Read Korean Banchan as Part of the Meal
The small dishes belong alongside rice and the rest of the table. Learn their names and notice how preparation changes the next bite.
Region notes
Asian food guides
Pantry and cooking guides grounded in particular Asian food traditions. Start with the country or ingredient, rather than a single idea of Asian food.
8 notes in this topic
A good place to start
More asian food guides
Give the Vietnamese Herb Plate Your Attention
Fresh leaves can change a bowl or a wrapped bite as you eat. Start with the dish's own accompaniments and learn what each one contributes.
Read a South Indian Tiffin Menu by Grain and Method
Idli and dosa offer a useful beginning, with many distinct forms beyond them. Learn the preparation before assuming that every batter follows the same path.
The Useful Work Happens Before the Stir-Fry
A hot pan leaves little time for chopping. Group the vegetables, mix the sauce, and give the stove a clear sequence.
Build a Thai Pantry Around a Dish You Want to Cook
Fish sauce, tamarind, lime, and palm sugar have specific jobs. Start with a recipe, then learn the products that give it its character.
Vinegar and Tamarind in a Filipino Pantry
Two kinds of sourness can lead a meal in different directions. Learn the bottle or packet a recipe calls for before making a substitution.