We’ve compiled 14 Asian side dishes in this writing that you’ll adore for sure, from the dim sum meals of China to the traditional Japanese breakfast sides and much more! Whatsoever, we suggest paying special attention to restaurant-style favourites like egg drop soup and Korean scallion pancakes if you’re organising an Asian meal to share with guests! 

There are many different Asian cuisines, which means there are also many diverse sides. For you to try, we’ve put together this fantastic list of simple Asian side dishes. You’ll find all the familiar meals, such as different rice preparations, noodles, and rolls, as well as a variety of unusual sides that you might not be familiar with. So, wouldn’t it be soundest to check out all of these wonderful Asian side dishes? You’re going to love all these flavours for sure! 

Kuzhambu: A Renowned Asian Side Dish 

Traditional Sri Lankan food called kuzhambu is a gravy made of different dals (such as urad and toor dals), tamarind, and various vegetables. Usually, the meal is offered as a side dish for rice. 

There are countless kuzhambu variants in Tamil cuisine, all of which have a base of dals, tamarind, and spices like chile and curry leaves. Tomatoes, shallots, plantains, and okra are some of the most popular veggies. 

Asian Vegetables Side Dish: Yeolmu Kimchi  

As the name implies, Yeolmu, young radish greens with a long green stem and a little white root, are used to make this particular type of kimchi. Before being salted and blended with a kimchi paste, the radishes are cut into smaller bits.  

Kimchi paste is often made from a rice flour foundation that is combined with chilli flakes, shredded garlic and ginger, fish sauce, sliced fresh chilis, and fermented shrimp paste. Yeolmu kimchi is a favourite during the summer and is frequently served as a cold side dish. However, it is also frequently used in noodle dishes or bibimbap, a type of Korean mixed rice. 

Onigiri: A Remarkable Asian Side Dish 

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are moist, chewy, and filling. They have been a favourite picnic food since the 11th century, when they were known as Tonjiki and mentioned as such in Lady Murasaki’s diary, who is thought to be the author of The Tale of Genji, widely regarded as the first novel ever written. 

The dish’s ancestors, however, date back much further than Lady Murasaki’s reign. Before chopsticks gained popularity during the Nara period, rice was rolled into small balls to be easily picked up and devoured. Nori seaweed is typically used to wrap onigiri. Nevertheless, this custom didn’t start until the late 16th century. 

Yakitori  

Japanese grilled chicken is known as yakitori, and it is often cooked over a charcoal fire after being skewered on a special kind of skewer called a Kushi. There are different varieties of this dish depending on the cut of chicken and the technique of preparation. 

The seasoning, which can be either salty or salty-sweet and can be applied before or after grilling, is a crucial stage in the preparation of yakitori. While salty-sweet seasoning is actually tare sauce created from mirin, soy sauce, sake, and sugar, salty seasoning is simply salt that is occasionally paired with pepper. 

Asian Side Dishes: Jiaozi 

Jiaozi, or Chinese dumplings, are among the most well-liked and frequently consumed foods in China and East Asia. They are made of a thinly rolled piece of dough filled with either meat or vegetables. They are always served with a side of dipping sauce made of soy sauce, whether as an appetiser or as the main dish. 

Jiaozi is always consumed at Chinese New Year customarily. Jiaozi dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, depending on how they are prepared, but there are many different folding methods. The most common one is called the pinched-edge fold, and it produces the crescent-shaped jiaozi, which is the most common shape in China. 

Apple Chutney  

Apple chutney is a traditional Indian condiment made mostly using firm, ripe apples. Ghee or oil, ginger, cinnamon, anise seeds, chilli peppers, cloves, turmeric, brown sugar, and water are other ingredients. 

There are numerous apple chutney varieties produced with various other ingredients. The chutney is typically served at room temperature with a dessert at the end of the meal or with hot fried snacks like pakoras after the ingredients have been cooked and mashed. 

Asian Side Dishes: Patlıcan Dolmasi 

A Turkish variation on stuffed eggplants is called Patlcan Dolmasi. They are frequently provided as a meze in various kebab establishments across the nation. The dish is known as Kuru Patlcan Dolmasi, when it is commonly made with dried eggplants.  

Before stuffing the dried eggplants with ingredients like mint, pomegranate molasses, onions, ground beef, rice, bulgur, currants, or pine nuts, the dried eggplants should be boiled until they soften. Stuffed eggplants go well with yoghurt, crusty bread, or green olive salad. 

Churma  

A common ingredient in the preparation of north Indian cuisine, Churma, is various kinds of crumbled bread. It is particularly well-liked in Haryana, where locals choose roti, paratha, or puri, and in Rajasthan, where it is prepared using baati bread. 

Then, the fine crumbs are combined with ghee, sugar, cardamom, and, occasionally, other nuts or dry fruits. Melted ghee is typically used to complete the dish. Dal Bati Churma, a wonderful concoction of Churma, dal, and baati bread is the most common way to eat Churma in Rajasthan. 

Asian Side Dishes: Sashimi 

Thinly sliced raw fish, shellfish, or even beef are served as Sashimi, a delicacy of Japan, along with Soy Sauce and possibly Wasabi or Ginger paste. Sashimi is typically made with tuna, squid, scallops, whale, and octopus as its main ingredients. 

Slices of fish can be cut into Sashimi in a variety of ways, ranging from very thin to very thick, to change the dish’s look. Shiso leaves, cucumbers, and seaweed are used to garnish it, which is typically served as an appetizer. 

KKakdugi 

This kimchi variant employs radishes as the main ingredients. After being sliced into cubes, the radishes are covered in a fiery mixture of chilli powder, onions, and ginger and allowed to ferment for a few days.  

In addition to the basic variety, KKakdugi is available in a number of other types with slightly different preparation methods or additional ingredients. One of the most popular side dishes offered in traditional Koranic restaurants is KKakdugi. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are the Most Admired Asian Side Dishes? 

The two main and preferred sources of basic foods are wheat and rice. The region also makes extensive use of barley, and certain sections now grow maize as well. Every class and group consumes bread in some capacity, almost every meal, making it a staple food.  

What Dessert is the Most Well-Liked in Asia? 

Pisang Goreng, Egg Tarts, Dragon Fruit, and Mango Sticky Rice are some of the many admired deserts, particularly in Asia.  

Conclusion 

Although the Asian culture is loaded with mouth-watering delicacies, we have elaborated on some of the many renowned Asian Side Dishes and Asian Vegetables Side Dish in this detailed writing for your convenience.