NATIONAL CUISINE
At Asia Foodstore, you'll find all the ingredients for Asian cuisine
Asian cuisine is known for its diverse and unique dishes that rely on distinctive ingredients, flavors, and spices to create refined and flavorful meals. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, India, Korea, or China offer a wide range of traditional dishes that only come together with the right essential ingredients. At Asia Foodstore, we offer a huge selection of Asian products to help you cook authentic Asian recipes. Our extensive range of over 5,000 products invites you to explore the fascinating culinary worlds of Asia. Whether it’s sushi from Japan, Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) from Vietnam, Tom Kha Gai soup with coconut milk from Thailand, kimchi (fermented vegetables) from Korea, or Nasi Goreng (fried rice) from Indonesia – our shop has everything you need to prepare Asian dishes.
The colorful diversity of Asian cuisines
Each Asian country has its own ingredients, dishes, and culinary traditions. While many ingredients, sauces, and spices are similar, every country brings its own preparation methods and customs to the table, reflecting the rich culinary variety of Asia.
Taiwan
Typical ingredients: Rice, noodles, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, tofu, sweet bean pastes, five-spice powder, pork, and seafood
Popular dishes: Beef Noodle Soup, Lu Rou Fan (rice with braised pork belly), Ba-Wan (sticky rice flour dumplings with meat filling)
Cultural background and eating habits: Many rituals are influenced by Buddhism and Taoism (e.g., vegetarian food at temple festivals), snacks are often shared.
Culinary highlights: Taiwanese food blends Chinese, Japanese, and local influences. The country is famous for its street food and Buddhist-inspired vegetarian cuisine.
Recommended products: Mochi, Bubble Tea, Rice Crackers, Instant Noodles, BBQ Sauces, Soy Sauce, Fermented Tofu
Vietnam
Typical ingredients: Fresh herbs, fish sauce, limes, chili, garlic, rice, rice noodles, various meats, fish and seafood, bean sprouts, green papaya
Popular dishes: Pho (noodle soup with beef), Bun Cha (grilled pork with cold rice noodles), Goi Cuon (summer rolls with shrimp, pork, and lettuce), dried coconut strips, lotus seeds, and sesame brittle are popular snacks
Cultural background and eating habits: Meals are eaten together, with many dishes placed in the center of the table to share. Altars with food offerings are common during festivals.
Culinary highlights: Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes a balance of all five flavor profiles and is known for freshness and lightness.
Recommended products: Pho Spices, Bun Bo Hue, Fish Sauce, Nuoc Mam, Vietnamese Coffee
Thailand
Typical ingredients: Chili, garlic, lemongrass, coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, Thai basil, coriander, mint, jasmine rice, and sticky rice
Popular dishes: Tom Yum (spicy and sour shrimp soup), Gaeng Kiew Wan (green curry with coconut milk, Thai basil, and meat or fish), Som Tam (papaya salad)
Cultural background and eating habits: Meals are shared and eaten with spoon and fork, except for noodle dishes. Many Thais fast or eat vegetarian on certain days.
Culinary highlights: Known as a paradise for street food, Thai cuisine strikes a balance between sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. It's famous for its wide variety of bold-flavored dishes.
Recommended products: Pad Thai Sauce, Red Thai Curry Paste, Massaman Curry Paste, Fish Sauce, Coconut Milk, Jasmine Rice, Tom Yum Paste
Korea
Typical ingredients: Rice, kimchi, gochujang (fermented chili paste), doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gochugaru (chili flakes), dried seaweed, meat, tofu, fish
Popular dishes: Bibimbap (rice with vegetables), Kimchi stew (with tofu, pork, or tuna), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes in chili paste)
Cultural background and eating habits: Eating is socially organized and follows a hierarchy (elders first). Table manners and respect are deeply influenced by Confucianism.
Culinary highlights: Korean cuisine features bold, spicy dishes with lots of chili and fermented ingredients. Korean BBQ is especially popular.
Recommended products: Kimchi, Gochujang, Gochugaru, Doenjang, Bulgogi Marinade, Korean Noodles
China
Typical ingredients: Rice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, spring onions, tofu, chili, Sichuan pepper, fish sauce, fermented bean pastes, bamboo, mushrooms, meat
Popular dishes: Peking duck (crispy roast duck with pancakes), Mapo Tofu (spicy tofu stew), Chow Mein (fried wheat noodles with vegetables)
Cultural background and eating habits: Tea culture accompanies many meals, which are eaten with chopsticks. Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism often intertwine.
Culinary highlights: Meals typically include multiple shared dishes. Contrasts like cooling and warming foods (Yin-Yang), or combinations such as sweet-sour and crispy-soft are especially popular.
Recommended products: Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Sichuan Pepper, Chinese Noodles, Rice Vinegar, Black Bean Paste, Chinese Rice Wine
Indonesia
Typical ingredients: Rice, coconut products, sambal (spicy chili paste), kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), herbs & spices, tempeh and tofu, palm sugar, peanuts, fish sauce
Popular dishes: Nasi Goreng, Satay skewers (meat skewers with peanut sauce), Rendang (slow-cooked beef in coconut milk)
Cultural background and eating habits: Many dishes are eaten by hand or from banana leaves. Islam is the predominant religion, which forbids pork (halal food).
