Dig in Deeper: Local Dishes Around Asia that Truly Reflect the Destination's Culture

Dig in Deeper: Local Dishes Around Asia that Truly Reflect the Destination's Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 13, 2025

Global travelers are increasingly seeking more authentic culinary experiences, choosing to "eat like the locals" as they explore Asia. Many top hotels and resorts across the continent now serve regional dishes that are rich in tradition, often lesser-known internationally, but beloved within local communities. Here’s a curated taste of such culinary gems:

Lẩu Thả in Phan Thiet, Vietnam

Served at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, this coastal hotpot dish features marinated white anchovy, pork belly, shredded omelette, green mango, herbs, and rice vermicelli. Diners can enjoy it dry with a creamy fermented sauce or as a soup with hot broth, making it a sensory dive into Vietnam’s seaside culture.

Bánh Khoái in Hue, Vietnam

At Azerai La Residence, Hue, guests savor this crisp rice-flour pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, complemented by a rich peanut sauce. It's a royal snack from Vietnam’s imperial past, served with views of the Perfume River.

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Cao Lau in Da Nang/Hoi An, Vietnam

TIA Wellness Resort presents this noodle-based dish with Chinese and Japanese influences, featuring pork char siu, herbs, pork jus, and crispy wontons. A vegan version with tofu and lemongrass soy is also offered.

Nom Banh Chok in Siem Reap, Cambodia

This street-food favorite becomes fine dining at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, where rice noodles meet a fragrant fish-based curry and a medley of herbs and vegetables.

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Lobster Amok in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal elevates traditional Cambodian Amok with lobster, coconut curry, and herbs, served in banana leaf cups at its fine-dining Restaurant Le Royal.

Katsu Curry in Osaka, Japan

At Zentis Osaka’s UPSTAIRZ, B-kyu gurume cuisine is celebrated with Japanese beef filet katsu curry made with house-blended spices and premium ingredients, offering a bold, elevated twist on comfort food.

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Banh Cuon in Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Alma Resort’s buffet breakfast includes this steamed rice roll dish filled with pork, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s served with cinnamon pork loaf and pineapple-tomato fish sauce, highlighting Vietnamese culinary finesse.

Pineapple Bun in Hong Kong

Despite its name, this sweet bun contains no pineapple. Served at The Hari Hong Kong, its cookie-like top and soft bread base are a local breakfast or tea-time staple with historical roots.

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Pappardelle Soi Neur in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Meliá Chiang Mai reinvents Khao Soi with handmade pappardelle, beef sirloin, and a creamy curry, part of their sustainable 360° Cuisine concept.

Stir-fried Onion Flower Stems in Bangkok, Thailand

At INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, The Kites Eatery serves this earthy stir-fry with pork, a dish tied to central Thai home cooking and urban farming initiatives.

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Bún Chả in Hanoi, Vietnam

Spice Garden at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi offers a refined version of this grilled pork and noodle dish. Served with herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, it gained global attention during President Obama’s visit with Anthony Bourdain.

From Vietnam to Japan, and Cambodia to Thailand, these dishes go beyond taste—they carry the legacy of their lands. Each plate tells a story, giving travelers a deeper cultural connection through every bite.


InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

By Author

Published on April 6, 2026

InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.

Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.

Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.

The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.

Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.

Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.

Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”

With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.


Fairmont Launches New “Special Happens” Global Experiences

Fairmont Launches New “Special Happens” Global Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2026

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has introduced six new experiences under its “Special Happens…” series, expanding its global portfolio with curated offerings that focus on culture, nature, and memorable guest moments. The launch reflects the brand’s continued effort to create unique and meaningful experiences across its properties worldwide.

The newly unveiled experiences are designed across four themes – “After Dark”, “In the Wild”, “Around the Table”, and “In the Spotlight”. Each offering is rooted in local culture while reflecting Fairmont’s signature approach to service and storytelling.

