Must-see restaurants in Southeast Asia

  • Lesehan Santong

    Sumbawa

    A tasty fish shack teetering on the rocky shore at the island’s midway point. Dine on fresh catch, grilled or fried, in the ‘dining room’, or in one of…

  • Lebanon

    Penang

    Middle Eastern visitors have brought their cuisine to Batu Ferringhi, and this is the pick of the lot. We fancy the meze platter, which brings together…

  • Yellow Fin

    Davao

    One of three locations in the city, this informal and popular eatery specialises in seafood by the kilo (eg lapu lapu and tuna). When it's busy here, most…

  • Khao Soi Islam Noodles

    Chiang Mai

    The locals' favourite for kôw soy (wheat-and-egg noodles in curry broth), although we found it less flavourful and more salty than other options on this…

  • Banh Mi Pho Hue

    Hanoi

    Banh mi vendors abound in Hanoi, although this baguette phenomenon is less popular than in Ho Chi Minh City. Open since 1978, this place is usually packed…

  • Royal Garden

    Yangon

    Kicking off with excellent dim sum for breakfast and rolling through to roasted duck (K13,000) for dinner, this big restaurant set back from Kandawgyi…

  • Aloha

    Sumatra

    Just across from the beach is this Australian-owned place that does primarily Western pub food, along with seafood dishes and Indonesian staples. They…

  • Nem Vu Thanh An

    Nha Trang

    Head to this inexpensive local place that serves up the best nem nuong (grilled minced pork marinated with shallots and spices) in the city. It's served…

  • Warung Dolphin

    Lovina

    Near the beach, this small cafe serves a fine grilled-seafood platter (which was probably caught by the guy next to you). There's live acoustic music many…

  • Namaste

    Hanoi

    This sprawling restaurant serves delicious Indian cuisine from a huge menu with a decent selection of vegetarian options. Thali set meals (105,000d to 225…

  • Ruen-Suan

    Kanchanaburi Province

    About as fancy as Thong Pha Phum gets, this open-air place behind the market has excellent food, including a properly spicy gaang Ъàh (jungle curry),…

  • Diyana Cafe

    Sarawak

    A buzzing little place with pavement tables and views of the river that serves up tasty Indonesian fare, including nasi lalapan (rice, vegetables and tofu…

  • Koko Kitchen

    Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast

    Koko gets good reviews from campers for its small but changing menu of Asian and international dishes. You can also get a beer here, and it even has…

  • Agung Resto

    Malang

    This cheerful spot with plastic chairs and tables has tasty, inexpensive local food, including martabak (pancake-like meat, egg and vegetable dish), rice…

  • Harbour City Dim Sum

    Dumaguete

    Chain restaurant with waitresses clad in traditional clothing and push carts piled with a variety of buns, rolls and other small dishes. It's a large, two…

  • Wine Wild Why?

    Northeastern Thailand

    Housed in an atmospheric wooden building next to the river, this relaxing spot has bags of character and delicious Thai and Isan food. The wine selection…

  • Warung Pondok Nusa Penida

    Nusa Penida

    A cute little breezy place right on the beach. Enjoy well-prepared Indo classics and seafood (plus the odd international item) while taking in the views…

  • Fan

    Gili Trawangan

    Homemade dumplings, wontons and broad noodles are the stars of this tiny Chinese restaurant that feels like a secret hideaway. You'll dine at one long…

  • Warung Gede & Homestay

    West Bali

    From the simple open-air cafe of this guesthouse, you can watch the breaks and enjoy basic Indonesian fare as well as good breakfasts. Rooms (from 150…

  • Pai Siam Bistro

    Pai

    Bright and stylish, with sofas for lounging, this relocated place has Mediterranean-influenced specials, Thai tapas and some decent cakes and pastries. It…

  • Sushi Tokyo

    Vung Tau

    Intimate, relatively inexpensive Japanese with a good sushi menu (a huge plate of mixed maki rolls is 298,000d). Tempura, teriyaki, ramen and udon dishes…

  • Van Tue

    Haiphong

    This gaudy hall is renowned for seafood, including an amazing selection of crab dishes. More exotic dishes featuring deer and goat are also on the menu. A…

  • Warung Flora

    South Lombok

    A total tropical fantasy in bamboo and thatch. Sit under a palm tree while you dine on fresh fish caught by a local fisher. The chef is the owner's wife,…

  • Antica Locanda

    Ko Samui

    This friendly trattoria has pressed white tablecloths and casks of Italian wine. Try the vongole alla marinara (clams in white wine), but also consider…

  • Istana Cake & Bakery

    Singaraja

    Fallen in love in Lovina? Get your wedding cake here. For lesser life moments like the munchies, choose from an array of tasty baked goods. There is a…

  • Restoran Bismillah

    Semporna

    This reliable stalwart caters to night owls and insomniacs, with fried noodle dishes, seafood rice and all manner of variations on the roti canai…

  • Smoke 2

    Boracay

    There's no competition if you want a good-value Filipino-style dining experience on Bulabog Beach. Caters to locals and budget-minded travellers with…

  • Rumah Makan Sabar

    North Sulawesi

    Boasts an attractive colonial-style terrace and is renowned for its delicious nasi kuning (yellow rice) – an excellent way to start your day. Its soups…

  • Walking Street

    Chiang Rai Province

    Every Saturday a section of Th Rimkhong is closed off to vehicles and this food-heavy market unfolds. There are lots of barbecue options, as well as rice…

  • Trattoria Bello

    Phnom Penh

    Hidden away near the Russian Market, Bello turns out some of the most delicious pizzas in town at good prices. The Japanese owner also offers pasta,…

  • Nusa Dua Beach Grill

    Nusa Dua

    A good spot for day trippers, this warm-hued cafe (hidden by the Mulia resort) is just south of Gegar Beach. The drinks menu is long, the seafood fresh…

  • Tambai Alley

    Manila

    Out front is Tambai, serving quick but highly original Japanese-infused Filipino snacks – try the to-die-for yakitori sticks. At the back are oyster bar…

  • Pho Thin

    Hanoi

    Negotiate your way to the rear of this narrow, rustic establishment and sit down to some excellent pho bo (beef noodle soup). A classic Hanoi experience…

  • Ah Heng Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee

    Little India & Kampong Glam

    Work up a sweat with a bowl of award-winning coconut-curry noodle soup, scooped fresh from a fragrant, simmering vat. Don't worry if you find a snaking…

  • Saap Lah

    Nong Khai

    For excellent gài yâhng (grilled chicken), sôm·đam (spicy green papaya salad) and other Isan foods, follow your nose to this no-frills, open-fronted…

  • Alanis Deli

    Phu Quoc Island

    Fab caramel pancakes, American breakfast combos, plus good (if pricey) coffee and wonderfully friendly service. It's located near the turnoff to Ong Lang…

  • Limbang Food Court

    Sarawak

    Opened in 2018, this outdoor food court features 40 stalls handily divided into a Malay side and a Chinese side. It's a breezy and cool spot to be after…

  • Evening Market

    Lampang

    Self-caterers or those interested in local eats will want to check out Lampang’s evening market, where steaming baskets of sticky rice and dozens of sides…

  • No Style

    Phnom Penh

    This hole-in-the-wall 12-seat 'skewer counter' ticks all the right boxes. Beyond the US$1 skewers, you'll also find US$3 rice and noodle tapas, cheap…

  • Battambang BBQ & Buffet

    Battambang

    Offering an all-inclusive tabletop barbecue and serve-yourself buffet, this place is unbelievably popular with local Khmers and domestic tourists…

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