With the lack of fat, dairy and additives, along with a focus on fresh ingredients and zingy flavor, Asian cuisine in general and Southeast Asian one in particular, on the whole is much more healthy than Western food. On any Asian-inspired menu, it is not difficult to find healthy options. Let’s take a look at some of the healthiest dishes or fares coming from the continent. Visit south Asia with Indochina tours
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice-source: Internet
Even though vegetable fried rice is not an exciting feature of Asian cuisine, containing of nothing more than rice, vegetables together with various other spices or sauces depending on the region, it can be a filling meal by itself. Not only mostly associated as an accompaniment to Chinese cuisine, vegetable fried rice is also popular in the Far East Asia, the South as well as Southeast Asia. As rice is the main source of carbohydrate for Vietnamese together with surrounding countries, it is not surprising that they have an amazing twist on this dish. If rice and vegetables do not sound particularly tempting, some flavors such as soy sauce or nuoc mam (fish sauce) can be added for a bit of a kick. Travel to Laos
Vietnamese Pho
Pho-source: Internet
Made up of a usually meat-based broth with vegetables, herbs and spices, Pho is essentially a noodle soup making it the symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. The meat is usually lean chicken or beef, or tofu – a common replacement for vegetarian version. Heavy on protein and low on fat, with some extra nutrition of the vegetables added, Pho is a great source of energy. In Vietnam, Pho is often eaten for breakfast. It is such a great meal with to start your day. Each area in Vietnam has its own Pho. Depending on the area or even the different restaurants in the same area in Vietnam you go for Pho, you can enjoy Pho made with distinct varieties or mixes of herbs, giving each a slightly unique flavor.
Vietnamese Grilled Fish
Grilled fish in banana leaves-source: Internet
Grill is one of the healthiest ways to eat fish. The Vietnamese grilled fish version, which is aromatic, rich in flavor and super moist, is a fine illustration of why, in some cases, less is more. Only few seasonings and spices are enough to bring out the extremely fresh flavors of the fish.
Not only avoiding too much grease or batter, grilling can also take any extra fat away from the protein. To keep as much of the moisture in while still allowing the fish to acquire a smoky aroma and flavor, Vietnamese wrap the fish in banana leaf prior to grilling. Additionally, this dish also has another layer of richness thanks to the banana leaf’s own flavor and aroma. Taste once and you will never forget this amazing dish.
Stir Fry
Stir fry-source: Internet
Involving minimal cooking and therefore preserving the vitamins and other nutrients (as well as the crunch), a stir fry, which is a tasty and healthy way of eating vegetables, is a common dish in many Southern Asian countries. Even though the vegetables, sauce and protein can vary, most stir fries consist of a wide variety of ingredients such as garlic, chili, ginger, soy sauce and fish sauce. With the fresh color of ingredients maintained by the quick frying, stir fry is an attractive and appealing dish.
Desserts
Nom Krok-source: Internet
Southeast Asian cuisine is much more well-known for its main courses and appetizers packed with strong flavors rather than its desserts. Generally, not many Asians consider dessert as a course; if they do, they will normally eat fruit. It will not be nearly as rich in sugar or fat as Western palates are used to, they do enjoy a slightly more extravagant dessert. Mango sticky rice (popular in Thailand), Nom Krok (Cambodia), sweet soup (Vietnam) are some excellent examples. If dessert still seems important after a full main course, Asians often choose dishes which tend to be far healthier.
Chopsticks
Chopsticks-source: Internet
Even though chopsticks are not exactly a food, studies have shown that on a whole less food is consumed if you eat food with chopsticks. Especially amongst Westerners who are not well accustomed to using chopsticks, diners are more likely to realize that they are full before having finished the dish as the process is more time consuming. If you use regular cutlery, it is more likely that you will have finished your meal too quickly for your brain to realize that you have eaten enough. Consequently, using chopsticks and you will eat just enough rather than too much food. Chopsticks can help you with weight loss.
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