Similar but delicious asian foods

Something I noticed a long time ago was that many dishes of asian cultures shared strong similarities. Most likely because of the countries' close geographical positions and the mixing of cultures during their development.

Examples:

BAOBING/ PATBINGSU/ HALO-HALO/ KAKIGORI/ Ais kacang/ shaved ice

(patbingsu)

Since I am chinese, I'm most familiar with it being called baobing. A dessert made of shaved ice and condensed milk with varying toppings, this is one of my favorite desserts. I love the refreshing sweet taste of baobing during the summer. Toppings include; chopped fruit (mango, kiwi, strawberry, etc.), mochi (little sticky rice balls), grass jelly, red beans, red/green mung beans, and many more. This dish is similar to shaved ice in the US, but a LOT better tasting IMO. The sweetness is not too sweet and I think baobing would be pretty healthy.


MOCHI/ NIAN GAO/ TTEOK/ sticky rice cake

(mochi)

Cute and delicious, all 3 variations are made with glutinous rice. Mochi is shaped into spheres, tteok is made into all kinds of shapes, and nian gao is cut into rectangles. Very sticky, but mildly sweet. The traditional technique of pounding rice into these sticky treats is amazing, not to mention risky.




MAKIZUSHI/ KIMBAP/ stuff rolled into rice and seaweed

(kimbap)

To be honest I don't know why they even bothered to call these different names. The inside ingredients are different but the general presentation and method of making these rolls is virtually the same. Delicious nonetheless, I love both foods.


That's all I can think of for now, but food adventures never cease! :D
Asian cuisine is delicious for the eyes as well as the mouth.

Did you know?

The world's biggest hamburger weighs 185 lbs.

Happy eating :)