Asian cuisine is one of the most popular styles of cuisine around the world, but it often remains a mystery for many in the West. Some hold misconceptions, fearing it’s too spicy or exotic for their palate. If you fall in that camp but are curious to try Asian food, fear not, for we’re here to dive into the delicious tapestry that is Asian cuisine. In this guide, we’ll embark on a journey through various styles and traditions of Asian cuisine. We’ll demystify its diverse tastes, showcase some must-try dishes, and unveil the best Asian restaurant in Malta.

A beginner’s guide to Asian cuisine

The term “Asian cuisine” is often used as a catch-all. It’s crucial to understand that it in fact encompasses a vast, eclectic, and diverse range of cooking traditions from all across the Eastern continent. Within this vast culinary landscape, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines stand out as some of the most popular styles embraced around the world. Locally, you will find many Asian food restaurants in Malta specialising in these cooking traditions.

While rice and noodles are typically common items through many of these cuisines, each brings its own distinct character to the table. Here are just some of the most common ingredients and flavour profiles you can expect:

• Chinese Cuisine: Chinese dishes are celebrated for their rich diversity, spanning a wide range of flavours and regional styles such as Cantonese and Szechuan. In Chinese restaurants, common ingredients include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and an array of meats and fresh vegetables.

• Indian Cuisine: Indian cuisine is a delightful blend of spices and herbs, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savoury, and spicy tastes. Core ingredients feature a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, alongside staples like legumes, rice, and yogurt.

• Japanese Cuisine: Japanese cuisine is known for its simplicity and attention to detail. It places a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a minimalist approach to cooking. Iconic dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and tempura showcase the elegance of Japanese cuisine. Soy sauce, nori (seaweed), and dashi (broth) are integral components of Japanese flavour profiles.

Understanding these distinct culinary traditions will make it easier for you to understand which dishes might most appeal to you.

Popular Asian dishes and specialties to try

Now that we’re better acquainted with the diverse flavour profiles of Asian cuisine, let’s explore some of the most popular dishes and staples from the Asian culinary landscape. If you’re planning your first meal at an Asian restaurant in Malta, here are some great dishes to look out for:

• Asian starters: Popular Asian starters present an enticing range of flavours and textures that are the perfect appetizer before any Asian meal. Spring rolls offer a light and crisp experience, with rice paper or pastry wrapped around a blend of vegetables or meat, often served with dipping sauces. Samosas are a beloved Indian snack that feature a mildly spiced potato and pea filling, providing a satisfying, savoury taste. They are often paired with yogurts and chutneys. Dumplings are found in various Asian cuisines, and offer juicy, flavourful bites within delicate pastry wrappings, commonly accompanied by soy-based dips.

• Curry: Curry is a beloved Asian favourite that takes on distinctive forms across cultures. Indian curries often boast rich and robust flavours, with popular choices like creamy Tikka Masala and spicy Vindaloo. In contrast, Thai curries, like Green and Yellow Curry, offer an aromatic and zesty blend of flavours, often featuring coconut milk and fragrant herbs.

• Noodles: Noodles hold a special place in Asian cuisine, and each region offers its own unique twist. Singaporean noodles are typically spicy and seafood-infused, while Phad Thai embodies Thai cuisine’s sweet and tangy charm. Chinese-inspired Chow Mein noodles are stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, meats or shrimp, and flavoured with a savoury sauce.

• Sushi: Sushi is a Japanese cooking artform. Nigiri brings succulent slices of fish atop bite-sized morsels of rice. Sashimi features raw cuts of fish, like salmon and tuna, while uramaki rolls include ingredients both inside and out of each rice roll, which offer delightful contrasts.

• Ramen: Ramen is a comforting Japanese classic, which features hearty noodles in a miso-based, herb-infused dashi broth. Tofu, various meats, including duck and beef, are commonly included in this soul-warming bowl, making it a beloved choice for all.

Is all Asian food spicy?

One of the most common misconceptions about Asian food is the belief that it’s all searingly spicy. In reality, while some Asian dishes and ingredients pack a fiery punch, not every plate is a mouthful of flames.

If you’re not a fan of heat, here’s a tip: Keep an eye out for dishes that prominently feature chilis, wasabi, or other spicy elements like peppercorns, mustard seeds, or red pepper flakes.

For those who prefer milder flavours, there are plenty of options to explore. Consider classics like delicate sushi rolls, comforting bowls of ramen, or dim sum. These dishes offer plenty of flavour without the fiery kick.

What is Asian Fusion cuisine?

If you’ve been searching for Asian restaurants in Malta, you might have stumbled upon the term “Asian Fusion.” But what exactly does it mean?

In the culinary world, “fusion” refers to a blend of diverse flavours and cooking cultures, resulting in new and exciting food experiences. Within an Asian Fusion restaurant, chefs combine elements from various Asian cultures like Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Korean, and more. This fusion allows them to craft unique dishes that showcase fresh and innovative concepts to their diners.

One of the great things about Asian fusion restaurants is that they offer a taste tour of different Asian cuisines in one place. Many feature set menus that introduce you to a variety of flavours and popular dishes, particularly handy when you aren’t sure what specific dish to order from the menu.

Discovering TemptAsian: the best Asian Fusion restaurant in Malta

Now that you’re well verse in Asian cuisine, you’ll probably be wanting to sample some of the finest Asian flavours that Malta has to offer. So, if you’re looking for a fantastic Asian dining experience, look no further than TemptAsian.

Located atop the 5-star AX The Palace hotel in Sliema, TemptAsian is a multi award-winning Asian Fusion restaurant, renowned for delivering one of Malta’s finest Asian dining experiences. Across its diverse a la carte and set menus, TemptAsian showcases beloved Asian classics like sushi, curries, teppanyaki, noodles, ramen, and much more. The skilled chefs blend traditional Asian recipes with innovative cooking techniques, crafting a menu that promises an array of delights inspired by the rich cooking traditions of the East.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, TemptAsian offers a stylish ambiance. With sweeping views of the Sliema skyline, diners can enjoy their meals indoors in the chic restaurant or bask in the open air on the spacious terrace. The entire experience is delivered with exceptional style and professional service.

Reserve your table at TemptAsian today! Call us on +356 2133 3444 or book online.