Culinary highlights: Street vendors and night markets are central in Indonesia. The cuisine shows influences from India, China, and the Netherlands, and is rich in spices, peanuts, chili, and coconut.
Recommended products: Bamboe Rendang spice mix, Bamboe Kare Javanese Curry, Bamboe Soto Ayam, Ginger Candies, Sticky Rice, Nasi Goreng Spice Paste
Japan
Typical ingredients: Rice, soy sauce, miso, sake, dashi (kelp broth), tofu, seaweed, fish and seafood, vegetables, wasabi, ginger, sesame
Popular dishes: Sushi, Sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish and seafood), Tempura (battered and fried seafood and vegetables), Ramen (noodle soup with various broths)
Cultural background and eating habits: Gratitude and mindfulness are essential at the table – no loud noises, and meals follow a specific order.
Culinary highlights: Presentation and aesthetics are crucial in Japanese cuisine. Dishes are often served in small bowls, and perfect preparation is a sign of hospitality.
Recommended products: Sushi, Seaweed and Nori Sheets, Wasabi, Soy Sauce, Miso Paste, Udon Noodles, Teriyaki Sauce
India
Typical ingredients: Rice, wheat, legumes, dairy products, spices (masalas), onions, garlic, ginger, tamarind, coconut, fresh coriander, mint, lime
Popular dishes: Butter Chicken (creamy tomato chicken curry), Naan, Roti and Paratha (flatbreads), Sambar (lentil soup with tamarind)
Cultural background and eating habits: Traditionally eaten with the right hand. Beef and pork are avoided due to Hinduism and Islam.
Culinary highlights: Vegetarian dishes are widespread, especially among Hindus. Indian cuisine varies greatly by region but is rich in spices, legumes, and ayurvedic influences.
Recommended products: Garam Masala, Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Fenugreek, Basmati Rice, Tandoori Spice
Philippines
Typical ingredients: Rice, garlic, onions, ginger, chili, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, coconut milk, calamansi, tamarind, green mango, pineapple
Popular dishes: Adobo (braised meat dish), Sinigang (sour-spicy soup with tamarind), Laing (dried taro leaves in coconut milk with chili and dried fish)
Cultural background and eating habits: Three main meals plus "merienda" (snack time). Food is for sharing and has a cheerful, generous, and family-oriented meaning in the Philippines.
Culinary highlights: Filipino cuisine is influenced by Spain, China, and Southeast Asian neighbors. Sweet and salty flavors are common in rice, meat, and vinegar-based dishes.
Recommended products: Fried Corn Snack, Adobo Mix, Sardines in Tomato Sauce, Tamarind, Soy Sauce, Cane Vinegar
Discover our Asian recipes
Feeling inspired to try cooking Asian food yourself? Take a look at our "Asian recipes" and "cooking videos" sections. You'll find easy step-by-step guides to make your own delicious Asian meals. Many of the ingredients you need can be ordered directly from our shop.
Why buy Asian groceries from Asia Foodstore?
- Wide product selection: Our online shop offers over 5,000 items so you can create authentic and tasty Asian dishes at home. We also have a diverse range of Asian snacks.
- Top quality: We only stock premium branded products from reputable manufacturers.
- Excellent shipping service: We ship your order by the next business day. Free shipping within Germany for orders over €49.
- Secure payment options: We accept Mastercard, Visa, Sofort (Klarna), giropay, PayPal, invoice via PayPal, SEPA direct debit, and bank transfer.
Order your Asian groceries now from Asia Foodstore
Love Asian cuisine or already a seasoned cook using authentic Asian ingredients? Whether you're a beginner or expert, you'll find your favorite products with us. Filter by country and shop for exactly what you need from Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, China, Indonesia, Japan, India, and the Philippines.
Got questions about our product range, your order, or shipping? Don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact form or email. Our customer service is happy to help.
FAQs about Asian cuisine
Are Asian dishes difficult to cook?
Not at all – they’re surprisingly easy. A few sauces, chili, coconut milk, and flavorful spices are all it takes for bold, exotic taste. We offer many items in convenient portion sizes.
What basic ingredients do I need for Asian cooking?
Staples like rice, soy and fish sauce, coconut milk, curries, and rice noodles form the foundation of many dishes. You’ll find all the essentials and special ingredients for each country’s cuisine in our shop.
Can I cook vegetarian or vegan versions?
Absolutely! Many Asian cuisines have traditional vegetarian options – using tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. Our shop offers plenty of vegan items like rice noodles, coconut milk, tofu, and spice blends. Check our recipe section for vegan meals too.
Are all Asian dishes spicy?
No – lots of Asian dishes, like many from Japan, China, or Vietnam, are mild. And you can control the heat of a dish like red Thai curry by adjusting the curry paste and coconut milk ratio.
Where do the products come from?
Our items are imported directly from their countries of origin – such as Thailand, Japan, Korea, or Vietnam. We focus on quality and authenticity, offering trusted brands from select importers.
