Top 5 Easy & Delicious Asian Foods Every Backpacker Should Try

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Traveling across Asia as a backpacker is an adventure filled with culture, nature, and unforgettable food. But when you're on the move with a tight budget and limited cooking gear, you need meals that are easy, tasty, and energizing. Here are five must-try Asian backpacker meals — complete with simple recipes so you can make them anywhere!

Easy Delicious Asian Foods Every Backpacker Should Try


1. Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) – Indonesia

Why it’s perfect: Cheap, filling, and uses whatever ingredients you have.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked rice (best if a day old)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 clove garlic (chopped)
  • Veggies (carrot, cabbage, or anything on hand)
  • Soy sauce or kecap manis
  • Chili (optional)

How to make:

1. Heat oil in a pan.

2. Sauté garlic, add veggies, and stir-fry.

3. Push veggies to one side, crack in the egg, scramble.

4. Add rice, mix everything, pour in soy sauce, stir well.

5. Serve with fried shallots or a fried egg on top.

2. Kimchi Ramen – Korea

Why it’s perfect: Instant ramen with a spicy, tangy twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack instant ramen
  • 1/2 cup kimchi
  • 1 egg
  • Green onions (optional)

How to make:

1. Boil water and cook noodles with seasoning packet.

2. Add kimchi and stir.

3. Crack in the egg, simmer until cooked.

4. Garnish with green onions.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice – Thailand Style

Why it’s perfect: Quick to make and healthy.

Ingredients:

  • Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, beans, etc.)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • Soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, sugar
  • Oil for frying

How to make:

1. Heat oil, sauté garlic.

2. Add vegetables and a splash of water.

3. Add a mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar.

4. Stir-fry until veggies are cooked.

5. Serve over rice.

4. Onigiri (Rice Balls) – Japan

Why it’s perfect: No need for cooking when you're on the road.

Ingredients:

  • Cooked short-grain rice
  • Salt
  • Filling: canned tuna with mayo, pickled plum, or seaweed
  • Seaweed sheets (optional)

How to make:

1. Wet hands, sprinkle with salt.

2. Take a handful of rice, make a dent in the center.

3. Add filling, cover with more rice, and shape into a triangle.

4. Wrap with seaweed if available.

5. Pho-Inspired Instant Noodle Soup – Vietnam

Why it’s perfect: A warm, comforting dish you can prepare even in a hostel.

Ingredients:

  • Instant noodles
  • A dash of fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chili
  • Fresh herbs (mint, basil, or cilantro if available)
  • Onion and garlic

How to make:

1. Boil water, add sliced onion and garlic.

2. Add noodles and cook.

3. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.

4. Top with fresh herbs.

Final Tip for Backpackers:

Carry a travel spice kit — a few sachets of soy sauce, chili oil, and bouillon cubes go a long way. A compact pan and a spork can make all the difference!


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