Roti canai is best enjoyed with some form of curry (Photo: secretlondon123/Flickr)
Cover Roti canai is best enjoyed with curry (Photo: secretlondon123/Flickr)

From roti canai to banh mi, these street snacks in Asia are rated among the best in the world, according to TasteAtlas

TasteAtlas, an online travel guide, recently released its 50 Best Rated Street Foods in the World list according to audience ratings. Our beloved roti canai came in second place, behind China's guotie. A collection of delicious and punchy eats, this list details foods from all corners of the world.

Read more: 8 Asian pancakes you need to try

While taste and rankings are subjective and the definition of street food can vary, the recognition of our continent's flavours is worth celebrating. From China's shengjian mantou (pan-fried pork buns) to Vietnam's banh mi, here are the best 10 street foods in Asia according their rankings on the list. How many have you tried?

And do you agree with the list? 

#1: Guotie (China)

Guotie is a pan-fried version of Chinese dumplings stuffed with minced pork, Chinese cabbage, green onions, ginger, Chinese rice wine, and sesame seed oil. It's usually served with a soy sauce mixed with rice vineger, minced ginger, and green onions.

#2: Roti canai (Malaysia)

A breakfast staple in Malaysia, it is believed to have been based on a recipe brought over by labourers from India. The flatbread is crispy and flaky on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. It's usually served with curries. 

See also: What food do these Malaysian pilots miss while flying?

#5: Karaage (Japan)

Though the name karaage refers to deep-frying method that involves a coating of arrowroot starch coating, its name synonymous with this fried chicken. Served in bite-sized chunks, karaage can usually be found in izakayas, bars, bento shops, and even supermarkets. It's best enjoyed with a lemon wedge, Japanese mayonnaise, and shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice).

Don't miss: The best Japanese restaurants in Malaysia

#6: Banh mi (Vietnam)

Consisting of a short baguette stuffed with cilantro, cha lua (pork sausage), cucumber, pickled carrots, pickled daikon, pâté, red chilli, and buttery mayonnaise, banh mi is a widely popular street snack in Vietnam. Its origins date all the way back to the Nguyen dynasty when the French introduced the baguette to Vietnam in the mid-19th century. 

Read more: 5 stylish boutique hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

#10: Siomay (Indonesia)

Derived from the Chinese siew mai, Indonesia's siomay is a steamed fish dumpling served with tofu, peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, chilli sauce, and various vegetables, including bitter gourd. It's particularly popular with students.

#12: Shengjian mantou (China)

Shengjian mantou is yet another variation of Chinese dumplings wrapped with soft dough and shallow-fried before being lightly steamed. Typical fillings include minced pork, vegetable, or shrimp mixed with cabbage, chives, and gelatin.

See also: 10 unique restaurants to try in Wellington, New Zealand

#13: Hotteok (South Korea)

Frequently sold in street carts in South Korea, hotteok is a type of pancake that is usually filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts such as peanuts and walnuts. A favourite during the winter, it is served piping hot, fresh off the griddle. Depending on the maker, hotteok can vary in thickness, and have a crispy exterior and gooey interior. 

#14: Pempek (Indonesia)

Pempek is a traditional Indonesian fish cake that originated in the city of Palembang. Made by pounding fish meat with tapioca flour, pempek is first steamed and then deep fried right before serving. It is drenched in a rich sweet and sour sauce called kuah cuka, and can be served on its own or with noodles.

See also: 5 luxury hotels in Lombok to visit on your next beach holiday

#16: Nasi uduk (Indonesia)

Nasi uduk is steamed rice with coconut milk, lemongrass, cloves, pandan leaves, and cinnamon. This incredibly fragrant dish is eaten with dishes like fried chicken, eggs, tempeh, fried anchovies, and fried tofu. Sambal is a must-have accompaniment.

#17: Tempeh mendoan (Indonesia)

Hailing from the town of Purwokerto in Jawa, tempeh mendoan is a deep-fried variety of the fermented soybean dish. Ground coriander, sliced scallions, and garlic are added into the batter for a more aromatic result. This vegan-friendly snack is made by quickly frying the coated tempeh and usually enjoyed with a spicy sweet soy sauce sambal.

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