Must-see restaurants in Southeast Asia

  • Izakaya Yancha

    Hanoi

    Surrounded by local cafes on ‘Coffee St’, Izakaya Yancha serves izakaya – think Japanese tapas – in a buzzy and friendly atmosphere. Secure a spot near…

  • Warung Enjoy Aja

    Sumba

    The last warung before the pier on the east side. Pick your fish caught fresh that day from a cool box, then enjoy it with rice, local veg and three types…

  • Kinyei

    Battambang

    Besides having the best coffee in town (national barista champs have been crowned here), teensy-weensy Kinyei does surprisingly good Mexican food, vegie…

  • Devatas

    Cambodia

    From the team behind Sugar Palm in Siem Reap, Devatas is set in an idyllic country garden by a pretty lake and is the perfect place to unwind before or…

  • The Box

    Ko Lipe

    The menu at this casually elegant, modern, wood-clad space offers authentic Spanish tapas, washed down with decent imported wine. Top of the tapas list…

  • Made’s Warung

    Kuta & Legian

    Made’s was the original tourist warung in Kuta and its Westernised Indonesian menu has been much copied. Classic dishes such as nasi campur (rice with a…

  • Le Gecko

    Sapa

    This French-owned place has classy service and a menu of flavoursome country cooking that jumps from French tartiflette casserole with potato, cheese and…

  • Red Labuyo

    Bicol

    It's hard to imagine dining with a better view of Mt Mayon than at this stylish little restaurant right next to Daraga Church. Steps descend into the…

  • Rumah Makan Pindang Musi Rawas

    Sumatra

    A short ride northwest of the centre, this nondescript-looking restaurant is locally famous for its pindang patin, a spicy, sour, clear soup with patin…

  • Saigon Kitchen

    Northeastern Thailand

    It's nothing flash, but for some this is Mukdahan's best Vietnamese restaurant, with standout spring rolls (the skin's so thin it's translucent) as well…

  • Bungalow

    Canggu

    Set just far enough back from the road to avoid the fumes, this cafe reflects the retro-chic design sensibilities of its parent housewares emporium. Relax…

  • Restoran Al-Thaufika

    Semporna

    This unassuming place is always a good bet for such Indian-Malaysian standards as roti kosong (crispy, flaky roti with curry to dip it in), murtabak …

  • Caoutchouc

    Ko Lanta

    For Thai-international flavours blended into delectable creative concoctions, hunt down this restaurant 800m south of the Old Town pier. The menu changes…

  • Payag

    Bohol

    In a renovated Spanish-era home with a few quirky additions, this restaurant scores for Filipino food including sizzling gambas (prawns) and adobo. Round…

  • Buddha's Thai Cuisine

    Siargao

    Attached to the resort of the same name, Buddha's occupies a lovely two-storey structure where a Thai chef delights gastronomes with authentic Siamese…

  • Myaung Mya Daw Cho

    Yangon

    There are indoor seats but patrons here usually sit outside, where the delicious mohinga (thin rice noodles in a spicy fish broth, topped with fresh…

  • Spice

    Senggigi

    Spice has airy quarters in the back of the euphemistically named Art Market. Tables on the sand are perfect for sunset drinks chosen from the long list…

  • Chao Italian Restaurant

    Khao Sok National Park

    This is the go-to spot for fine, wood-fired pizzas, cooked by a veteran of Italian restaurants on Phuket, as well as pasta, salads and the usual Thai…

  • Madame Hien

    Hanoi

    Housed in a restored 19th-century villa, Madame Hien is a tribute to French chef Didier Corlu’s Vietnamese grandmother. Look forward to elegant versions…

  • Garage Sandwich Bar

    Battambang

    So this is a curious combination of bike-repair shop and bakery, but it works thanks to freshly baked bread and some of the best-value sandwiches in…

  • Trattoria Cucina Italia

    East Bali

    The Amed branch of a multinational chain, this pavilion restaurant at Ibus Beach is perched on a cliffside and offers its diners wonderful sea views to…

  • Hayahay Cafe

    Camiguin

    An earthy little garden cafe serving healthy fare like smoothie bowls topped with granola, vegan and non-vegan shakshuka and mains like stir-fried…

  • LinkAge

    Yangon

    Eat well and with a healthy conscience at this colourful restaurant, founded as a social-development project in 2010. It helps train street kids and…

  • Tamarind Springs

    Malaysia

    With an open-sided, Balinese-style wooden dining room, backed by jungle and overlooking a golf course, Tamarind Springs makes for a romantic setting for a…

  • De Kock Cafe

    West Sumatra

    Despite being only a five-minute walk from the original, De Kock has opened its second cafe – point of difference being this one opens in the morning for…

  • Little Leaf

    Cat Ba Island

    Attentive service and smart decor, set around a central cafe counter, are the draws here, with tasty Chinese-style dishes (try the braised mushroom and…

  • Common Grounds

    Vientiane

    It's air-con cool in this family-friendly cafe. Sofas to read on, a cold-selection counter boasting wraps, quesadillas, falafel, salads and homemade…

  • Blue Pumpkin

    Siem Reap

    This is the original branch of a popular homegrown chain. The menu includes light bites, great sandwiches, filling specials and divine shakes. The…

  • Noy's Fruit Heaven

    Vientiane

    Noy's is a homely, colourful juice bar with Chinese paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Stop in to pick up a few of your 'five a day' or decimate…

  • Deli's Kep

    Kep

    This gourmet food store earns high praise for its coppa, lomo, saucisson and other imported meats, along with top-notch pepper (100g for US$5 to US$8),…

  • Ban Kee Café

    Sarawak

    An atmospheric Chinese seafood specialist with seating in a semicovered outdoor courtyard, selling fresh fish and seafood (per kilogram RM40 to RM80),…

  • Full Lotus

    Coron Town

    A cute travel-themed cafe with a balcony overlooking the busy street, Full Lotus mixes grainy power bowls with Mexican (vegan tostadas), Filipino (tofu…

  • Boy Thai Food

    Ko Samui

    Delicious no frills shack serving up local Thai dishes late into the night when all else is closed along Beach Rd, east of Bo Phut. The fact that it is a…

  • Boey Chong Kee

    George Town

    Crowd-pleasing dishes such as stir-fried noodles, ginger stewed duck and sweet-and-sour pork are very competently done here, but it's primarily the…

  • Escobar Bar & Grill

    Sarawak

    A casual eatery on the waterfront with breezy outdoor seating, Escobar offers plenty of fresh seafood options accompanied by rice or noodles, as well as…

  • Yangon Cafe

    Chin State

    Wondering what hath the internet wrought? The owner of this newly opened, small and cheerfully decorated restaurant taught himself how to make pizzas via…

  • Nova Coffee

    Mandalay

    Frigid air-conditioning, friendly staff and excellent coffee greet you at Nova, which is popular with Mandalay's young laptop-toting crowd. The menu runs…

  • Ging Pagarang

    Ko Samui

    Locals know this is one of the island's best beachside places to sample authentic Samui-style seafood. It's simple and family run, but the food and views…

  • Badjao Seafront Restaurant

    Puerto Princesa

    Perched over the water at the end of a raised boardwalk over mangroves, Badjao has nice views over Puerto Princesa Bay and the mountains beyond. A long…

  • Ko Yao

    Trang Beaches & Islands

    Perched above the rocks at the southern end of Hat Farang, this cliffside restaurant and bar has dramatic sea views. Mismatched wooden tables and chairs…

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