Must-see restaurants in Asia

  • Jasmine Kitchen

    Lovina

    The Thai fare at this elegant two-level restaurant is excellent. The menu is long and authentic, and the staff are gracious. Try the homemade ice cream…

  • Talk2 Coffee

    Northwestern Cambodia

    Talk2 Coffee is the most sophisticated cafe in Sisophon. Soft lighting, old French tiles and plush furnishings make for a welcome interior. The menu…

  • Las Flores

    Manila

    With a slick industrial interior and an authentic menu of Catalonia–inspired tapas and mains, Las Flores is justifiably one of Manila's most popular…

  • Cashew Tree

    Bukit Peninsula

    The place to hang out in Bingin. Surfers and beachgoers gather in this large garden for tasty vegetarian meals. Expect the likes of burritos, salads,…

  • Bombay Sweet Mahal

    Colombo

    Galle Rd boasts many vendors of Indian sweets, but this tiny open-fronted shop is the best. An array of treats sits colourfully in the display cases. We…

  • Hongik Sutbul Galbi

    Seoul

    Real charcoal (rather than hotplates) brings out the flavours of the fine cuts of pork and beef at this galbi (beef ribs) joint; look for the stove on the…

  • Bun Cha 34

    Hanoi

    Best bun cha in Vietnam? Many say 34 is up there. No presidents have eaten at the plastic tables, but you get perfectly moist chargrilled pork, zesty…

  • Revolver

    Seminyak

    Wander down a tiny gang and push through narrow wooden doors to reach this matchbox coffee bar that does an excellent selection of brews. There are just a…

  • Kawanishi Broiler

    Kagawa Prefecture

    A top spot for beer, yakitori and just about anything featuring chicken. Relax inside at the counter or tables and enjoy the mayhem as locals come and go,…

  • Potbelly

    South Delhi

    It's a rare treat to find a Bihari restaurant in Delhi, and this artsy, shabby-chic place with fabulous views from its 4th-floor perch has authentic…

  • Gai Yang Rabeab

    Khon Kaen

    Many Thais believe Khon Kaen Province makes Thailand's best gài yâhng (marinated grilled chicken), and this simple joint, serving an all-Isan menu, gets…

  • Toko Wingko Babad

    Semarang

    A wonderful, anachronistic bakery and store that hasn't changed in half a century. The delicious wingko (coconut cakes served warm) are the signature…

  • Revival

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Waiters at this thali mecca saunter around Chowpatty sea-view digs in silken dhotis, filling your plates with dozens of delectable (veg-only) curries,…

  • Toran Dining Room

    Ahmedabad (Amdavad)

    With almost 30 years' experience, bright and modern Toran serves Gujarati thalis of exceptional quality. Around 10 curries and pickles, plus an assortment…

  • Rabieng Rimnam

    Phetchaburi

    This riverside restaurant serves up a real bygone-days atmosphere from an 1897 wooden home perched over the river, and some good food, too – try the sugar…

  • Three Monkeys Cafe

    Sanur

    This branch of the Ubud original is no mere knock-off. It's spread over two floors, there’s cool jazz playing in the background and live performances some…

  • No Name Grill Place

    Savannakhet

    Keep your eyes peeled for smoke from the grill and uniformed officials – two signs of a good place to eat in Laos. This tin-roofed, dirt-floored place…

  • Gin

    Nan

    This cosy place doesn't look like much, but its menu mixes Thai and international cuisine to impressive effect. There are tart, colourful Thai salads and…

  • Hong Bao

    Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi

    The popular verdict is that this Cantonese restaurant makes some of the best dumplings in Bangkok, so make a point to drop in if you happen to be a fan…

  • Urgoo Restaurant

    The Gobi

    This Korean restaurant, the best in town, is set on the 1st floor of a permanent ger structure behind the main government building off the main square…

  • Khao Tom Raeng Ngan

    Loei Province

    As busy as the street it sits on, this large open-fronted place serves not only the rice soup (kôw đôm) it's named after, but dozens of other dishes too…

  • Samuay & Sons

    Udon Thani

    This small chef-driven, open-kitchen place is Isan's version of a trendy Soho bistro. It does some Thai and Isan standards like panang curry and om curry…

  • Wèixiāng Zhāi

    French Concession

    The reason to come to this no-frills local spot is to do as the locals do and scoop up a bowl of májiàng miàn (麻酱面, sesame noodles). At just ¥10 to ¥20…

  • Coco Home Bar & Restaurant

    Nong Khiaw

    Run by Sebastien and Chok, this leafy riverside oasis has a great menu, with dishes like papaya salad, mango sticky rice, mok phaa (steamed fish in banana…

  • Santai Warung

    North Bali

    Follow the glowing lanterns off Pemuteran's main road to this adorable Indonesian restaurant, which serves up spicy, authentic dishes – including lots of…

  • L'Esprit Cafe

    Tainan

    This gem with glass frontage, blue-and-brown palette and white floor tiles offers great respite from the busy street beyond its door, not to mention that…

  • Jali Kitchen

    Gili Trawangan

    Distressed wood, gorgeous tiles and abundant foliage combine to give this eye-pleasing restaurant a chic and earthy vibe. The Asian-fusion dishes combine…

  • Pamukkale

    Western Mongolia

    Smartly dressed staff greet you with a smile at this Turkish–run outfit, the nicest restaurant in town by a steppe mile. After a long trip, a juicy shish…

  • Ourem 88

    Palolem

    British-run Ourem 88 is a gastronomic sensation. It has just a handful of tables and a small but masterful menu, with changing specials chalked up on the…

  • Mango Shade

    Tangalla & Around

    Down a lane, 300m inland from the beach, this is the place for home cooking, Sri Lankan style, with richly spiced sauces, fresh seafood and very moderate…

  • Kaiseki Tsuruko

    Kanazawa

    Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) dining is a holistic experience of hospitality, art and originality. This outstanding restaurant is a true gourmand's…

  • Korean Restaurant

    Vang Vieng

    Initially, we were drawn in by the Bee Gees soundtrack, and were pleased to discover that this place does some of the better foreign food in town. Let the…

  • Creamery

    Canggu

    Learn the meaning of true small batch ice cream at this cheery shop that churns its creations one serving at a time using liquid nitrogen. House-created…

  • City Grill

    Tashkent

    The central City Grill is a great spot for a sophisticated and good-value business lunch or a blow-out dinner. Specialising in steak and pasta, the menu…

  • Muu Thup

    Mae Hong Son Province

    An authentic – and utterly delicious – northern Thai–style grilled-meat shack. You can’t go wrong with the eponymous mǒo đúp (pork that’s been grilled…

  • Cloud 9

    Chandigarh

    Offering magical panoramic views of the tree-lined city and the distant Shivalik Hills, this smart, newly renovated restaurant and bar has two menus …

  • Sanctuary at Tissawewa

    Anuradhapura

    There is no more atmospheric place for a leisurely meal or drink than the veranda or dining room of this beautiful colonial hotel. Try the chilli…

  • Buda Bakery

    Lovina

    North Bali's best bakery has a huge array of breads, cakes and other treats produced fresh daily. However, the real reason to make the 10-minute walk here…

  • Noran Mahura

    Busan

    This cosy restaurant, not far from a lighthouse, is where people come for a drink to watch the sunset and unexpectedly stay for the sunrise. Meals include…

  • Sakura Seafood Restaurant

    Lahad Datu

    Sakura doesn't look like much at first glance – a few plastic tables and chairs scattered under an awning. But then the food arrives: succulent butter…