Digital travel platform Agoda is spotlighting lesser-known culinary destinations across Asia, enticing travellers with the promise of authentic flavours and rich cultural experiences. These destinations, whilst not major urban centres, offer a unique glimpse into the region's diverse culinary heritage.

In Thailand's Isan region, Udon Thani stands out with its vibrant street food scene, featuring traditional dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (spicy minced meat salad). The city's food culture is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, providing a taste of rural Thailand.

Hué, Vietnam, known for its imperial cuisine, offers dishes such as bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) and bún bò Hué (spicy beef noodle soup), reflecting its historical significance as the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.

The Philippines' Iloilo is celebrated for its mix of local and international flavours, with traditional dishes like La Paz Batchoy (noodle soup with pork and liver) and pancit molo (dumpling soup) showcasing its cultural diversity.

Dandong, China, at the crossroads of Chinese and Korean influences, offers a culinary experience marked by fresh ingredients and bold flavours, from savoury dumplings to spicy stews.

In Malaysia, Melaka's Nyonya cuisine combines Chinese ingredients with Malay spices, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage.

Luang Prabang, Laos, offers a culinary journey blending French colonial and traditional Laotian flavours, with signature dishes like laap (spicy minced meat salad) and tam mak hoong (tangy green papaya salad).

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President Supply at Agoda, stated, "Exploring these hidden gems through their food is like taking a delicious journey through history and culture." Agoda provides travellers with the tools to explore these culinary hotspots, offering over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities

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