A Malaysian local favorite, the Penang asam laksa, has put the place on the world culinary map by being listed among the top 10 best foods in the world.

In the list of the World's 50 Best Foods drawn up by US TV network, CNN, the popular noodle ranked seventh place, beating Thailand's tom yum goong, and ice cream.

CNN updated its pick of the world's best foods with a top 50 list of tasty global delights. The selection takes in flavors from around the world – a timely offering when travel is still limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ranking first is Massaman curry. It may not be one of the country's best-known culinary specialties, but the Thai dish has topped the list.

Take some chicken – if not beef or mutton – potatoes, onions and a curry paste made with cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, nutmeg and mace, and you've got yourself the makings of a massaman curry.

This traditional Thai dish, which has Muslim roots, stands in contrast with some of the country's more famous dishes, like the hot and sour tom yum soup with chili and lemongrass, not to mention the legendary pad Thai.

Interestingly, France – a country famed for its cuisine – has no entry in the top 10. The country makes its first appearance in the list at number 21, with its traditional croissant. The classic pastry is outstripped by the hamburger, the American donut, the Portuguese pastel de nata and the shish kebab

NN World's 50 Best Foods. 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