Malaysia's Kari Ayam Crowned World's Best Stew of 2025!

If you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked, flavour-packed dishes, then this list of the world’s best stews in 2025 will make your mouth water. According to global culinary site TasteAtlas, this World's Best Stews 2-25 ranking highlights the top 10 stews from across the globe, and Southeast Asia takes centre stage!

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World’s 10 Best Stews in 2025

1. Kari Ayam (Malaysia)

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Crowned the number one stew in the world, Malaysia’s Kari Ayam, or chicken curry, is a comforting dish known for its creamy coconut milk base, aromatic spices, and tender chicken. It’s a staple in Malaysian households and loved for its versatility and heartiness.

2. Phanaeng Curry (Thailand)

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This thick, slightly sweet and salty curry is a Thai favourite. Made with red curry paste, coconut milk, and meat (usually beef or chicken), Phanaeng Curry packs bold flavours with a hint of nuttiness from ground peanuts.

3. Dzhash (Armenia)

A lesser-known gem, Dzhash is a traditional Armenian stew, often made with lamb or beef, herbs, and vegetables. It reflects the region’s rustic, slow-cooked cooking traditions that bring out deep and savoury flavours.

4. Butter Chicken (India)

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Globally beloved, India’s Butter Chicken is rich and creamy with a spiced tomato and butter-based sauce. It’s especially popular when served with naan or basmati rice.

5. Karē (Japan)

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Japanese curry, or Karē, is milder and thicker than many Southeast Asian curries, typically served over rice with meat and vegetables. It’s one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods.

6. Rendang (Indonesia)

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Often hailed as one of the world’s tastiest dishes, Rendang is a dry-style stew made with beef slowly simmered in coconut milk and spices. It’s rich, intense, and often reserved for special occasions.

7. Massaman Curry (Thailand)

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A fusion of Thai and Indian flavours, Massaman Curry blends creamy coconut milk with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. Often cooked with beef or chicken, it’s both hearty and aromatic.

8. Keema (India)

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Keema is a spiced ground meat dish, often made with minced lamb or beef, peas, and sometimes potatoes. It’s a popular home-cooked meal in India and can be eaten with bread or rice.

9. Hünkar Beğendi (Turkey)

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This Ottoman-era dish translates to “the Sultan’s Delight.” It features tender meat, usually lamb, served over a smoky, creamy eggplant purée. A truly regal meal.

10. Gulai (Indonesia)

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Rounding off the list is Gulai, an Indonesian curry-like stew made with meat or offal in a richly spiced coconut milk base. It varies across regions but is always bursting with flavour.

Another day of being proud as a Malaysian! These dishes not only showcase regional ingredients and techniques but also represent the deep-rooted culinary culture of their countries. Which dish in this list is your favourite stew? Share with us on our Facebook and Instagram!