Asia might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about bread. These Asian breads, however, will change all of that. This continent makes some unbelievably delicious bread, from India to Japan. There are alluring naans, delicious savoury packed bread, and milk bread that is picture-perfect. Each one is equally addictive as the previous one. Get a mixing basin and some flour. You'll have a strong need for carbohydrates after eating these loaves. Now, baking is the only option.
Japanese Milk Bread
If you're a bread lover, get ready to be introduced to a game-changer: Japanese milk bread. This fluffy, pillowy, and incredibly soft bread has taken the world by storm, and for a good reason. Japanese milk bread is unlike any other bread you've tasted before.
What makes Japanese milk bread unique is the method used to make it. Unlike traditional bread-making techniques that involve kneading, Japanese milk bread is made using a method called tangzhong. This involves cooking a portion of the flour with liquid (in this case, milk) to create a thick paste or roux. This roux is then mixed with the remaining ingredients, resulting in an ultra-soft and fluffy texture.
But it's not just the texture that sets Japanese milk bread apart. The addition of milk and a touch of sweetness give this bread a subtle yet delightful flavour. It's perfect for making sandwiches, French toast, or simply toasted with a bit of butter.
If you're a fan of bread, Japanese milk bread is a must-try. Once you sink your teeth into a slice of this cloud-like bread, you won't be able to go back to anything else. It's not just bread; it's a heavenly experience.
Puran Poli
If you are looking to try something new, allow us to introduce you to Puran Poli, a popular Indian dessert that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Puran Poli is a type of flatbread made with flour, lentils, and jaggery (a type of unrefined cane sugar). The lentils are cooked and mashed with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg to create a sweet and aromatic filling. The filling is then stuffed inside the flattened dough, which is rolled out and cooked on a griddle until it's golden brown and crispy.
But Puran Poli is more than just a dessert. It's a dish that's steeped in tradition and culture, and it's often served during festivals and special occasions. The process of making Puran Poli is a labour of love, and it's often a family affair, with everyone gathering around to help with the rolling and cooking.
The first bite of Puran Poli is a revelation. The crispy exterior gives way to the sweet and flavorful filling, and the combination of textures and flavours is simply divine. It's a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent, and it's sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
Chinese Steamed Buns
If you're a fan of dumplings, get ready to be introduced to a close cousin that's just as delicious: Chinese steamed buns, also known as baozi. These fluffy, pillow-like buns are a staple in Chinese cuisine and have been enjoyed for centuries.
Chinese steamed buns are made with a simple dough of flour, yeast, and water, which is then rolled into small circles and filled with a variety of savoury or sweet fillings. From savoury pork and cabbage to sweet red bean paste or custard, there's a filling for every taste preference.
But what sets Chinese steamed buns apart is the cooking method. The buns are placed in a steamer basket and steamed for a few minutes until they are fluffy and light. This cooking method results in a unique texture that's both chewy and soft, and it's the perfect vessel for flavorful fillings.
One of the joys of eating Chinese steamed buns is the experience of biting into the soft, pillowy dough and discovering the delicious filling inside. Whether you're enjoying them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Chinese steamed buns are a versatile and delicious option.
Obi Non
Let us introduce you to Obi Non, a traditional flatbread from Central Asia that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Obi Non is a type of flatbread that's commonly found in countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It's made with a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast, which is then rolled out into a thin, oval-shaped bread. The bread is then stamped with a special design using a wooden tool called a chekich, which gives it a beautiful, intricate pattern.
What sets Obi Non apart is its texture and flavour. The bread is soft and pillowy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, making it the perfect vessel for soaking up sauces and dips. It's also lightly seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander, giving it a fragrant and delicious flavour.
Obi Non is more than just a bread; it's a cultural icon. In Central Asian countries, it's a staple food that's served with every meal, and the chekich pattern on the bread is often symbolic of prosperity and abundance.
Bhatura
Bhatura is a type of leavened bread that's commonly found in Northern India and Pakistan. It's made with a dough of flour, yoghurt, water, and yeast, which is then left to rise for several hours. The dough is then rolled out into small, flattened circles and deep-fried until it's puffed up and golden brown.
What sets Bhatura apart is its unique texture and flavour. The bread is light and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, and it's the perfect accompaniment to rich and spicy Indian curries. It's also lightly seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander, giving it a fragrant and delicious flavour.
Scallion Bing
Scallion Bing is a type of flatbread that's made with a dough of flour, water, and scallions (green onions). The dough is rolled out into a thin, flat disc and then cooked on a griddle until it's crispy and golden brown. The scallions are layered into the dough, giving the bread a delicious and fragrant flavour that's both savoury and slightly sweet.
But what sets Scallion Bing apart is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer, or it can be used as a vessel for other dishes, like a wrap or sandwich. It's often served with savoury sauces or dips, like soy sauce or chilli oil, which complement the bread's flavour and add an extra kick of spice.
Scallion Bing is also a popular street food in China and Taiwan, and it's a beloved comfort food that's enjoyed by people of all ages.
Naan
Naan is a leavened bread made with flour, water, yeast, and sometimes yoghurt or milk. The dough is kneaded until it's soft and smooth and then left to rise for several hours. The dough is then divided into small balls, flattened, and cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven until it's puffed up and lightly browned.
What sets Naan apart is its texture and flavour. It's soft and pillowy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, making it the perfect bread to soak up rich and spicy curries or to use as a wrap for sandwiches or kebabs. Naan can also be flavoured with different spices or fillings, like garlic or cheese, giving it a unique and delicious taste.
So if you're looking to experience the rich and flavorful world of Indian cuisine, make sure to try Naan. It's a bread that's sure to impress and leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
Asian breads are a delicious and diverse category of bread that are sure to impress and delight. From the pillowy softness of Japanese Milk Bread to the savoury flakiness of Paratha, each bread has its unique flavour, texture, and cultural significance. Whether you're a fan of Indian, Chinese, or Japanese cuisine, there's a bread out there that's sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So why not step out of your comfort zone and try one of these amazing Asian breads today? You won't be disappointed!