Heartwarming bowls of beef noodle soup, fresh sashimi and succulent fried chicken are calling your name from the Asian continent.

There are endless reasons to visit Northeast Asia, but travelling for the food is arguably the most enticing (and satisfying). Each destination offers its own unique flavours and stories, from Taiwan’s bubbling bowls of beef noodle soup and bustling night-market snacks to ridiculously crispy chicken in South Korea. Whether it’s sampling at vibrant street stalls or sitting down for a Michelin-starred meal, these distinct local culinary experiences are the reason many jump on a plane.

Here are seven dishes from Northeast Asia that are worth the flight, with China Airlines making the journey part of the delectable adventure.

Getting there

Renowned for its friendly hospitality, Taiwanese carrier China Airlines has an extensive network connecting cities within Taiwan, Japan and South Korea that makes itinerary planning – and indulging in the tastiest bites – a breeze. These destinations (and more) are accessible via direct flights or convenient connections, with daily Sydney to Taipei flights, plus additional Melbourne and Brisbane to Taipei services, starting from 25 October.

Kickstart your culinary journey onboard its state-of-the-art A350/B777 aircraft with an exclusive Michelin-starred dining experience that includes tasty Asian and Western choices and caters to dietary preferences.

Not to mention the fact that the sleek China Airlines lounge in Taipei serves up steamed dim sum, soups, hot dishes, salads and Western-style pastries – as well as a noodle station featuring mouthwatering Taiwanese beef noodles and traditional braised pork noodles.

1. Beef noodle soup

Few dishes are as healing as a good noodle soup, and Taiwan’s national dish can transform even the worst of days with its umami, sweet and salty flavours. A spicy red broth with tender slow-braised beef is simmered for hours before thick wheat noodles are added; from there, it’s topped off with green scallions and pickled mustard greens.

It’s served everywhere from street stalls and convenience stores to Michelin-starred restaurants and the China Airlines lounge in Taipei. Pair it with bubble tea (which also originated here), and you have the ultimate Taiwanese comfort-food experience.

2. Xiao long bao

This beloved Taiwanese favourite turns a simple dumpling into a delicate, flavour-packed experience in which a thin wrapper is filled with seasoned pork and a rich, savoury broth. Traditionally served in bamboo steamers, it’s best enjoyed with a touch of ginger and black vinegar to balance its juicy filling.

Find them everywhere from bustling local eateries and night-market favourites to refined restaurants across Taipei. For an iconic first taste, visit celebrated venue Din Tai Fung, where this bite-sized classic has become one of Taiwan’s most famous culinary experiences.

3. Kaisendon (seafood don)

Japan has turned many a raw fish sceptic into a full-blown addict, and dishes like kaisendon (seafood don) are almost always responsible. Chilled raw seafood – like tuna, salmon, scallops, shrimp and salmon roe – is delicately laid over a bed of warm, fluffy white rice and drizzled with a mix of soy sauce and wasabi. It makes for an eating experience that’s equal parts delicious and beautiful.

Kaisendon is best experienced at local seafood markets and coastal dining spots in Hokkaido; this is Japan’s second-largest island and is renowned for its unbelievably fresh fish that draws repeat visitors.

4. Takoyaki

Japan’s foodie capital, Osaka, is a must-visit for any gourmand, and takoyaki is one of its most iconic street foods. Head for the neon-lit streets adorned with huge 3D food signs to devour these bite-sized balls of octopus. Piping hot, dashi-infused flour batter encases a creamy seafood centre; it’s then lathered in a brown savoury sauce and mayonnaise, sprinkled with light bonito flakes and seaweed, and dished up.

You’re more than likely to come back for seconds at top spots like Kogaryu in Amerikamura.

5. Tonkotsu ramen

The next stop on your culinary journey should be Fukuoka, Japan, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Rather aptly, the city’s name translates to “happy hill", and a warm bowl of this rich pork-bone broth, which has been painstakingly brewing for hours, will leave you feeling nothing short of delighted. It’s served with chewy wheat noodles, sliced pork belly and a soft-boiled marinated egg for umami goodness.

Satiate your cravings at yatai street food stalls, traditional ramen restaurants like Hakata Issou and experiential Ichiran-style booths dedicated to the noodle dish.

6. Gogigui (Korean barbecue)

Seoul’s lively and social food scene is best captured by the smoky aromas, loud sizzles and robust flavours of a gogigui night. The interactive culinary experience involves grilling a range of meats – like pork and beef – over charcoal right at your table. It’s served with lettuce wraps and side dishes, such as kimchi and pan-fried savoury pancakes, as well as a variety of sauces.

A staple of everyday dining, you can find gogigui restaurants all across the city, with popular choices including Geumdwaeji Sikdang and the Wangbijip restaurant chain.

7. Korean fried chicken

Impossible to stop at just one piece, Korean fried chicken is shatteringly crunchy yet melt-in-your-mouth juicy. Make a beeline for the coastal city of Busan to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant coastal nightlife.

Historic traditional markets like Bupyeong Kkangtong Market sling old-fashioned, double-fried chicken bites that are taken up a notch by the subtle curry powder that’s added to the crust. Do it like the locals by dipping it in bold, sweet-spicy sauces and washing it all down with an ice-cold beer.

Visit these destinations and more via direct flights or convenient connections. Learn more at china-airlines.com.