Must-see restaurants in Southeast Asia

  • Tham Mada

    Vang Vieng

    The name here means 'normal', but there's lots that's unusual about this place. Chief among these is that the Korean owner is doing some of the better…

  • Tindahin it Boracay

    Boracay

    At this open-air food park, social enterprises such as Red Box prepare scrumptious seafood bought fresh at the adjoining palengke (wet market). A DIY…

  • Damai

    Lovina

    Enjoy the renowned organic restaurant at this boutique hotel in the hills behind Lovina. Tables enjoy views across the north coast. The changing menu…

  • Por Que No

    Jakarta

    A tucked-away, uberhip rooftop tapas bar with terrace in the De Ritz Building in Menteng, this spot is popular with those in the know. Try the grilled and…

  • 328 Katong Laksa

    Singapore

    For a bargain foodie high, hit this cult-status corner shop. The star is the namesake laksa: thin rice noodles in a light curry broth made with coconut…

  • Romdeng

    Phnom Penh

    Set in a gorgeous colonial villa with a small pool, Romdeng specialises in Cambodian country fare, including a famous baked-fish amok, two-toned pomelo…

  • Coto Nusantara

    Makassar

    Don't miss sampling the rich local beef soup of coto Makassar at this city-wide famous hole-in-the-wall near the dockyards. The tiny bowl fills out to a…

  • Healthy U

    Cebu City

    This quirky, inexpensive little place is a haven for vegetarians, with tasty tofu and vegan dishes (most costing P30 to P40). For really cheap eats you…

  • Veranda

    Puerto Galera

    Formerly on a cliff above White Beach, Veranda has relocated to a smaller location on the beach but remains one of Puerto Galera's best restaurants, with…

  • Sea Breeze

    Nusa Lembongan & Islands

    The charming Sea Breeze has a great location with views of the channel and the seaweed harvest. An attractive open-air setting decorated with plants, bean…

  • Heaven Burger

    Chiang Rai

    Owned and run by the whip-smart Jane, a member of the Akha minority, this place has a rustic setting with random garden furniture and sawn-off doors as…

  • Gecko Bar & Shop

    Northern Laos

    Handmade woven gifts and tea are for sale at this delightful, memorable little cafe (two-thirds of the way down the main drag, on your left heading south)…

  • Le Malraux

    Siem Reap

    Stunningly located in the network of alleys east of Psar Chaa, Le Malraux is one of the best French restaurants in Siem Reap, and by night this quartier…

  • Green Garden Lembongan

    Nusa Lembongan

    Tucked into a lovely garden on a side street off Jungutbatu Beach, this locally owned warung serves up tasty smoothie bowls and creative Indonesian dishes…

  • Nesat Seafood House

    Phnom Penh

    Incredibly cheap seafood cooked to perfection and served in trendy, sea-inspired surrounds. What more could you ask for? All the critters arrive fresh…

  • Nam Giao

    Haiphong

    Haiphong's most atmospheric dining choice is hidden within this colonial building. Rooms are an artful clutter of Asian art, old carved cabinets and…

  • Pro-Ema Restaurant School

    Dili

    This excellent social project offers free vocational education, personal development and career support for young Timorese women in three areas, one of…

  • Sovanna II

    Phnom Penh

    Sovanna II is always jumping with locals and a smattering of expats, who have made this their barbecue of choice thanks to the huge menu and cheap local…

  • Gluttons Bay

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    This acclaimed row of al fresco hawker stalls is a great place to start your Singapore food odyssey. Get indecisive over classics like laksa, satay,…

  • Santai

    Pulau Perhentian

    BuBu’s Santai restaurant offers laid-back views that may see you opting for a second beer or cocktail before your candlelit dinner kicks off. Lighter…

  • Casa Bonita

    Cat Ba Island

    This is one of our Cat Ba favourites for its combination of good service, tasty mains (try the seafood curry or fish in a clay pot), lighter options such…

  • Ka-Tib-Khao

    Vientiane

    Ka-Tib-Khao (Rice Basket) has a reassuringly short and delicious menu of dishes, many from the country's north. Think sheets of deep-fried Mekong River…

  • Pica

    Ubud

    Much-acclaimed, the contemporary South American cuisine served at this small restaurant is one of Ubud's culinary highlights. From the open kitchen,…

  • Navy Cafe

    Melaka City

    A lovely place for a scrambled egg breakfast, smoothie bowl or moreish lunch, the food at this small cafe is tops. Dishes regularly change, but stewed…

  • Seeds

    Yangon

    Swiss Michelin-star chef Felix Eppisser and his wife Lucia Eppisser are the genial hosts at this superb fine-dining restaurant on the shores of Inya Lake…

  • Bamee Chakangrao

    Northern Thailand

    Thin wheat-and-egg noodles (bà·mèe) are a speciality of Kamphaeng Phet, and this famous and friendly restaurant is one of the best places to try them. The…

  • Bouang Asian Eatery

    Luang Prabang

    This attractive eatery on the main drag puts a smile on your face with its colourful chairs, funky light fixtures and mural-covered wall. The hand-written…

  • La Villa

    Battambang

    Battambang’s most atmospheric dinner option dishes up delectable Khmer, Vietnamese, French and Italian dishes, plus wines from around the world…

  • Hummus Eliajah

    Manila

    The speciality is hummus combined with pine nuts, falafel or egg, but the tastiness extends to pita wraps, shakshuka (eggs poached in a spicy sauce) and…

  • Sea Shell

    Hoi An

    Shaded by a decades-old banyan tree, Sea Shell is a flavour-packed offshoot of Nu Eatery in Hoi An's Old Town. Try snacks like tempura-prawn rolls and…

  • Phu-Talay

    Ko Chang

    A beautiful place right on the canal, Phu-Talay has wooden floors, blue-and-white decor, a picturesque deck and its own boat (for pickup from nearby…

  • Hai Bar & Grill

    Nusa Lembongan

    This wide-open bar with wide-open views of the bay and sunsets is the most stylish restaurant bar along Tanjung Sanghyang. The menu mixes Asian and…

  • Kiwami

    Nha Trang

    One of the best Japanese restaurants in coastal Vietnam, this is an intimate affair with a specialist sushi chef: perch on a bar stool and watch the…

  • Take

    Kuta & Legian

    Flee Bali for a relaxed version of Tokyo just by ducking under the traditional curtain over the doorway at this ever-expanding restaurant. Hyper-fresh…

  • Pisgor

    Kuta & Legian

    All sorts of goodness emerges from the ever-bubbling deep-fryers at this narrow storefront near the airport. The pisang goreng (banana fritters) are not…

  • Calle Arco

    Around Manila

    Easily the best restaurant in town, atmospheric Calle Arco adds uniquely Pagsanjan touches to Filipino fare, along with pizza and pasta. Try the chicken…

  • Dumbo

    Ubud

    Music, mixology and Italian food are a particularly good trio, so you'd need to be a dumbo not to eat here, especially as pizzas cooked in a wood-fired…

  • Warung Goûthé

    Canggu

    Superbly prepared and presented casual meals are the hallmark of this open-front cafe. The very short menu changes each day depending on what's fresh. The…

  • Koti

    Hua Hin

    This Thai-Chinese restaurant, opened in 1932, is a national culinary luminary. Thais adore the stir-fried oyster with flour and egg, while foreigners…

  • Ai Xin

    Sandakan

    Black sesame bean curd, braised shiitake mushrooms with yam, laksa with handmade noodles and tender steamed dumplings, bursting forth with crunchy, fresh…

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