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21 Asian Plates So Good, They Deserve Their Own Playlist

When you think about music and food, there’s a unique connection that often goes unnoticed. Just like a good song, each of the 21 Asian plates has its own rhythm and mood, making it a perfect candidate for its own playlist. This isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the dish as if it were a melody.

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.

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Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Often served in bao or with rice, Char Siu brings a rich glaze that catches the eye. It’s a dish that could rock its own playlist with its wide appeal. Everyone from kids to grandparents enjoys its presence at family gatherings, where it often steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Famous at many festive events, Chicken Biryani is a dish worth its own soundtrack, filled with rich layers and history. It’s a complete meal that caters to those looking for a hearty and aromatic experience, perfect for any celebration or big family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Dan Dan Noodles

A close-up of twirled dan dan noodles on a fork with herbs and bits of meat.
Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Originally a street food, Dan Dan Noodles offer a quick yet bold meal option, perfect for a busy day. It’s the kind of dish that deserves its own playlist, being both fulfilling and straightforward. Ideal for anyone needing a filling meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Low angle shot of a plate of fried chicken with sesame sauce and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Sesame Chicken combines crunch with a sweet-salty coating, making it a healthier alternative that still hits all the right notes. It’s perfect for an easy dinner and certainly worthy of its own playlist, especially on a busy weekday.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sesame Chicken

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

How about Bombay Sandwiches? It bring bold, spicy flavors in a quick, portable form. This snack could easily feature in its own playlist, ideal for anyone looking for a vibrant bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, easy to share and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls are all about achieving the perfect crunch with less oil. They are the kind of appetizer that deserves to be paired with a great playlist, loved for their health-conscious twist on a traditional favorite. Perfect for parties or a family snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Black Sesame Cookies

Black sesame cookies on a baking sheet with a spoonful of black sesame seeds.
Black Sesame Cookies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With a unique look and nutty crunch, Black Sesame Cookies are sophisticated yet simple. These cookies are so good, they could have their own playlist, making them an excellent match for tea time or as a refined treat by themselves.
Get the Recipe: Black Sesame Cookies

Chicken 65

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65 brings the heat with every bite, making it a favorite for those who love their chicken spicy. It’s a dish that’s vibrant enough to have its own playlist, often chosen to kickstart any gathering with its bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Air Fryer Wontons

Air fryer wontons on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ever tried Air Fryer Wontons? This dish achieve a pleasing crunch, making them a favorite for those who love traditional snacks with a twist. They’re a playlist-worthy snack, perfect for starting off a meal or just munching during a casual hangout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Chicken Curry Laksa

Laksa in a white bowl.
Chicken Curry Laksa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Curry Laksa serves up a creamy, spicy soup that’s both comforting and complex. It’s so inviting, it deserves its own playlist, ideal for those chilly days when you need a hearty meal that warms from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

Chili Oil

Low angle shot of a jar of chili oil with a spoon lifting some of the oil out of the jar.
Chili Oil. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A staple in many kitchens, Chili Oil adds a spicy kick to any dish. It’s simple but transformative, the kind of condiment that could easily have its own playlist, enhancing everything from noodles to dumplings with just a few drops.
Get the Recipe: Chili Oil

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you need something to warm you up, Chicken Hot and Sour Soup does the trick with its spicy and sour kick. Halfway through a bowl, you might think it deserves its own playlist, thanks to its spot-on balance. It’s a favorite starter in Asian dining, perfect for setting the tone of a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy Beef brings a crunch that’s unforgettable, making it a mainstay on any menu where it appears. Its texture and mouth-watering aroma could easily inspire its own playlist. Pair it with rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal that keeps things interesting from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Cilantro Mint Chutney

High angle shot of a bowl of cilantro mint chutney with a spoonful being lifted above the bowl.
Cilantro Mint Chutney. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a touch of freshness, Cilantro Mint Chutney is your go-to side. It brings a burst of bright green and a fresh taste that can lighten up any rich dish. It’s so refreshing, it could dance to its own playlist. Try it as a dip or spread to see why it’s a staple at many meals.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Mint Chutney

Crystal Dumplings

Low angle shot of dumplings with a steamer basket in the background.
Crystal Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crystal Dumplings are a feast for the eyes with their translucent wrappers and vibrant fillings. They’re as pleasing to look at as they are to eat, deserving their own playlist for sure. Enjoy these at dim sum for a light yet fulfilling start. They’re a hit during festive times too.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

Cucumber Kimchi

Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.
Cucumber Kimchi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

How about Cucumber Kimchi? It’s a speedy, fresh take on the kimchi family. It’s got all the crunch and tang you need to jazz up a heavier meal, almost like it’s got its own playlist. This side dish is praised for being easy to whip up and great at cutting through richer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate with dipping sauce.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons are a crowd-pleaser whether you have them in soup or with a side of dip. Their crispy shell and juicy inside are so good that they should come with their own playlist. They’re a versatile choice, great as a snack or part of a bigger spread.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Dry Fried Green Beans

Low angle shot of a plate of dry fried green beans.
Dry Fried Green Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who like a bit of crunch, try Dry Fried Green Beans. They’re a hit as a side and would not be out of place on a playlist celebrating great Asian dishes. They go well with just about anything, making them a dependable favorite.
Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans

Miso Caramel

Brownies and ice cream with miso caramel being drizzled over the top.
Miso Caramel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Miso Caramel mixes the best of both worlds with its salty-sweet kick, standing out in any dessert spread. It’s the kind of twist that deserves its own playlist. Whether it’s drizzled over ice cream or mixed into baked goods, it brings something special to the table.
Get the Recipe: Miso Caramel

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Have you tried Beef Bulgogi Bowls? It packs everything you want in a meal: tender meat, veggies, and a bed of rice. They’re so good, that they could play their own playlist. Customize your bowl to taste and see why this dish is a lunch and dinner favorite. It’s filling and never boring.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Air Fryer Samosas

Plate of samosaas with tamarind chutney and cilantro mint chutney.
Air Fryer Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Samosas keep things light with less oil but all the crispiness you crave. They’re a smarter pick that still packs all the spice and filling you’d expect—worthy of their own playlist. These are perfect for when you want something delicious without the hassle of deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Samosas

By on April 17th, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well. → More about Robin

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