Semarang
It's easy to see why this two-storey restaurant is permanently packed: the food is exceptionally good! Earning the unreserved recommendation of the local…
Must-see restaurants in Asia
New Delhi
Bamboo slices the sunlight into flattering stripes at this outdoor restaurant offering a modern take on delicious Indian cooking from across the regions…
Srimangal & Around
Split-level brick-walled seating with high windows and chic bamboo furnishings make this the coolest place to eat in town. It also serves up Srimangal’s…
Dushanbe
In an unprepossessing alley near the Opera House, this surprisingly atmospheric restaurant is a treat both in terms of its rural Russian decor (think…
Kuala Lumpur
Isabel is pure charm and a great addition to KL's dining scene. Both in terms of its menu and contemporary tropical decor, the restaurant provides a…
Thimphu
The elegant restaurant at the Hotel Druk elevates the hotel buffet to high art. The spread of dishes roams from Europe to Bhutan and China, but it's the…
Kuala Lumpur
The recipes and ingredients of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka are the foundation for the sensational tasting menus served at Nadodi (which means nomad)…
Sapporo
Sapporo takes its ramen very seriously and Saimi is oft-voted the best ramen shop in the city (and sometimes the country) – and it's not overrated. You…
Borobudur
For a magical hilltop setting enhanced by traditional music, this vintage restaurant, 4km west of Borobudur, is hard to match. Eat in the formal dining…
Dushanbe
Offering a full à la carte menu in addition to an excellent buffet selection, the Rudaki Restaurant at the Serena Hotel is a popular choice for a…
Dhaka
Indian street food served in a clean, trendy, air-con restaurant. Everything here is delicious, but the chaat (spicy snacks, Tk 50 to Tk 70) are excellent…
New Delhi
Founder Mr Kamath's dad was a mango vendor in Mangalore, which apparently inspired his love of fruit. He went on to start Naturals, with its wonderfully…
Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central
Dadong could be the best meal of your trip or an occasion to forget, and it all comes down to expectation. Less Peking duck restaurant and more temple to…
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Chef Violet Oon is a national treasure, much loved for her faithful Peranakan dishes – so much so that she was chosen to open a restaurant inside…
Hawker Chan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Chinatown & the CBD
With its shiny Michelin star, this humble hawker stall has been thrust into the culinary spotlight. The line forms hours before Mr Chan Hon Meng opens for…
Beijing
An unsung purveyor of Peking duck, Jingzun's bargain birds (¥138/79 for a whole/half) are every bite the equal of Beijing's more elite brands, unruly…
Kuala Lumpur
KL's biggest collection of roadside restaurants and street food vendors sprawls along Jln Alor, just north of Jln Bukit Bintang. While a few restaurants…
Kathmandu
This cafe-restaurant in the Garden of Dreams is run by Dwarika’s so quality is high. It’s a fine place for a light meal (such as savoury crêpes or build…
Bishkek
This delightful though somewhat contrived 'ethno' complex is a rapid-fire presentation of all things traditionally Kyrgyz, attracting mainly well-heeled…
Chinatown & the CBD
The best seats at this mod-Oz hotspot are at the counter, which offers a prime view of chef Dave Pynt and his 4-tonne, wood-fired ovens and custom grills…
South Jakarta
One of Jakarta’s most popular dining spots, this casual 1940s Paris–meets–New York bistro is located right in the middle of the busiest business district…
The Bund & People's Square
Yunnan Rd has great speciality restaurants and is the spot for an authentic meal after museum-hopping at People’s Square. Find Shaanxi dumplings and…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Among the oldest and most famous of Tokyo's wagyū (Japanese beef) restaurants, Imahan (in business since 1895), specialises in courses of sukiyaki and…
Bangkok
In the modern-day melee of top-notch restaurants here, nahm may no longer be on top of the competition, but it's still one of Bangkok's nicest Thai…
The Bund & People's Square
M exudes a timelessness and level of sophistication that eclipses the razzle-dazzle of many other upmarket Shanghai restaurants. The menu ain't radical,…
Imperial Palace & Around
There are two restaurants at the eastern entrance to Imamiya-jinja specialising in aburi-mochi (grilled rice cakes coated with soybean flour) served with…
Kathmandu
This excellent and informal Italian place serves the best pizzas in Kathmandu (wholewheat crusts available, as well as combo pizzas), alongside breakfasts…
Northern Myanmar
Be sure to head out to this large, open-sided riverside restaurant that catches waterborne breezes and is considered the top spot for real Kachin food…
Jakarta
Inside Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, OKU is an outstanding Japanese dining experience. Its Zen-like minimalist dining room allows the food to stand out. Chef…
Northern Higashiyama
This Okinawan-style restaurant has tasty food (with plenty of vegetarian options), a plant-filled stylish interior and comfortable upstairs seating. It’s…
Holland Village, Dempsey Hill & the Botanic Gardens
Swirling ceiling fans, crackly 1930s tunes and ladies on rattan chairs – Chopsuey has colonial chic down pat. It serves revamped versions of retro…
Lamma
Gigantic Rainbow may boast 800 seats but you still need to book ahead for prime hours. Steamed grouper, lobster and abalone are the specialities at this…
Chinatown & the CBD
With a snaking line and proffered apology that 'we may sell out earlier than stipulated timing' on the facade, this one-dish-only stall is a magnet for…
Beijing
An absurdly affordable spice-fest, humble Zhang Mama is run by a multi-generational family of Sichuan exiles (including mama), all with mad wok skills…
George Town
Ask locals where their favourite hawker stalls are and most will pick this night-time street extravaganza. It's a great spot for ikan bakar (grilled…
Bangkok
Twin chefs Mathias and Thomas Sühring from Germany present a mix of family recipes in explosive renditions that could be framed and hung in a modern art…
Jakarta
Common Grounds is a pioneer of Melburnian third-wave coffee culture in Jakarta. Its award-winning baristas brew fine coffees roasted in-house, while the…
West & Southwest Singapore
Welcome to the new generation of hawker centres. With over 30 food outlets, Timbre+ has it all: artwork-covered shipping containers, Airstream trailer…
Yangon
The most central of this small chain of high-class traditional tea shops, Lucky Seven is much more than a pit stop for a cuppa. Its streetside tables are…
Banglamphu
This institution reputedly serves the definitive version of pàt tai (fried noodles) – period. Every evening, scores of eager diners queue on the pavement…
