10 Asian Dishes Americans Order Too Often & 10 Underrated Ones They Need To Try Instead
10 Asian Dishes Americans Order Too Often & 10 Underrated Ones They Need To Try Instead
There’s More To The Menu
Asian cuisine has gotten a lot of love in the United States over the years, but the truth is, there's still so much that Americans are missing out on. While they've come to appreciate popular dishes like pho, Korean fried chicken, and pad thai, there's a plethora of unique, authentic, and seriously tasty Asian dishes still worth trying. Here are 10 common Asian dishes you should stop ordering so that you can try these 10 underrated ones that we know you'll love.
1. Chicken Teriyaki
As far as Japanese menus go, chicken teriyaki might be one of the least adventurous choices you can make. Sure, it's dependable and familiar, but many takeout versions have thick, sugary sauces that cater to American palates rather than showcase what Japanese cuisine is really made of. There's nothing wrong with enjoying it from time to time, but you're missing out!
2. California Rolls
California rolls are a highly Westernized dish that makes sushi approachable for American diners, but isn't really what it's about in Japan. The combination of imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber is mild and predictable, but certainly not wow-worthy. It’s worth exploring options featuring different fish, vegetables, and preparation styles.
3. Pad Thai
Often an automatic order when Americans go to Thai restaurants, this sweet, savory, and tangy dish has won over everyone's hearts (and for good reason). It's a delicious dish, but it's just one of many other fantastic offerings in Thai cuisine. There are plenty of curries, rice, and other noodle dishes worth trying.
4. Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is rich, creamy, and widely loved in American, which explains why it appears on basically every Indian menu. Its mild flavor is a great starting point to Indian cuisine, especially if you're hesitant on spice, but once you're comfortable with the dish, it's worth expanding to more regional dishes that showcase the best of vegetables, lentils, seafood, and spiced-based flavors.
5. General Tso’s Chicken
One of the most recognizable Chinese American takeout dishes, General Tso's chicken is a common go-to order. It's sweet and crispy, which instantly tastes familiar to Americans, but it also definitely isn't the most authentic. That heavy, fried breading and sugary sauce certainly isn't too good for the body to eat regularly.
6. Orange Chicken
Speaking of Chinese American dishes, orange chicken is another example of an over-ordered restaurant food. This food-court favorite combines fried chicken with an addictive sweet citrus sauce, but again, does not act as a good introduction into authentic Chinese flavors.
7. Beef And Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is filling, familiar, and easy to find at basically any Chinese American restaurant, but it's nothing new or exciting. While it can be satisfying, it's taking your opportunity away from more unique dishes on the menu. Branching out is what'll lead you toward dishes that use fermented ingredients, aromatic spices, or less commonly ordered vegetables.
8. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is as standard of an order at an Asian restaurant as it gets. You can easily find it across many different menus, and while it's definitely a comfort order that'll fill you up, there are so many other more fascinating rice dishes that are better worth your money when eating out.
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9. Pho
Pho is an absolutely delicious and heartwarming Vietnamese noodle soup that deserves all the love it's gotten over the years, but it's also one that overshadows every other menu item. There's so much more to Vietnamese cuisine, but we're betting most Americans can't name at least five others outside of this one!
10. Korean Fried Chicken
It's easy to love Korean fried chicken in America when it's basically just crispy chicken drenched in delicious sauces. It's tasty for sure, but Korean cuisine is far more interesting than just this one chicken dish. There are plenty of soups, stews, grilled dishes, and pancakes all worth trying!
1. Mapo Tofu
Savory, spicy, and aromatic, mapo tofu is a Sichuan dish that features the best of soft tofu, ground meat, fermented bean paste, chilis, and Sichuan peppercorns. It tastes delicious paired with some fresh rice, and if you're a fan of heat, you'll definitely appreciate the complex, spicy flavors in this Chinese dish.
2. Saba Nigiri
Trade in your standard California rolls for saba nigiri that truly showcase the freshness and simplicity of good sushi. Cured mackerel sitting atop a bed of seasoned sushi rice might not sound super fancy, but one bite will pack so much more rich flavor than you could imagine.
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3. Khao Soi
Khao soi is a northern Thai curry noodle soup commonly prepared with coconut milk, spices, egg noodles, and meat. It's a welcome change from your typical pad thai, featuring crispy noodles on top to provide contrast, and lime, pickled mustard greens, and shallots to add brightness. It offers a deeper range of flavors you'll love.
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4. Baingan Bharta
Baingan bharta is a lesser-known Indian dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. There might not be any meat, but this proves that vegetarian dishes can be worth your while. Its soft texture and smoky flavor make it satisfying, and even diners who don’t usually choose eggplant may find this preparation pleasantly flavorful.
5. Oyakodon
For a different Japanese chicken dish, give oyakodon a try; this rice bowl features fluffy rice topped with chicken and a softly cooked egg simmered in a seasoned broth. It's warm, comforting, and flavorful, all wrapped up in one bowl, and best of all, it doesn't need an overly thick or sweet glaze to make it approachable.
6. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Step away from pho for a moment to see this amazing Vietnamese rice dish that consists of the most tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice, sauces, and often cucumber or broth. The dish may look simple, but you'll be wowed by its depth of flavor.
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7. Dry-Fried Green Beans
Let's give some love to vegetables too! Sichuan dry-fried green beans are cooked until lightly blistered, then seasoned with aromatics and savory ingredients to make them addictive. Depending on the restaurant, they may include ground pork, preserved vegetables, garlic, chilies, or Sichuan peppercorns too.
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8. Nasi Goreng
Nasi goreng is an Indonesian fried rice dish often seasoned with sweet soy sauce, garlic, chilis, and shrimp paste. It's often topped with a fried egg and served alongside vegetables, chicken, or shrimp, turning it into a filling and satisfying meal. It's got a bit of everything, just the way you like your pad thai.
9. Momo
Momo are dumplings associated with Tibet, Nepal, and nearby regions, and they can be filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. They’re typically steamed or fried and served with a flavorful tomato or chili-based dipping sauce that really ties it all together. Their seasoning and accompaniments make them a refreshing change!
10. Kimchi Jjigae
For something extra hearty and comforting, kimchi jjigae is a delicious Korean stew that's made with aged kimchi, tofu, vegetables, and pork or tuna. Its broth is tangy, savory, and moderately spicy, which may come as a bit of a surprise for first-time orderers.
