Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: Asia’s most amazing street food city

Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards: our flagship awards which celebrate everything that makes the world so amazing – as voted for by you, our global community of members. Discover the winner that captured your hearts – and your votes – as well as the contenders that made it to the shortlist. 

Not a member yet? It’s free to sign up and unlock a world of benefits, rewards and experiences – not to mention the chance to vote in next year’s awards. 

Winner: Taipei 

With its laid-back charm and food-fuelled night markets – don’t miss Ningxia, Shilin and Raohe – Taipei is one of Asia’s best places to eat, explore and eat some more. Soup dumplings and stinky tofu are just the start. From savoury pancakes to gua bao stuffed buns, fantuan rice rolls, Taiwan’s signature lu rou fan (braised pork on rice) and juicy skewers, Taipei promises hungry travellers delicious bites around every corner. 

Seoul

Seoul’s culinary prowess was once overshadowed by its regional peers, but the unstoppable Korean wave, hallyu, has changed all that. Whether it’s tteokgalbi (short rib patties), Korean barbecue and kimbap in the Myeongdong shopping district, or sauce-slathered tteokbokki and mandu (dumplings) in Gwangjang Market, the city’s street eats have officially stolen the spotlight.

Singapore

Unsurprisingly, multicultural Singapore is home to an equally multicultural world of flavours. When it comes to street food, generations-old vendors draw locals and visitors alike with staples like Peranakan laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, kaya toast, char kway teow noodles and decadent chilli crab. The city’s rich culinary heritage has been perfected in its city’s iconic hawker centres and beloved shophouses.

Bangkok

Synonymous with street food, Bangkok promises unforgettable meals in every neighbourhood, from bustling Talad Noi to upscale Thonglor. As you wander the avenues and alleyways, stop to sample rich tom yum noodles, fiery pad kra pao and juicy mango sticky rice. Top vendors today have branches in chic shopping centres, and some, like Jay Fai – known for her bulging goggles, flaming wok and Michelin-starred crab omelettes – have earned global acclaim.

Ho Chi Minh City

In every respect, Ho Chi Minh City – one of few places in Asia where street food actually remains on the street – is a feast for the senses. Roving carts patrol hotspots such as District 1, serving fresh banh mi amid the din of motorbikes and hawkers. Everywhere you go, you’ll spot diners perched on plastic stools, slurping up pho or tucking into sizzling banh xeo crepes. Hurry up and join them.