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.


Pullman Sydney Penrith Sets New Luxury Standard in Western Sydney

Pullman Sydney Penrith Sets New Luxury Standard in Western Sydney

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2025

Pullman Sydney Penrith is redefining luxury and business travel as Western Sydney’s first five-star hotel. Officially opened in August 2023, the AUD 110 million hotel and its adjoining Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) are part of a major hospitality and infrastructure boom in Penrith, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Strategically located just 21 minutes from the upcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the Pullman Sydney Penrith is poised to become a leading destination for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel’s unique offering includes 152 designer rooms, cutting-edge tech, wellness amenities, and two curated dining venues — Marcel Bar and Bistro and Tori.

The property offers a range of room categories including Superior, Deluxe and Junior Suites, with features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, full-sized fridges, microwaves, sitting areas, hair straighteners, plush robes, and slippers. Rooms also come equipped with Hunter Lab natural skincare products, Nespresso machines, and access to over 1,000 free movies via Foxtel Business IQ. Smart integrated controls and a digital compendium provide seamless guest experiences, with a unique Sleep Therapy Menu available at the touch of a button offering soothing teas, aromatherapy sprays, face masks, and an extensive pillow menu.

The hotel’s elite fitness and wellness centre, developed in collaboration with the Penrith Panthers’ High-Performance team, provides warm and cold sweat towels, premium workout equipment, and a custom 10-person sauna for detoxification and relaxation. Sustainability is a core focus, with the hotel operating free of single-use plastics, prioritising local and ethical sourcing, and offering EV charging stations for guests. Dining is at the heart of the Pullman experience with Marcel Bar and Bistro, a Bauhaus-inspired European restaurant helmed by Executive Chef John Giovanni Pugliano, who brings his international expertise including time at Nobu London. Tori, the stylish ground-floor lobby bar, serves locally roasted coffee, breakfast pastries, and light fare throughout the day. Both dining venues are named in tribute to the renowned architect Marcel Breuer, whose only Australian building is located in Penrith, designed in collaboration with Harry Seidler.

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With the Western Sydney Convention Centre right next door, the hotel becomes an ideal location for conferences, exhibitions, and major corporate events, offering world-class service just minutes from a soon-to-open international airport. Whether travelling for business or leisure, Pullman Sydney Penrith offers a memorable and meaningful stay, blending world-class amenities, locally inspired design, and thoughtful experiences that set a new benchmark for hospitality in Western Sydney.


Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island: A Premier Destination for Indian Weddings and Corporate Retreats

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island: A Premier Destination for Indian Weddings and Corporate Retreats

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2025

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is redefining how the Indian market experiences luxury hospitality in the UAE. Whether it’s a romantic beachfront wedding or a power-packed corporate retreat, the resort offers an impeccable blend of elegance, functionality, and heartfelt service.

Where Business Meets Leisure

Mövenpick seamlessly blends productivity with relaxation, offering world-class boardrooms, high-speed connectivity, and customized team-building experiences in a serene beachfront setting. The resort’s grand ballroom can host up to 300 delegates, making it ideal for conferences, award ceremonies, and product launches. For businesses from India, its proximity to international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah adds a strategic edge.

Corporate Gatherings with Purpose

Complete with advanced AV setups, flexible breakout rooms, and Indian palate-friendly menus, the resort is a favourite for corporate gatherings. Fabien Chesnais, General Manager, shared, “India is a key market for us. We go the extra mile to honour its rich traditions and evolving preferences, whether for retreats or business events.”

Team Building in Nature’s Playground

Beyond boardrooms, Mövenpick’s scenic location in Ras Al Khaimah sets the stage for team-building activities — from kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach yoga to mini golf and beach games. These curated experiences build bonds and energize teams for success.

Weddings by the Waves

Indian destination weddings come alive at Mövenpick with vibrant pre-wedding ceremonies on golden sands, lush garden backdrops, and rooftop cocktail soirées at Neo Sky Bar. The pillar-less 530 sqm ballroom can be transformed into a grand reception space for up to 350 guests, with personalized décor and traditions honored in detail.

From chaats and kebabs to gulab jamuns, the in-house chefs curate authentic Indian spreads. Guests enjoy the convenience of family-friendly villas, flexible buyout options, and the support of culturally aware planners who bring every couple’s vision to life.

Celebrations for All Occasions

Whether it’s a proposal at sunset, a milestone birthday pool party, or a beachfront BBQ, Mövenpick turns special moments into lifelong memories. Themed events  from Bollywood nights to tropical luaus are elevated by scenic venues and culinary artistry.

 A Resort That Understands Its Guests

With Indian chefs, culturally fluent staff, and event planners who understand every ritual and requirement  from music to menus, Mövenpick ensures every moment feels familiar yet extraordinary. From boardroom brilliance to beachfront vows, this is where unforgettable stories begin.


OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ‘Royal RESERVE’ Named Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa for Third Year

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ‘Royal RESERVE’ Named Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa for Third Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2025

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, part of THE OZEN COLLECTION, has once again claimed the spotlight at the 2025 World Travel Awards, winning the coveted title of ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ for the third consecutive year. The accolade celebrates the resort’s standout offering, the Royal RESERVE, as the epitome of luxury and bespoke hospitality in the Indian Ocean.

Spanning an expansive 3,000 square metres, the Royal RESERVE villa is a sanctuary of opulence, complete with a private beach, panoramic ocean views, and direct lagoon access. Guests enjoy full privacy and an all-encompassing luxury experience, from a dedicated spa treatment room with in-house therapists to a private chef and 24-hour butler service. The villa also features an in-house bar, private restaurant, and handcrafted design details that blend traditional Maldivian aesthetics with modern elegance.

This third straight win reaffirms the villa’s status as one of the world’s most desirable luxury accommodations. It follows a string of previous honours, including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI a consistent leader in premium hospitality.

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“It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year,” said Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. “This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity.”

In addition to this prestigious win, the resort has also been nominated in the 2025 World Spa Awards as ‘Maldives' Best Wellness Retreat’ for its signature ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa. This wellness sanctuary combines nature-inspired therapies and modern techniques to deliver a truly rejuvenating experience.

At the heart of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s offering is its RESERVE Plan™ — a benchmark in luxury all-inclusive travel. Guests enjoy catamaran transfers, unlimited spa treatments, and gourmet dining across seven venues, along with premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and exclusive water sports with Best Dives.

From honeymooners to high-profile travellers seeking an escape into indulgent solitude, the Royal RESERVE is more than just a villa — it’s a celebration of abundant luxury, where every wish is anticipated and fulfilled with graceful precision.

With its growing list of accolades and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of hospitality, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI continues to set the gold standard for meaningful, immersive luxury in the Maldives.

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