For different people, the word achar — the South Asian term for pickles — evokes different memories. Some revel in the memory of seeing their mothers or grandmothers sitting in the courtyards with jars of achar.

Among the Asian delicacies, Singapore's well-loved chilli crab is ranked 17th in a league table of the world's 500 best food experiences, with Malaysia coming in a lofty second with its curry laksa.