Lift the Lid on the Vibrant Flavours of Asia with Intrepid

Is there a better introduction to somewhere than through their national dish? Culture, customs, history and heritage all get wrapped into a bite-sized package — and nowhere does it quite like Asia. 

Our friends at Intrepid have assembled a five-course spread of trips for the culinarily curious, along with dish recommendations from the Intrepid team. You’ll be munching, crunching, sipping and slurping just like the locals in no time.

• Enjoy a tropical playground in Indonesia
• Explore the spirit (and surprises) of South Korea
• Bask in the beauty of Borneo
• Experience the timeless essence of Thailand
• Lean into the liveliness of Vietnam

In between lounging beachside in Lombok, Intrepid leader Nova suggests tracking down nasi goreng (fried rice) and sate ayam (chicken satay). The street food versions burst with flavour — try them as you weave your way across the island. Stop by stunning stretches of sand in Gili Air, spectacular mountain views in Tetebatu and the quiet coastline of Labuhan Pandan.

As you saunter through the Seoul cityscape, the ecological beauty of Suncheon and the markets of Sokcho, keep an eye out for bibimbap. Intrepid designer Clara reckons it’s a classic — fresh vegetables mixed with all the good stuff. If you’ve got room to spare, there are also Korean street food favourites like mayak gimbap (rice rolls), mandu (North Korean dumplings), bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and kimchi to try.

Sabah has something for everyone — unique animals, ancient traditions, incredible views and more than a few must-try meals. Intrepid leader Manny suggests sampling the insane amount of flavours in a beef rendang, the Anthony Bourdain-approved Sarawak laksa or delicious stir-fried midin (wild fern). That should be enough to keep you fuelled for a climb up Mount Kinabalu, a cruise down the Kinabatangan River, and visits to conservation sanctuaries for orangutans and sun bears. 

While the Land of Smiles has all manner of spicy delicacies, it’s khao soi that stands out, according to Intrepid’s industry marketing manager, Katie. The "heaven in a bowl" is tough to find outside of Chiang Mai — and even when you do, it’s not the same. What better way to cap off an adventure that takes you to Bangkok’s famous khlongs, Sukhothai’s ancient charms and Ayutthaya’s Historical Park? That’s without even mentioning the visit to a free-roaming elephant reserve.