Asia is famously home to the world's most fragrant flavours and cuisines which have been honed over centuries. At the forefront of the Michelin awards, chefs helming restaurants here have trained internationally, and now bring global techniques - from all over Europe, America, Australasia and Asia - into their kitchen. The food scene here draws in global critics and transforms them into passionate advocates. From Singapore to Bangkok, Tokyo to Seoul, dining out in one of Asia's food hubs is an unmissable VIP experience.
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, Singapore
One of the wildcards on the Michelin list, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle is a humble street food stall which sells its noodle sets for $6-$10. This doesn't make it any less worthwhile; this hawker favourite located near to Lavender MRT station represents a multicultural city which fuses cuisine from all over Asia and has one of the most renowned food scenes worldwide. Even a humble street food seller has skills worthy of international accolade, and once you've tasted their noodle bowls, you'll see why. Each serving combines al dente homemade noodles in a vinegary sauce, with a selection of mouthwatering toppings; dumplings, fried fish, minced meat, pork liver and sliced pork. On the side, you'll receive an accompaniment of flavourful seaweed soup.
Chim by Siam Wisdom, Bangkok (photo)
Chef Thaninthorn “Noom” Chantrawan found fame on TV show Iron Chef Thailand, after a childhood spent helping his mother in her traditional restaurant, and then years working in London at renowned restaurants - including Sketch, Momo and Roka. The offerings at
Chim by Siam Wisdom
, located in Bangkok, are both extremely affordable and exceedingly high quality. Located in a traditional Thai teakwood house, the cuisine here similarly celebrates the best of traditional cuisine. Ingredients are locally-sourced and the finest quality possible - you'll try palm sugar from Petchburi and shrimp paste from Klong Khong. A creation you can't miss is Poo nim Tod, a fresh coconut and mango salad capped with succulent deep-fried soft-shell crab.
Sukiyabashi Jiro, Tokyo
Arguably the home of the world's best sushi, Sukiyabashi Jiro is the holder of three Michelin stars. At the helm is 89-year old sushi master Jiro Ono, catapulted to worldwide fame by 2011 Netflix documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi. You'll be among good company dining at this low-key restaurant, which has served both Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Sample their tasting menu of 20 small plates, served in quick succession under the idea that fresh sushi should be consumed quickly after preparation. Dishes include delicate pieces of sushi formed from freshly caught kuruma-ebi (Japanese imperial prawn,) ikura (salmon roe) and anago (salt water eel.)
La Yeon, Seoul
Three Michelin star winner La Yeon, which means celebration in Korean, serves hansik (traditional Korean cuisine) with sophistication. With a scenic view over the vibrant city (located on the 23rd floor of the Shilla Hotel in downtown Seoul), diners can choose between four different menus, all concluding with dessert and refreshing Korean tea. Their Bibimbap - so often eaten casually - is transformed into a gourmet experience with the topping of fresh abalone with a soft bite, pear kimchi and spinach miso.
Duddell's, Hong Kong
In central Hong Kong, Duddell's champions all things innovative, from the elegant art adorning its walls to the creative fine dining experience it offers. Traditional Cantonese food is presented in sophisticated style, with crispy suckling pig, imperial bird's nest with almond cream, and kumquat puffs. Their bar, named Salon, serves an extensive menu of cocktails made with East Asian botanical twists. Try beautifully-named A Lotus Blossoms, which blends Ki No Tea gin with raw honey, bee pollen and sansho (Japanese pepper) dust.