Asian restaurants in Europe
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A
Diep le Shaker
Diep le Shaker is a modern, light-filled space that is tucked down an alley off prestigious Pembroke St. It is popular with the local business crowd, establishment movers and shakers, and people generally consumed by their own self-importance. It’s the ugly side of the Celtic Tiger. The predominantly Thai grub is inventive and excellent, but you get the impression you’re paying for the company and it ain’t worth it.
reviewed
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B
Ginger
As carefully arranged as a bento box, Ginger takes inspiration from Thailand to Japan, China to Bali. The menu bursts with goodness and authentic Asian flavours – hence the name.
reviewed
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C
Turandot
If you wanted to go to Disney World, but somehow ended up in Moscow, Turandot should be at the top of your dining wish list. Completely costumed in wigs and gowns, musicians play chamber music and servers scuttle to and fro. The decor is unbelievably extravagant, with hand-painted furniture, gilded light fixtures and frescoed cupola ceiling. It is certainly every bit as elaborate as Cinderella’s castle. Turandot is named for a Puccini opera set in old Peking, which is as good a reason as any to serve Chinese and Japanese food in this baroque interior.
reviewed
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D
Ra’mien
Picture a grey-white room in minimalist look and lots of bright, young hip things bent over piping-hot noodles and you have Ra’mien. The menu covers a good swath of Asia, with a choice of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese noodle soups and rice dishes. Ra’mien fills up quickly at night, so it’s best to book to avoid having to wait for a table; the lounge bar downstairs has regular DJs and stays open until at least 2am.
reviewed
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E
Monsieur Vuong
This upbeat Indochina nosh stop hasn't lost a step despite becoming a fixture on the tourist circuit. From the flavour-packed soups to the fragrant rice and noodle dishes, it's all delicious even if the steady queue does not make for leisurely meals. Afternoons are slowest.
reviewed
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F
Sasaya
Whatever you order at this minimalist space has perfect pitch – sushi to salads, tempura to fish. Tables fill quickly with Japanese expats and plugged-in locals, so it’s best to make reservations several days ahead.
reviewed
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Vanil
It’s hard to say which sight is more grandiose: the glitzy interior of this ultrafancy eating establishment or the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour that looms across the street. Actually, the views of the cathedral through the restaurant’s picture windows are a perfect complement to the crystal chandelier and giant gold-framed mirror that hang in the dining room. The modern Asian menu features sushi and other seafood dishes, which are all prepared with delightful innovations. And the service is top notch. Don’t be put off by the row of Mercedes parked out the front; you will be treated well here – even if you show up on foot.
reviewed
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ON
ON is quite rightly seen as the best Austro-Asian fusion restaurant in the southern Vorstadt. The ambience is relaxed and friendly, and the young staff are likely to kick off the meal with a complimentary appetiser of bread in cold-pressed olive oil and a few prawn chips. After that, order from a menu that spans neo-Beisl fare such as chicken liver with chilli, gan-bien (fried) beef strips or trout with ginger. The menu changes according to season and the whim of the chef. The small, private garden is lovely in summer; reserve in the evening.
reviewed
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I
Angel
Sparkling but subtle décor in shades of champagne and chocolate, crowned with a lacy disc of fairy lights, creates a sophisticated, romantic atmosphere in this highly acclaimed new restaurant. The Asian-fusion food, with flavours and influences from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan and an emphasis on fresh, high-quality produce, features delectable dishes such as hot-and-sour beef (dressed with tamarind, chilli and lime with fresh coriander and mint), and seared tuna with chilli sauce, sweet potato mash and crispy seaweed.
reviewed
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J
Orange Moon
Buddhist statues, oriental carved-wood panels, paper lanterns and warm, sunny colours make a welcoming combination at this ever-popular Asian restaurant. The menu is mostly Thai, with authentically spicy tom yum kai (hot and sour chicken broth) laden with smouldering chillis, crispy pow pyet (spring rolls) and fragrant kaeng phed kai (chicken in red curry). There are also some Indonesian, Burmese and Indian dishes, and bottles of Singha beer to take the edge off that chilli burn.
reviewed
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K
Chang Asian Noodles
Chang is a small, well-established Asian diner a short walk from the Innere Stadt. The venue is bright, open, uncomplicated and highly relaxed, while the service is quick and attentive. Noodles (either fried or in a soup) are the mainstay of a menu spanning the Asian continent (at least from China to Singapore) – expect plenty of chicken, prawns (both baby and tiger) and vegetable choices. Everything is available for takeaway. The affiliated duck restaurant next door (mains €13 to €16) has the same hours.
reviewed
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Korea Haus
If you’re a Korean food virgin, this tiny hut in an unlikely Wedding location is a fine place to lose your innocence. The native owner-chef takes on the roles of greeter, seater, server, sommelier and cook in what amounts to a Peter Sellers–worthy performance. The menu is extensive, but we highly recommend the bulgogi: slices or chunks of beef or pork, cooked on a gas barbecue at your table and served with a handful of panchan (side dishes). Delicious and authentic.
