Must-see restaurants in Asia

  • Tindahin it Boracay

    Boracay

    At this open-air food park, social enterprises such as Red Box prepare scrumptious seafood bought fresh at the adjoining palengke (wet market). A DIY…

  • Hanguk-jip

    Jeonju

    Some folks say this is the best bibimbap restaurant in the city's historic district. The classic Jeonju dish comes with bright yellow mung-bean jelly, a…

  • Fatty Bao

    Bengaluru (Bangalore)

    This hip rooftop restaurant serves up Asian hawker food to a crowd of fashionable young foodies in a vibrant setting with colourful chairs and wooden…

  • Mint

    Jeju-do

    Dining inside Ando Tadao’s Glass House is a delightful experience, one best enjoyed during the day when you can take in the coastal views through the…

  • Smart Fish

    Chiayi

    At this hugely popular restaurant featured on Netflix's Street Food, silver carp heads are deep-fried and simmered in a milky pork broth with vegetables,…

  • Mermaid Café

    Cox's Bazar

    This sprawling, shaded, Goa-style beach shack serves such tasty food in such cool surroundings that you probably won’t eat anywhere else once you’ve tried…

  • Por Que No

    Jakarta

    A tucked-away, uberhip rooftop tapas bar with terrace in the De Ritz Building in Menteng, this spot is popular with those in the know. Try the grilled and…

  • Good View Seafood

    Tawau

    Though some locals complain about consistency, we find the seafood here almost impeccable. The extensive menu features such delights as steamed clams with…

  • 328 Katong Laksa

    Singapore

    For a bargain foodie high, hit this cult-status corner shop. The star is the namesake laksa: thin rice noodles in a light curry broth made with coconut…

  • Gyōza Gishū

    Central Honshū

    This humming hole-in-the-wall place does soupy, fried gyōza (dumplings) and ebi chahan (shrimp fried rice) – and, of course, beer. Go straight from JR…

  • Hotel De Pilawoos

    Colombo

    Just known as Pilawoos, this open-fronted purveyor of short eats is renowned for what may be the best kotthu (rotti sliced up with cheese and other…

  • Romdeng

    Phnom Penh

    Set in a gorgeous colonial villa with a small pool, Romdeng specialises in Cambodian country fare, including a famous baked-fish amok, two-toned pomelo…

  • Bastian

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    All the praise bestowed upon this trendy seafooder is indisputably warranted. Canadian-Chinese chef Kelvin Cheung, has forged an East-meets-West…

  • Shawn Tren's

    Qingdao

    Housed in a former electrical office building dating from 1909, this super little restaurant, with big-window street views, knocks out delicious but…

  • Carpe Diem Art Cafe

    South Goa

    Carpe Diem is an art gallery showcasing local artists and a creative learning centre housed in a beautiful old Portuguese mansion, but for the average…

  • Coto Nusantara

    Makassar

    Don't miss sampling the rich local beef soup of coto Makassar at this city-wide famous hole-in-the-wall near the dockyards. The tiny bowl fills out to a…

  • Jesse

    French Concession

    Jesse is a popular, intimate space. So if you tend to gesture wildly when you talk, watch out with those chopsticks. This is Shanghainese home cooking at…

  • Healthy U

    Cebu City

    This quirky, inexpensive little place is a haven for vegetarians, with tasty tofu and vegan dishes (most costing P30 to P40). For really cheap eats you…

  • Veranda

    Puerto Galera

    Formerly on a cliff above White Beach, Veranda has relocated to a smaller location on the beach but remains one of Puerto Galera's best restaurants, with…

  • Kam Ling Seafood

    Tawau

    One of Tawau's best seafood restaurants, this Chinese emporium with shiny fish tanks is always packed. Find a table and order either from the specials…

  • Yang's Fry Dumplings

    Shanghai

    In the mall above a metro exit is this small outlet of the great fried-dumpling chain, specialising in delicious pork and prawn shēngjiān (spring-onion…

  • Kyōya

    Takayama

    This Takayama institution specialises in regional dishes such as hoba-miso (sweet miso paste grilled on a magnolia leaf) and Hida-gyū (beef) soba. Sit on…

  • Nipah Deli

    Pulau Pangkor

    The best dining experience in the Teluk Nipah area, this beachfront restaurant combines generous portions of mostly Malaysian home cooking with views out…

  • Abacá Restaurant

    Mactan Island

    The in-house restaurant at this exclusive hotel features California- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with oven-roasted meats and fine seafood. Starters…

  • Sea Breeze

    Nusa Lembongan & Islands

    The charming Sea Breeze has a great location with views of the channel and the seaweed harvest. An attractive open-air setting decorated with plants, bean…

  • TRB Forbidden City

    Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central

    Occupying a Qing dynasty building beside the Forbidden City's moat, this is the sister restaurant to upscale TRB Hutong, with the same flawless service…

  • Alter Ego Fusion

    Bandar Seri Begawan

    It's hard to pin down Alter Ego, except to say that it's one of BSB's most creative offerings, served in an equally impressive space that looks like the…

  • San Ma Tau Myanmar Restaurant

    Hpa-an

    This local institution is one of the most appealing Burmese restaurants anywhere in the country. It serves a vast selection of rich curries, hearty soups…

  • Heaven Burger

    Chiang Rai

    Owned and run by the whip-smart Jane, a member of the Akha minority, this place has a rustic setting with random garden furniture and sawn-off doors as…

  • Kita-no Aisukurīmu-ya-san

    Otaru

    Housed in a converted warehouse that was built in 1892, just back from the canal, this legendary Otaru ice-cream parlour scoops up some seriously 'special…

  • Le Malraux

    Siem Reap

    Stunningly located in the network of alleys east of Psar Chaa, Le Malraux is one of the best French restaurants in Siem Reap, and by night this quartier…

  • Canto Fresco

    Tacloban

    There's an earthy, authentic flavour to this boho, Italian-influenced place. On the menu you'll find rustic hand-rolled pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fine…

  • Gecko Bar & Shop

    Northern Laos

    Handmade woven gifts and tea are for sale at this delightful, memorable little cafe (two-thirds of the way down the main drag, on your left heading south)…

  • Magic Italy

    Palolem

    On the main beach road, Magic Italy has been around since 1999 and the quality of its pizza and pasta remains high, with imported Italian ingredients like…

  • Moondance Restaurant

    Pokhara

    The much-loved Moondance is a Lakeside institution and deservedly so. Quality food, good service and a roaring open fire all contribute to the popularity…

  • Green Garden Lembongan

    Nusa Lembongan

    Tucked into a lovely garden on a side street off Jungutbatu Beach, this locally owned warung serves up tasty smoothie bowls and creative Indonesian dishes…

  • Linus' BBQ

    Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

    The portions are more modest than your typical Southern smokehouse, but the pulled pork and beef-brisket rolls with 'skinny ass' fries are some of the…

  • Nesat Seafood House

    Phnom Penh

    Incredibly cheap seafood cooked to perfection and served in trendy, sea-inspired surrounds. What more could you ask for? All the critters arrive fresh…

  • Kaizen Sushi

    Bandar Seri Begawan

    When Bandar residents want to impress, they take guests to this sleek restaurant on the waterfront, where potted bamboo plants set the scene for some…

  • Nam Giao

    Haiphong

    Haiphong's most atmospheric dining choice is hidden within this colonial building. Rooms are an artful clutter of Asian art, old carved cabinets and…