Must-see restaurants in Southeast Asia

  • Rustic Eatery & Bar

    Hat Patong

    This stylish, indoor-outdoor restaurant under a canopy of bamboo at the southern end of Patong beach is very popular. It has excellent gourmet pizzas,…

  • Matoi

    Manila

    This authentic Japanese eatery is divided into two parts: a tiny seven-seat sushi bar operated by the owner/chef and open from 5.30pm daily; and the main…

  • Muslim Restaurant

    Bangkok

    Plant yourself in this blue-walled ancient eatery for a glimpse into what restaurants in Bangkok once used to be like. The menu, much like the interior…

  • Restaurante da Montanha

    Timor-Leste

    The restaurant of Projeto Montanha is one of the best lunch stops around. It offers a short but quality menu of comfort dishes like lasagne, steak and…

  • Birds of Paradise

    Singapore

    Not your run-of-the-mill ice-cream shop, this is more a high-end boutique stocked with artisinal gelatos. Taking flavour cues from nature, think white…

  • Nasaka Coffee

    Aceh

    Bringing a taste of contemporary cafe style to the beach is this classy waterfront joint that does the best coffee on Pulau Weh. Choose from manual brews…

  • Brasserie

    Phuket Town

    A great spot to splurge on fine Belgian-inspired food, with serious Australian rib-eye steaks, lamb chops, spare ribs and beef carpaccio as well as meaty…

  • Alamanda

    Malaysia

    A fairly standard shopping mall, albeit with grand entrances flanked by bamboo, Alamanda has an above-average food hall. Take your pick of roti canai …

  • Bunker

    Bangkok

    Bunker's sumptuous menu, easy vibe, grungy low-ceiling interior, excellent cocktail list and swish service all make for a special evening. Tapas, sharing…

  • Dieng

    Central Java

    Occupying a Dutch colonial building, this restaurant comes into its own at lunchtime, when busloads of tourists pile in for the buffet-style lunch on…

  • Baboon House

    Melaka City

    If gourmet burgers with fillings such as Greek-style spicy lamb, teriyaki pork chop or portobello mushroom sound like a pleasant change from taste bud…

  • Waterfront

    Danang

    A riverfront lounge and restaurant that gets everything right on every level. It works as a stylish bar for a chilled glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc…

  • Aubergine 49

    Hoi An

    This stylish restaurant, around five minutes north of central Hoi An by taxi, crafts excellent fusion combinations of Asian and Western cuisine. On top of…

  • East Coast Lagoon Food Village

    Singapore

    There are few hawker centres with a better location. Tramp barefoot off the beach, find a table (note the table number for when you order), then trawl the…

  • Dos Mestizos

    Boracay

    Outstanding traditional Spanish cuisine infused with local flavours – including sophisticated tapas, authentic paella, bean soups and hearty stews – makes…

  • Baan Rimlay

    Phuket

    This shady spot immediately southwest of Rawai's pier steams clams, mussels and fish, and grills squid, prawns and lobster to perfection. For something…

  • Komala Vilas

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    This prime-position branch of the Komala Vilas chain is extremely popular due to the wallet-friendly, authentic dishes and generous portions. The wafer…

  • MTR 1924

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    Started in 1924 by the Maiya brothers in Bangalore, India, this Lion City outpost is constantly brimming with regulars devouring the oh-so crispy dosas…

  • Crazy Kangaroo

    Candidasa

    Wild by local standards, this open-air and pavilion pub is full of characters shooting pool or propping at the long bar to watch sports. The open kitchen…

  • Rumah Makan Murah Muriah

    Flores

    The house speciality here is the sop ikan asam pedas, Nusa Tenggara Timor's endemic spicy-and-sour tamarind fish soup. This one, cooked by the ever…

  • Craft Cafe

    Yangon

    This modern Asian cafe serves Singaporean dishes such as laksa noodles, which are perfectly fine if not amazing. You can also enjoy light bites such as…

  • Saung Gawir

    West Java

    This restaurant–strawberry farm has startling valley views from its roadside perch in Alam Endah. Ignore the tour groups, pick a table and soak up the…

  • Talat Thanin

    Chiang Mai

    North of the old city, this market specializes in ready-to-eat gàp kôw (pre-made food served with rice) meals, with a whole rear section jammed with…

  • Family Tree Restaurant

    Krabi Town

    The same people who set up May & Mark's have branched out – with even more delicious pastries and homemade goodies. This place is renowned for its…

  • Gecko Pub

    Hue

    Harbouring a laid-back vibe (no football TV), this Pham Ngu Lao spot combines friendly service and Asian-chic decor along with the best street-side tables…

  • Blue Manao

    Phuket

    This relaxed, French-run place decked out in marine blue has more atmosphere than its nearby competitors, as well as a more individual menu. The seafood –…

  • Swasti Beloved Cafe

    Ubud

    This cafe attached to Swasti Eco Cottages is reason enough to take a stroll through the Monkey Forest. Indonesian and Western dishes prepared from the…

  • Oishi Kaiso

    Ko Tao

    This neat and slim establishment the size of a gyoza (Japanese dumpling) is often full, doing a brisk trade in nigiri, sashimi and maki, while maintaining…

  • Moto-san Uber Noodle

    Hanoi

    Brainchild of Hanoi artist, journalist and designer Nguyen Qui Duc (of Tadioto fame), this wonderful noodle stall seats eight eager eaters. The menu is…

  • Salud Tapas

    Melaka City

    The inner courtyard of this tapas restaurant is a cooling place to sip a sangria, beer or glass of Spanish vino. The chef is Spanish and imports…

  • Chin Chin Eating House

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    For a no-fuss Chinese comfort feed, step into Chin Chin's halogen glow. Top billing goes to the Hainanese specialities, from the celebrated chicken rice…

  • Indian Hut

    Bangkok

    Despite the fast-food overtones in the name and logo, this long-standing restaurant is classy and popular with visiting businesspeople. The emphasis is on…

  • Legend's Sports Bar

    Siquijor

    Come for Tony, the colourful and friendly owner, self-professed American-wrestling fan and repository of stories about luminaries such as Rick Flair and…

  • Prego

    Ko Samui

    This zestfully refreshed restaurant with cool lounge and bar zone serves up tantalising Italian cuisine, with a strong selection of vegetarian dishes,…

  • Spices Restaurant

    Can Tho

    Go for a table overlooking the river at this fine restaurant that's refined without being stuffy, and opt for the beautifully presented trio of salads …

  • Hua Yu Wee Seafood

    Singapore

    Nothing much has changed here since 1970, well, except the addition of air-con, and that's the way Singaporeans would like to keep it. Housed in a…

  • Cafe HOC

    Battambang

    This social enterprise has an inviting photographic menu with a compact list of Khmer and Japanese favourites, but it's best known for its all-you-can-eat…

  • Safari Garden

    Padang

    This modern, convivial steakhouse with exposed-brick walls and rustic log-lined booths is a fine place for a splurge. The speciality is the steaks (from…

  • Today’s Cafe

    Danau Toba

    This little wooden shack has a laid-back vibe that's in keeping with Tuk Tuk life. It’s run by a couple of friendly ladies who whip up some fabulous and…

    • placement: fullWidth
    • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
    • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
    • targeting:
      {
        "position": "superzone"
      }