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ASIA

Join us as we explore comfort foods from around the globe with our 2022 Passport to Flavor culinary tour. Whether your idea of comfort is a savory, hearty soup a crisp and salty snack, or a decadent dessert, you’re sure to find a dish that hits the spot.

Western China - Sichuan & Hunan

Served hot off the wok or as a chilled noodle salad, there’s something to be said about the experience of diving into a bowl of fresh-made noodles. Popular around the world, noodles are one of the most versatile ingredients to work with and are a classic component of many Asian comfort dishes.

Another favorite in Western China is dim sum (meaning “touch the heart”). It’s the perfect dish to share amongst friends or family while talking about what’s new with life. You can see why this dish evokes feelings of comfort, not only for its’ delicious flavor but for the many memories associated with it.

Often following a meal of dim sum, you’ll find an essential Asian dessert – egg tarts. While this dish can incorporate a variety of flavors, one that often conjures up the most nostalgia is warm, spiced apples.

China is the world’s largest producer of mandarins, harvesting over 6 million tons each year.

Pineapple Pork Noodles

Wok-fried noodles tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce with tender pieces of pineapple juice-marinated pork, sweet mandarin oranges, sliced onions and peppers, and snow pea pods

Shrimp and Mango Siu Mai

Little purses of pasta filled up with ground shrimp, mango, ginger, garlic, green onion, sesame oil, and soy sauce that are steamed and served with a sweet tropical soy sauce to dip.

Egg Tarts with 5 Spice Apples

This rich egg custard inside tender, flaky pie dough is a classic Chinese dessert. The addition of sweet apples with a warm 5 spice seasoning gives an updated take on a favorite.

The Philippines

Sometimes when you’re craving comfort, nothing hits the spot quite like fried foods. That crisp coating and rich flavor is hard to beat. A beloved fried treat in the Philippines is Banana Cue, featuring sweet plantains, coated in brown sugar and deep-fried until golden brown. Often served on a skewer as a mid-day snack, this popular street food is the perfect way to enjoy mindful indulgence.

Moving on to the entrees, you’ll often find pork as a main ingredient in Filipino comfort food. Humba is a Filipino braised pork dish that is very popular amongst locals for its balance of sweet and savory flavors. Meltingly tender sweet and sour pork belly is stewed in adobo and chunks of juicy, golden pineapple and black beans, then served over fluffy coconut pineapple rice.

The Philippines is the second largest producer and exporter of pineapples in the world. Pineapples are harvested here year-round, but peak harvest time is April – July.

Pineapple Chicken Inasal Salad

Succulent barbecued chicken legs basted in a tangy sauce of pineapple juice, fresh ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, shredded and mixed with macaroni noodles, pineapple tidbits, diced apple, creamy mayo, and sharp white cheddar served over butter lettuce.

Banana Cue

Sweet plantains are coated in brown sugar and deep fried until golden brown with a crunchy caramel coating. Served with vanilla ice cream and flaky sea salt.

Pork Humba

Meltingly tender sweet and sour pork belly is stewed in adobo and chunks of juicy, golden pineapple and black beans, then served over coconut pineapple rice and topped with sliced scallions.

Malaysia

Street food is wildly popular in Malaysia, so it’s no surprise that some of the region’s favorite comfort foods are inspired by street food fare. Satay, a dish of seasoned, skewered meat, is arguably the most beloved street food in the country and can include different variations of marinated beef, chicken, or pork.

At the breakfast table, you’ll often find a Malaysian jam called kaya (coconut jam). We’ve taken this rich and aromatic jam, smeared it over freshly toasted bread and added roasted banana slices for the perfect pairing to your morning cup of coffee.

Tropical Iced Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea)

Fresh brewed black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk and “pulled” to create a frothy head, poured over ice with mixed tropical fruit to add a sweet, fruity bite to Malaysia’s national drink.

Hot and Sweet Chicken Satay Salad

This classic Malaysian street food includes tender pieces of chicken in a spicy sweet marinade of sambal and coconut, skewered and char-grilled, served over fresh greens with a bright and savory pineapple coconut dressing, chopped peanuts, and sweet pineapple tidbits.

Kaya Butter Banana Toast

This Malaysian breakfast staple combines sweet and sticky kaya (coconut jam) on freshly toasted bread with roasted banana slices for the perfect pairing for your morning cup, afternoon, or midnight snack!