Noodles
This thick, chewy noodle from Japan is commonly served in a mild, savory broth made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Made from wheat flour, this noodle is a staple in many Japanese dishes. What is this noodle called?
What is "Udon"?
This beloved Thai street food is characterized by its marinated, skewered, and grilled preparation. Eaten straight off the stick or paired with sticky rice, the name "Moo Ping" translates to "grilled" what?
What is "grilled pork"?
A fusion dish popular in Japan, this meal combines Western omelette and fried rice. The rice is typically seasoned with ketchup and can be filled with various ingredients like chicken or vegetables. The dish gets its name from combining the English words for omelette and rice. What is this comfort food called?
What is "Omurice"?
This traditional Filipino soup is known for its sour flavor, often achieved using tamarind, calamansi, or green mangoes. Common ingredients might include pork, shrimp, or fish, along with various vegetables like radish, eggplant, and water spinach. What is the name of this tangy Filipino dish?
What is "Sinigang"?
Found in numerous major cities across the USA, from San Francisco to New York City, this district is famed for its lantern-adorned streets, bustling markets, dim sum halls, and an array of shops selling everything from medicinal herbs to fresh produce. Serving as a cultural and culinary hub, visitors can find an assortment of traditional Chinese dishes and goods. What is the name of this iconic neighborhood known for its rich Chinese heritage?
What is "Chinatown"?
This traditional Korean dish is made with sweet potato glass noodles, stir-fried in sesame oil with various vegetables, and often includes beef. The noodles have a distinctive translucent appearance and a slightly chewy texture. What is the name of this dish?
What is "Japchae"?
These two popular Korean dishes are both marinated and grilled, one featuring thinly sliced beef while the other uses beef short ribs. Name these two dishes that are staples at Korean barbecue restaurants.
What are "Bulgogi" and "Galbi"?
This traditional Filipino delicacy is made from glutinous rice that's cooked in coconut milk, wrapped in leaves such as banana or palm, and then steamed. Often enjoyed with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of caramelized coconut syrup, what is the name of this sticky rice treat?
What is "Suman"?
This iconic Thai soup is celebrated for its vibrant hot and sour flavors, often featuring shrimp as its main protein. Infused with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, it's a staple in Thai restaurants worldwide. What is the name of this flavorful soup?
What is "Tom Yum"?
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this district stands as a testament to Japanese American history and culture. From sushi bars to mochi ice cream shops, it offers a rich blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese flavors. Visitors can also find a museum dedicated to Japanese American history here. What is the name of this vibrant Japanese-centric district in LA?
What is "Little Tokyo"?
This popular Chinese noodle dish, whose name translates to "stir-fried noodles," comes in two main variations. One uses soft, steamed noodles while the other features crispy, fried noodles. Which version uses the crispy, fried noodles?
What is "Chow Mein?"
This popular dish, often associated with Indian cuisine, consists of marinated and grilled chunks of chicken enveloped in a creamy tomato-based sauce. While its exact origins are debated, it has become a beloved staple in Indian restaurants worldwide and even claims to be a national dish in a European country. In which country is Chicken Tikka Masala often referred to as a "national dish"?
What is Britain or the United Kingdom?
Originating in the kitchens of ancient China as a way to repurpose leftover rice, this dish has seen countless variations across Asia. While ingredients vary from region to region, one consistent technique involves stir-frying the rice, often in a wok, to achieve its distinctive flavor. In its authentic preparation, which specific ingredient is often added to give the rice its signature golden color and unique taste?
What is "soy sauce" or "sesame oil"?
The culinary tradition of preparing curry in the Indian subcontinent has ancient roots. Historical evidence indicates that the basic practice of cooking with a blend of spices in the Indus Valley dates back to a specific era. How far back in history, specifically in BCE, does the earliest evidence of curry preparation go, marking it as one of the oldest documented culinary practices?
What is 2600 BCE?
Nestled in Orange County, California, this area boasts the largest concentration of Vietnamese Americans in the U.S. It's a hotspot for pho noodle shops, banh mi delis, and Vietnamese markets. This neighborhood serves as a reflection of the Vietnamese diaspora's resilience and cultural preservation. What is the name of this Vietnamese enclave?
What is "Little Saigon"?
This beloved Korean instant noodle brand, introduced by Nongshim in the 1980s, has a name that translates to "spicy" and "noodle" in English, making it a favorite for those seeking heat.
What is "Shin Ramyun"?
Japanese Wagyu beef is renowned for its superior marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The term "Wagyu" literally means "Japanese cow." While there are several breeds of Wagyu, there's one particular strain that stands out for its exceptional quality and rarity, often fetching the highest prices. Originating from a certain prefecture in Japan, this strain is considered the pinnacle of luxury beef. What is the name of this specific Wagyu strain?
What is "Kobe Beef" or "Kobe Wagyu"?
This Japanese dish combines elements of two popular culinary preparations: "tonkatsu," a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, and "donburi," a rice bowl dish. In its traditional form, the pork cutlet in this dish is simmered with onions in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and a specific type of broth before being served over rice. What is the name of this savory broth, which is a foundational ingredient in many Japanese recipes?
What is "dashi"?
While chicken congee, or rice porridge, is a dish shared by many Asian cultures, specific additions or garnishes can hint at its regional origin. In Chinese culinary traditions, a certain preserved ingredient is often added to congee, imparting a unique salty and slightly funky flavor, enhancing the dish's depth. Made through fermentation and aging, this ingredient is derived from a sea creature. What is this distinctive ingredient often used to flavor congee?
What is "Century Egg" or "Preserved Duck Egg"?
Kimchi, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, involves a meticulous preparation process to ensure proper fermentation and flavor development. One essential step, prior to seasoning and fermenting, involves soaking the cabbage in a saline solution for several hours. This not only softens the cabbage but also prepares it for fermentation by inhibiting the growth of unwanted microorganisms. What specific kitchen staple, often in coarse form, is used to create this crucial saline solution?
What is "salt"?
This fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup is traditionally served with herbs and lime on the side. While the most common version uses beef, it's named "Phở bò," there's also a popular poultry version. What is the name of this poultry-based variant?
What is "Phở gà" (chicken pho)?
This world-renowned Chinese dish, known for its crispy skin and succulent meat, has ancient roots dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. While its preparation involves a meticulous process including air-drying and roasting, there is a classic accompaniment that, when translated, means "thin pancakes." What is the traditional Chinese name for these pancakes served with Peking duck?
What are "Chūn Bǐng"?
While sushi is often associated with raw fish, the term "sushi" actually refers to the seasoned rice used in the dish. There's a specific type of sushi that features a slice of fish or seafood on top of an oblong mound of this seasoned rice, often secured with a strip of seaweed. What is the name of this sushi style?
What is "Nigiri"?
Kimchi jjigae, a staple Korean stew, is characterized by its robust and tangy flavors derived primarily from aged kimchi. While the dish often includes ingredients like tofu, scallions, and various meats or seafood, there's a particular element, often added in its powdered or paste form, that provides the stew with a deep red hue and a distinct spicy kick. What is this essential Korean ingredient known for its spicy and umami-rich properties?
What is "gochugaru" (Korean red chili pepper flakes) or "gochujang" (Korean red chili pepper paste)?
In a little-known culinary experiment, a chef from Japan once tried blending sushi with a popular Thai street food to create a dish named "Sushipadthairolligiri." The result was a peculiar concoction that tasted a bit like a culinary identity crisis. Given this fictional culinary adventure, which two Asian countries' cuisines were mashed up to produce this quirky dish?
What are "Japan" and "Thailand"? (This question may not be factual)