Fried shallots are the Asian version. You can get them in the Asian aisle in most Australian supermarkets.
I have never been without them for years. In fact, we used to keep a huge jar in the office for topping various things. You simply add them to anything that onions would improve - sandwiches, soups, salads, stir fries, sprinkle on mashed potatoes. The other day I made a bacon and egg roll. I spread the bread with brie ,sprinkled on some fried shallots and topped them with a slice of bacon and a fried egg.