reviewed
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M
Chang Asian Duck
Chang Asian Duck is the classier brother of Chang Asian Noodles, with soothing shades of red and brown, an intimate atmosphere, and a focus on floral art. The cuisine is wok-based, and as the name suggests, the speciality here is duck; duck breast in a tangy orange sauce and grilled-duck curry are both highlights, but the godly Beijing duck, which must be ordered two days in advance to allow proper marination, tops the bill. After the meal retire to the lounge bar downstairs for cocktails.
reviewed
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N
Kim Kocht
The Korean and Japanese cuisine of Kim Kocht is highly sought after in Vienna’s culinary circles for its originality, quality and the creativity shown in presentation. The three- to five-course menus are constantly changing but often feature fish as the main, and organic produce is always used. Although the restaurant has more recently moved into larger premises, reservations of about one month ahead are still advisable. Kim Kocht also offers cooking courses.
reviewed
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Shiro I Shiro
This groovy ‘white castle’ with its playful fairytale décor is a bit too chichi for most Berliners, but despite the heavy tourist quotient the nouveau Japanese food is surprisingly good. Keep it simple with à la carte sushi or test the chefs’ talent by ordering tuna tataki (with foie gras and herbed risotto) or kohitsuji (lamb and feta in miso-peanut sauce). Desserts are art on a platter. Don’t skip.
reviewed
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Kiang
Among the three Kiangs in Vienna, this one conveniently close to Stephansplatz is your best option for a snack on the run. Quality stand-up light sushi, meat or vegetarian curries and noodles (even wraps if they’re not sold out) are surprisingly inexpensive. For sit-down sushi and sashimis, though, head out to the Landstrasse Kiang as the designer tones there create a more relaxed setting. Prices for mains (€11.80 to €19.50) in all branches are the same.
reviewed
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Con Gracia
This teeny hideaway (seating about 20 in total) is a hive of originality, producing a delicately balanced mix of Mediterranean cuisine with Asian touches. On offer is a regularly changing surprise tasting menu or the set ‘traditional’ one (€59), which includes such items as sopa de foie y miso con aceite de trufa blanca (miso and foie gras soup with white truffle oil) and a nice Chilean sea bass. At lunch, only groups are accepted. Book ahead.
reviewed
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Q
Gu
If you choose carefully in the evening or take advantage of the lunch dishes, Gu can be a very inexpensive way to fill up on noodles, rice and pan-Asian curries between forays into Alsergrund and Josefstadt. A chicken curry with coconut milk costs about €9, and whatever hasn’t been sold out from the lunchtime blackboard can be ordered at the day price in the evening. Gu doesn’t aspire to culinary sensation, but it does honest, satisfying dishes.
reviewed
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Taman Gang
This basement restaurant just metres from the traffic chaos of Marble Arch is an oasis of tranquillity, suffused with incense and buzzing with a smart yet surprisingly informal Park Lane crowd. The interesting menu fuses Indonesian and Malaysian with Chinese and Japanese classics. On our last visit, the crispy aromatic duck roll was superb, while honey-glazed lamb cutlets with crispy lotus was of a similarly high standard but low size.
reviewed
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Cô Tú
Cô tú The wok at this simple Asian diner never rests as hungry Poles can’t get enough of the excellent dishes coming from the kitchen. The menu is enormous, covering all the main bases (seafood, vegetable, beef, chicken, pork), and you’ll never have to wait more than 10 minutes for your food despite the queues. Hadlowo-Usługowe is accessed through the archway at Nowy Świat 26.
reviewed
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Yohm
A typical scene in Yohm is of black-clad waiters gliding between tables to refill glasses with celebrated Austrian wines as diners revel in views of Peterskirche while enjoying contemporary Asian cuisine. Sushi looms large on the menu, but consider ordering one of the kitchen’s more unusual offerings – udon noodles with Scottish salmon or fried duck roll with fresh mint and plum sauce. Set menus are cheaper on weekdays.
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Mr Lee
If the smells wafting from the door of this small Asian diner don't pull you inside, there's a good chance the smiling, friendly staff greeting passers-by will. The menu wanders across much of Asia, taking in Japanese sushi, Thai green curries and Chinese noodle dishes. Take a pew inside and watch the cooks prepare your meal in front of your eyes, or a table outside and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Naschmarkt.
reviewed
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V
Buddha Haus
A haze of good smells greets you the moment you step into this cheerful eatery, with its natural brick walls, lampion-style lights and soothing music. The menu is a spectrum of flavours packaged into healthfully prepared stews, soups, sautés, momos (stuffed breads), curries and other appetising dishes. Vegetarians will be happy here as well.
In summer, tables spill out into the courtyard.
reviewed
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New Nioullaville
This cavernous, 400-seat place with 500 menu entries tries to please all of the people all of the time. As a result the food is a bit of a mishmash – dim sum sits next to beef satay, as do scallops with black bean alongside Singapore noodles, though whether they do so comfortably is another matter. Order carefully and you should get some authenticity. Rice and noodle dishes are between €6.50 and €9.
reviewed
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X
El Rey de Tallarines
This is one of Madrid’s longest-standing and best-loved Asian restaurants; it’s been here so long its décor has come to resemble a generic Spanish bar. The secret of its longevity is its dedication to the dying art of La Mian (pulled noodles), which it makes here on the spot. Add Chinese and Thai sauces and reasonable prices and we expect it’ll be around for a while yet.
reviewed
