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1. Hat Yai, Thailand
Hat Yai is a great choice for a quick food getaway, blending Thai, Malay, and Chinese influences into a unique southern Thai flavor profile. You'll find a vibrant mix of bustling night markets and local eateries offering everything from savory morning dim sum to fragrant curries. Don't leave without trying its famous local-style fried chicken, khao mok gai, hot roti, and nasi kerabu.
Must-eat: Halal dim sum, fried chicken, khao mok gai, roti, and nasi kerabu.
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Browse stays in Hat Yai: Traveloka | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is the kind of destination where you can eat well without spending a fortune. From tiny street-side stalls to bustling markets and modern cafés, the city is packed with Vietnamese favourites worth travelling for. Start with a steaming bowl of phở, grab a bánh mì for lunch, then cool off with a strong Vietnamese coffee while exploring the city.
Must-eat: Bánh mì, phở, cơm tấm, bánh xèo, and Vietnamese coffee.
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Browse stays in Ho Chi Minh City: Traveloka | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook
3. Padang, Indonesia
If nasi Padang is already a regular part of your lunch rotation, why not try it where it all began? Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, is the gateway to Minangkabau cuisine, known for its bold spices, rich curries, and generous spread of dishes. Besides piling your plate with rendang, make room for gulai, dendeng, sambal hijau, and the region's signature sate Padang.
Must-eat: Nasi Padang, rendang, gulai, dendeng, sambal hijau, and sate Padang.
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Browse stays in Padang: Traveloka | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai offers a completely different side of Thai cuisine, with Northern Thai dishes that are richer, earthier, and often quite different from what you'll find in Bangkok or the southern regions. The star of the show is undoubtedly khao soi, a creamy curry noodle dish topped with crispy noodles. Spend your days eating your way through local markets, then wind down at one of the city's many cafés.
Must-eat: Khao soi, sai ua, nam prik ong, sticky rice, and mango sticky rice.
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Browse stays in Chiang Mai: Traveloka | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook
5. Manila, Philippines
Manila is a good pick if you want to venture beyond the usual Southeast Asian foodie destinations. Filipino cuisine is all about big, comforting flavours, with dishes that balance salty, sour, sweet, and savoury notes. Try the country's beloved adobo and sisig, then sample crispy lumpia, pancit noodles, and a refreshing bowl of halo-halo when you need something sweet.
Must-eat: Adobo, sisig, lechon, lumpia, pancit, and halo-halo.
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Browse stays in Manila: Traveloka | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook
6. Bali, Indonesia
Bali may be famous for its smoothie bowls, brunch cafés, and picture-perfect restaurants, but there's much more to its food scene than what's served at an Instagrammable café. Look for traditional Balinese dishes like ayam betutu, sate lilit, and nasi campur, then spend the rest of your trip hopping between local warungs, coffee shops, beaches, and sunset spots.
Must-eat: Ayam betutu, sate lilit, nasi campur, Balinese coffee, and babi guling.
Compare flights to Bali: Skyscanner
Browse stays in Bali: Traveloka | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook
