banh Mi. The perfect pair that the locals live by.
Thailand: Best known for Pad Thai and Sticky Rice Dishes
Bangkok is the home of Pad Thai. The noodle dish is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavors in every bite. One of Thailand’s most famous dishes is the stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, tofu, eggs, peanuts, and garnished with lime.
For the most authentic local experience, a location like Thipsamai Pad Thai Pratoopee will serve the original well-loved recipe.
Khao San Road in Bangkok is perfect for travellers in a rush who need a quick meal. Street vendors offer affordable Pad Thai with the same taste the locals love.
The next spot in Bangkok after a savoury meal would be Or Tor Kor Market. This place is for a sweet experience through trying the local mango sticky rice. Made with fresh mangoes, coconut milk, and sticky rice, it is truly delicious.
Singapore: Best known for Chicken and Rice Dishes
Hawker Centres in Singapore offer a bustling environment and the most hygenic street food in the world. A must-try for first-time visitors is Hainanese Chicken Rice. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, found at Maxwell Food Centre, is highly recommended.
This dish consists of tender chicken served with fragrant rice, chilli sauce, and broth, offering a simple yet flavourful experience. Hawker centres generally adhere to strict hygiene standards, making them a safe and affordable food location in Singapore.
To experience the essence of flavor fusion, grab a spicy bowl of Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa at United Square Shopping Centre. Laksa is a spicy coconut-based noodle soup blending Chinese and Malay influences.
While chicken rice in Singapore is more commonly found at food stalls and hawker centers, you’ll also find it at 5-star hotels like the Mandarin Orchard. Chatterbox is proclaimed the “Home of the Legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice” which we think is partly attributable to its generous serving size.
They certainly do justice to the national dish and we suggest enjoying it in a fancy setting at least once.
The Philippines: Best known for their National Dish Adobo
Grab a bowl of Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines, and observe the variations in each region.
Made with a tangy stew, pork or chicken, and marinated in a sauce mix of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. Find this local phenomenon at carinderias (small eateries) in the busy streets of Manila.
Salcedo Saturday Market in Makati offers exploration with Filipino local food, serving fresh, safe-to-eat, and authentic meals.
Halo-Halo from Bebang Halo-Halo in Manila is a vibrant dessert. Beat the humidity in the Philippines with a cup. The dessert is a mix of shaved ice, sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, and leche flan.
