Brought to you by Mastercard.
Around South-East Asia right now, from Singapore to Seoul, there is a bounty of restaurants worthy of being the tentpole to your next adventure. These destination diners are exceptional, of course, but they are also so perfectly expressive of their place in the world and the genius in their midst. In fact, they deserve a week in your calendar dedicated just to them. Building a holiday around an incredible meal takes you to up-and-coming neighbourhoods that perhaps weren’t on your radar (but should be) or further from the beaten path than your comfort zone would otherwise stretch. All the while, the flavours, scents, and sounds etch into the sense memory to make a trip unforgettable.
Here is our line-up of the restaurants across Asia to build a holiday around.
Burnt Ends, Singapore
Burnt Ends, Singapore
How far would you travel for an Australian barbecue? Correction: how far would you go for a Michelin-starred Aussie barbie? Burnt Ends in Singapore’s Dempsey Hill has held its One-Michelin start since 2018 (even after moving to flasher digs in 2022), thanks to Chef Dave Pynt’s fabulous fire cooking. Our tip: grab a spot at the bar and watch the masters at work. And for the bill: Mastercard’s One Dines Free program means Burnt Ends customers (and diners at other participating venues across Asia Pacific) can enjoy one complimentary main course when dining at a partner. Visit here for details.
Nouri, Singapore
Nouri, Singapore
Another Singapore contender for top-billing on your dining calendar is Michelin-starred restaurant Nouri, which explores the ‘crossroads’ between cultures and ingredients. Or, if you can swing it, nab a booking at the restaurant’s research and development kitchen where chef/owner Ivan Brehm, and head chef, Ashlee Malligan will take you into their creative culinary worlds. Exclusively for Mastercard® cardholders, visit here for details.
Caprice, Hong Kong
Caprice, Hong Kong
If you are looking for a taste of Hong Kong high life, Caprice is the place to sink your teeth into. The venue, itself, is full glam with chandeliers and Victoria Harbour views for days. The cuisine here is French with Cantonese flourishes by Chef Guillaume Galliot, who earned Caprice three dazzling Michelin Stars. To keep the grandeur going after the meal, go for a drink at Caprice Bar next door, both are on the 45th floor of the Four Seasons. Visit here for details.
Le Du, Bangkok
Le Du, Bangkok
Bangkok has emerged as a dining wonderland, and its pinnacle is this precision-take on centuries-old Thai heritage by chef-owner Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn (formerly behind the pans at Eleven Madison Park, New York). Go for four or six courses that wowed the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants critics, landing the top spot in 2023. Visit here.
Mingles, Seoul
Mingles, Seoul
Mingles’ first gift to travelling foodies is taking them into Seoul’s chic Cheongdam-dong district to rub shoulders with K-pop stars and the South Korean fashion elite. Its next present is the excellent 10-course tasting menu, expertly curated by Korean chef Mingoo Kang (ex-Nobu) leaning into fermented flavours and umami. Visit here.
Brought to you by Mastercard®. With Mastercard® One Dines Free, you can enjoy one complimentary main course when dining at partner restaurants in major cities across Asia Pacific such as Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo and many others. Explore Mastercard’s partner restaurants here. For more details on other Mastercard® World and World Elite™ travel benefits, visit here.