Among the highlights is a private helicopter tour of the Great Wall of China at Fairmont Beijing, offering guests a unique aerial view of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The experience also includes a luxury stay, curated dining, and a personalised mixology session.

In Canada, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge introduces an Indigenous-led foraging journey, where guests explore the natural landscape with a local expert, followed by a curated culinary experience inspired by the ingredients gathered during the trip. In Kenya, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club offers the Acacia Horizon Experience, combining guided wildlife exploration with a private dining setup in a scenic outdoor setting.

Under the “After Dark” category, guests can take part in a night tour of the Yellow Crane Tower at Fairmont Wuhan, dressed in traditional Hanfu attire, blending cultural heritage with a modern light and sound experience. Another standout offering is the solar eclipse evening at Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier on August 12th, where guests can witness the celestial event alongside curated dining and live entertainment.

In Scotland, Fairmont St Andrews introduces a stargazing experience along the East coast, featuring a private observation dome, guided exploration of the night sky, and a chef-led dining experience under the stars, paired with rare Scottish whisky.

Commenting on the launch, Claudia Kozma Kaplan, Chief Brand Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts said, "Delivering remarkable experiences is fundamental to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' DNA. With these brand new 'Special Happens...' experiences, we're not just continuing this legacy, we're actively bringing the essence of Fairmont to life for everyone. This next chapter is about expanding unforgettable journeys, crafting authentic moments within each community, and designing them with meticulous care so our guests can connect more deeply, celebrate more often, and truly make special happen."

With this launch, Fairmont continues to focus on experiential travel, offering guests opportunities to connect with destinations through curated, one-of-a-kind experiences across its global network.


Sarovar Hotels Expands Nepal Presence with Royal Tulip Launch

Sarovar Hotels Expands Nepal Presence with Royal Tulip Launch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2026

Sarovar Hotels has expanded its footprint in Nepal with the launch of Royal Tulip Shivapuri National Park Kathmandu, its fourth property in the country. Developed in partnership with Classic View Resort LTD, the new opening further strengthens the presence of Louvre Hotels Group in South Asia while expanding the premium Royal Tulip brand in the region.

Located in Budhanilkantha at the foothills of Shivapuri National Park, the hotel offers wide views of the Kathmandu Valley and is close to the Budhanilkantha Temple. Known for its natural surroundings and spiritual significance, the destination attracts both leisure and experience-driven travellers looking to explore nature trails and cultural spots.

The property features 75 rooms and villas, designed with a mix of contemporary comfort and nature-inspired elements. Guests can dine at Guras, the all-day restaurant serving global and local dishes, or unwind at Aairak, the bar offering premium beverages. The hotel also includes an outdoor swimming pool and large banqueting and conference spaces that can host up to 800 guests, making it suitable for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

The hotel is located around 17 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, offering easy access for both international and regional travellers. With its setting and facilities, the property is also well positioned for wellness-focused stays and destination-led travel experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, said: “Nepal is a culturally rich and rapidly evolving tourism market, attracting travellers seeking spirituality, adventure and immersive experiences. The launch of Royal Tulip Shivapuri National Park Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding our international footprint while bringing globally recognised hospitality brands to distinctive destinations. With its exceptional location and elevated hospitality offering, the hotel is poised to become a preferred choice for both international and domestic travellers visiting Kathmandu.”

Mukunda Raj Kunwar, Chairman, Classic View Resort LTD, added: “We are delighted to partner with Sarovar Hotels and Louvre Hotels Group to introduce the Royal Tulip brand to this extraordinary location in Kathmandu. Budhanilkantha and the Shivapuri region offer a unique blend of spirituality, natural beauty and growing tourism appeal. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a destination that offers world-class hospitality while showcasing the cultural and natural richness of Nepal.”

With this addition, Sarovar Hotels continues to grow its presence across key destinations in South Asia while supporting the expansion of Louvre Hotels Group brands in emerging tourism markets.

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