Penang asam laksa is no. 7 on CNN’s World’s Best 50 Foods list

A local Malaysian favorite, Penang asam laksa, has put the country on the world culinary map by ranking in the top 10 foods in the world.

In the list of the 50 best foods in the world produced by the US television network CNN, the popular noodle ranked seventh, beating the tom yum goong from Thailand and ice cream.

CNN updated its selection of the best foods in the world with a list of the 50 best tasty world delicacies. The selection includes flavors from around the world, a timely offering when travel is still limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

First up is the Massaman curry. It may not be one of the best-known culinary specialties in the country, but the Thai dish has topped the list.

Massaman’s curry tops CNN’s list of 50 Best Foods in the World. Photo: AFP

Grab some chicken, if it’s not beef or lamb, potatoes, onions, and a curry paste made with cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, nutmeg, and mace, and you’ve got the makings of a massaman curry.

This traditional Thai dish, which has Muslim roots, stands in contrast to some of the country’s most famous dishes, such as the sweet and sour Tom Yum soup with chili and lemongrass, not to mention the legendary pad Thai.

Interestingly, France, a country famous for its cuisine, is not in the top 10. The country makes its first appearance on the list at number 21, with its traditional croissant. The classic pastry is surpassed by the hamburger, the American donut, the Portuguese cream cake and the shish kebab. – AFP Relaxnews

CNN’s 50 Best Foods in the World. Top 10:

1. Massaman curry, Thailand
2. Neapolitan pizza, Italy
3. Chocolate, Mexico
4. Sushi, Japan
5. Peking Duck, China
6. Hamburger, Germany
7. Penang assam laksa, Malaysia
8. Tom yum goong, Thailand
9. Ice cream, global
10. Chicken muamba, Gabon