Asia’s 7 top emerging foodie travel destinations – from Mongolia to Myanmar, and Cambodia to Changsha, China
The world’s most populous continent is far less discovered than you might think – from remote islands and eco-getaways to city skyscrapers, here’s our pick of 7 emerging restaurants and resorts serious foodies need to know about
With Asia's unstoppable growth and seemingly insatiable appetite for dining, you could be forgiven for thinking that pretty much every part of the continent has been covered when it comes to places to eat. But for every well-known metropolitan culinary hotspot, there are countless emerging and new alternatives where restaurants may just surprise you.
Here are seven probably unexpected Asian locations where brilliant dining on the edge comes as standard.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
The combination of a ferry from Singapore and then a seaplane make a trip to stunning Bawah Reserve an adventure even before you arrive. Once you get there, prepare to be blown away by a pristine paradise where the watchword is sustainability, in every area. That extends to their Bawah Anambas Foundation (BAF), which supports local communities – but also to the culinary footprint. Its three restaurants offer seasonal, local produce, including from their own pesticide-free fruit and vegetable gardens, making for delicious and wholesome dishes that perfectly suit the cool but conscientious global clientele. At The Boat House, think delicious Indonesian classics like seafood mie goreng as well as poke bowls or quinoa and edamame salads, all served with a side order of breathtaking lagoon views where baby black tip sharks frolic.
Private Ger Dining, Mongolia
The vast and breathtaking Mongolian wilderness can prove the setting for a truly one-of-a-kind meal. Lightfoot Travel’s Mongolia itineraries offer stays in remarkable traditional ger homes that can be set up wherever you desire. The luxurious take on traditional accommodation even comes with a dining area and local food crafted by a private chef. That could mean delicious local air-dried cheeses and meats, delicate dumplings like a xiao long bao – said to originate in Mongolia – or deep fried, lamb pastries, called khuushuur that may be spiced with wild garlic or nettles. Wash it all down with airag made from fermented mare's milk – or maybe a fine bottle of Bordeaux, as anything can be catered.
Wa Ale Resort, Myanmar