Beijing
Pleated with precision, the xiǎolóngbāo (Shanghai-style soup dumplings) at this acclaimed Taiwan chain taste as good as they look. Delicate pork, rich…
Must-see restaurants in Asia
Kagawa Prefecture
Honetsuki-dori (spicy grilled chicken on the bone) is a Marugame speciality – try it at Ikkaku, a very popular local restaurant that has expanded its…
Haiphong
This streetside stall sells one thing only: banh da cua, Haiphong's signature breakfast noodle dish. It's a combination of thick dark rice noodles in a…
Mawlamyine
Humble Daw Yee does some of the best Burmese food you'll find anywhere. It has a great selection of curries, including an insanely fatty prawn curry, all…
Phnom Penh
Rehoused in a stunning French-colonial villa on St 174, Bouchon is now as much a classy restaurant as an elegant wine bar. The menu includes confit duck…
Panglao Island
One of the Visayas' best Italians, with choice antipasti, divine pizza (from P300), mouthwatering pasta and a daily specials board. It's cool and classy…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Vegan wraps, avocado burgers, chickpea tagines and peanut stews are just some of the virtuously delicious highlights at this popular vegan hang-out…
Bhutan
If you are searching for espresso, this is the place to head for. In addition to coffee, there are cakes, milkshakes, cold coffees and masala chai. The…
Can Tho
With a charming, romantic Mediterranean feel, this restaurant does a good mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes. We're fans of the lemongrass chicken and…
El Nido
Fantastic pizza with perfect thin crust in a beachfront setting? Sign us up. Fresh-baked bread and gnocchi are other specialities. Don't be afraid to show…
Paro
The espresso is good at this little cafe but the real draw is the wonderful range of pastries, from the signature apple pie to blueberry cake and seasonal…
The East
An example of why the Sarvodaya Rd strip is becoming one of the most interesting eating neighbourhoods on the east coast. This restaurant is a two-level…
Amritsar
This fast and friendly upmarket dhaba serves some of Amritsar’s tastiest parathas stuffed with herbs, potato and pomegranate seeds that burst in the mouth…
East Bali
Serving a predominantly organic menu of Western and Balinese staples, this friendly and clean warung with its distinctive checkerboard-tiled floor is a…
Anjuna
This may well be the best Italian-style gelato and ice cream in Goa and regulars know it. Scoops in a cup or waffle cone, shakes, juices and espresso…
Lijiang
High-end Yunnanese cuisine fills most of the menu at this Yunnanese–French collaboration, in an upmarket setting on the south side of the old town. Bring…
Seminyak
Australian chef Dean Keddell presides over an appealing, airy space, with carved wood and palms. The Asian fusion menu features a 'Best of' list of…
Prachuap Khiri Khan
A go-to place for discerning locals, here you can eat streetside under a utilitarian tent while gazing at the squid boats in the bay. Great range of fresh…
Panaji
It’s well worth a trip up to Altinho Hill to visit this serene inner courtyard cafe-gallery in an azure-and-white Portuguese mansion in the grounds of…
Batticaloa
Sun Shine has quite a reputation, and it's easy to see why. This modern, clean and welcoming place covers all bases with an amazing display of biryanis,…
Battambang
Upstairs from the shop of the same name, this uber-cosy cafe serves Spanish tapas-style dishes and a few Khmer options under a soaring, bamboo-inlaid…
Penang
Locals come here for laksa asam – thick rice noodles in a tart, herbaceous fish-based broth, with mint leaves, pineapple slivers, onions and fresh…
West & Southwest Singapore
In a colonial bungalow in Labrador Park, Tamarind Hill sets an elegant scene for exceptional Thai. The highlight is the Sunday brunch (S$60; noon to 3pm),…
Jaffna
For a typical Jaffna treat, head to this popular ice-cream parlour near the landmark Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. Rio is a local favourite; join the crowds…
Izu Peninsula
It's well worth dragging yourself away from the beach for the tasty sandwiches, burgers, salads and curries (not to mention the must-have brownies) at…
Kota Kinabalu
El Centro is understandably popular – it's carnivore- and vegetarian-friendly and drinks are reasonably priced. Choose from Tex-Mex and Mediterranean…
Takayama
Sakurajaya happens when you take a Japanese man to Germany, introduce him to European culinary arts, hone his craft, then return him to the quiet back…
South Delhi
This superb South Indian restaurant feels like a temple, with a woodcarved interior, waiters dressed as devotees, and incense burning on the exterior…
Tacloban
Offering a rustic feel in the city, this delightful restaurant is set in an open-sided, traditional wooden structure in a garden with bench seating…
Ayuthaya
A wonderfully cluttered restaurant serving top-notch Thai food. Seemingly half the punters are here for grilled river prawns, though the gaang kĕe·o wăhn …
Imperial Palace & Around
This gorgeous tearoom-cafe is a stone's throw from the west side of the Imperial Palace Park. It's fantastic for a break from sightseeing in this part of…
Siem Reap
A compact menu of terrific homemade pasta is the signature of this bright, friendly Italian corner bistro in the bohemian Kandal village district. Add a…
Eastern Visayas
Popular cafe-restaurant serving filling breakfasts, Filipino dishes, sandwiches and burgers and pasta. There's one of the best cake selections in all the…
Nusa Lembongan
On the road to the mangroves, past the lighthouse, this family-run restaurant serves excellent seafood meals. The menu depends on what's caught offshore…
Pyin Oo Lwin
The upmarket yet casual lakeside setting is an obvious attraction here, while the menu spans dishes from across the gastronomic planet. The waterside…
Chittagong
One of Chittagong’s best dining options, this swish, air-conditioned restaurant has an excellent pan-Asian menu, including Chinese, Indian, Thai and…
Bantayan Island
What's this? A British-owned Tex-Mex restaurant on a remote Visayan island? Works for us. Satisfy all your burrito and taco cravings at this simple place…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
One bite of Samsen's delectable pad thai and Queen's Rd E becomes Khao San Rd; but at this hip little gem presided over by an Aussie chef, the good ol'…
Pulau Langkawi
Langkawi is home to heaps of Middle Eastern restaurants and this Syrian place is one of the best. Expect friendly staff, slightly less fluorescent…
Northeastern Thailand
This Thai-trendy cafe in the old bus station (by the clock tower) surprises with retro American furniture, delicious Thai dishes, fresh salads and good…
