Iconic Southeast Asian Dishes For You to Savour

It’s no secret that we love Southeast Asian cuisines. In fact, Australia has the most Thai restaurants out of Thailand, and you can certainly find authentic Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, and Vietnamese foods in almost every major city here. Every Southeast Asian cuisine has their distinct character and nuanced, robust tastes with a massive array of splendid, mouth-watering delights. And, there’s almost always one dish in each cuisine that embodies their rich flavour profile. So, if you’re new to the yummies from this region, here are the iconic Southeast Asian favourites that define each cuisine’s uniqueness.

Indonesian Nasi Goreng

Fried rice is ubiquitous across Asia, and every culture is sure to have their own versions. But few may rival the bold, tongue-wowing flavour of Indonesian Nasi Goreng. It packs chicken, prawns and veggie with a combo of spicy and savoury seasonings, including the sauce that gives Nasi Goreng its signature sweet-savoury burst: the Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce. Try it with our authentic recipe, and be sure to check out more unique ingredients that give Indonesian dishes their bold flavours.

Pad See Ew

Pad Thai is undoubtedly among the most renowned Thai stir-fries around the world, and is literally a national dish. But there is a similar delicacy with a deeper root in Thailand’s history of diversity: the Pad See Ew. Born from the assimilation of Chinese migrant cooking-style with Thai mastery of rich balanced flavours. While Pad Thai is sweet and nutty, Pad See Ew is savoury with a light sour touch and appetizing chargrilled aroma. Flavoured with a blend of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce, Kecap Manis and dark soy sauce. Yummy, filling and simple to make!

Singaporean Char Kway Teow

Singapore is renowned for their hawker culture that gathers all the flavours of Southeast Asia and reinvents them into unique tastes. Sing-style Char Kway Teow is one such delicacy. Nowhere else will you taste a version of this beloved street food that’s actually sweet-flavoured besides Singapore. Born from the combo of Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce, light soy sauce and the sweet-savoury burst of Chinese sausage. Easy to make, awesome to taste!

Vietnamese Pho

Vietnamese cuisine is typically known to be more mellow-flavoured than their neighbours. Well, mellowed on first taste, actually. Then the rich, comforting flavours linger and build up in your mouth to a deep umami satisfaction. The yummiest example is, of course, the Pho. Steamy, robust-flavoured beef noodle soup that combines signature Vietnamese herbs and spices to deliver its spellbinding taste. Come have a sip with our recipe.

Myanmar Mohinga

The northern and inland cuisines of Southeast Asia are often overlooked, though they too, are absolutely foodie havens. Myanmar, for example, hosts a diverse range of layered savoury flavours, enriched with funky ingredients, and accompanied by the sour and spicy. Mohinga is their must-try national dish. A warm and deeply savoury fish soup; flavoured by unique herbs, and topped with fish floss, fish cake, fritters, long beans and a touch of lime juice. Want a taste? Make it authentic with our step-by-step recipe!

Malaysian Satay

With a multi-ethnic, multicultural population, Malaysian cuisine is never just one thing, but a kaleidoscope of rich spicy, savoury and complex flavours. When it comes to grilled meats, however, satay is the one uniting recipe that every Malaysian loves. Marinated with a blend of local spices for a distinctly piquant and savoury flavour, grilled to tender and fragrant perfection and served with a signature sweet-savoury peanut sauce. Have yours with beef, chicken or pork!

Filipino Inspired Adobo Chicken

Filipino cuisine is defined by their delicate balance of 3 main flavours: savoury, sweet and sour, in their own unique blend of Eastern and Western influenced style of cooking – evolved from the archipelago’s rich history as a sea-trade hub. The more well-travelled foodie among us might taste touches of Spanish, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, but all skilfully assimilated into the distinct Filipino flavour. Chicken Adobo embodies this unique trait. Marrying the sweet-savoury Kecap Manis and chilli sauce with the tarty tone of apple cider vinegar. A dish like no other. Experience it with our recipe!

Honorary mentions

Of course, the above is just a very small sample of iconic Southeast Asian dishes. Other signatures to whet your appetite include: Hainanese Chicken Rice, a savoury comfort dish that maximizes the flavours of chicken, from the rice to the meat and soup. The Babi Kecap, probably the ultimate Indonesian pork indulgence, richly seasoned with Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce. Also enlivened in Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce is the Thai Basil Tofu & Vegetables Stir-Fry, a sweet-savoury and aromatic wonder dish that’s sure to please and satisfy. Want more goodies? Check out our 20 Southeast Asian street food faves!

The secret to authentic Southeast Asian flavour

As you explore the flavours of Southeast Asian cuisines, you may notice that many have common ingredients, but used in different ways. Among these are the sauces, and Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce, with its caramel-like taste and distinct sweet-savoury flavour, is the perfect match across many Southeast Asian cuisines. For example, you practically can’t do without it in Indonesian and Malaysian cooking.

ABC Kecap Manis Sweet Soy Sauce is our preferred choice. Made from high quality soy beans and naturally sweetened with sun-dried coconut sugar, which gives it a bold sweet-savoury flavour; with a thick, syrupy consistency and rich caramel taste. Get yours today at your friendly supermarket or Asian grocer!