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.


Rosewood Hong Kong Named No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

Rosewood Hong Kong Named No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 3, 2025

Rosewood Hong Kong has been named The World’s Best Hotel 2025, securing the No.1 position on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, announced at a live awards ceremony in London. The global ranking celebrates exceptional hospitality across 22 destinations and six continents, along with several special award recognitions.

Opened in 2019, the 65-storey Rosewood Hong Kong towers over Victoria Harbour on the Kowloon waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Designed by acclaimed Taiwanese designer Tony Chi, the 413-room luxury property features eleven restaurants and bars, a stunning harbour-view infinity pool, and the renowned multi-level Asaya wellness facility.

The hotel climbed two spots from its previous No.3 position in 2024, also earning the title of The Best Hotel in Asia.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said, “We are delighted to celebrate Rosewood Hong Kong’s No.1 spot – a property that has consistently featured in the top three since the inception of the awards in 2023. This exceptional hotel offers world-class service and experiences in one of the world’s most vibrant destinations.”

The second and third positions were claimed by Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and Capella Bangkok, respectively, reaffirming Asia’s dominance in the luxury hospitality segment. In total, 20 hotels from Asia featured on the list, followed by Europe with 17, North America with 6, Africa with 3, Oceania with 2, and South America with 2.

Among the special awards announced were:

  • Best Boutique Hotel Award: Passalacqua, Lake Como (No.4)

  • Eco Hotel Award: Desa Potato Head, Bali (No.18)

  • Best New Hotel Award: Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing (No.14)

  • Icon Award: Ian Schrager

  • Art of Design Award: Singita – Kruger National Park (No.40)

  • Most Admired Hotel Group: Four Seasons

  • Highest Climber Award: Royal Mansour, Marrakech (No.13)

  • Highest New Entry Award: Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro (No.11)

  • Best Beach Hotel Award: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai (No.6)

This year’s ranking highlights Asia’s continued leadership in the global hospitality landscape, with standout performances from India, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (No.38) marked India’s presence on the global list, while properties from Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas showcased diverse excellence in design, innovation, and service.

Now in its third year, The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards have become a defining benchmark for global hospitality excellence, recognising hotels that set new standards in guest experience, sustainability, and creativity.


Ensana Expands into Germany with Fürstenhof Takeover in Bad Griesbach

Ensana Expands into Germany with Fürstenhof Takeover in Bad Griesbach

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 3, 2025

Ensana Hotels, Europe’s largest provider of health and wellness spas, has announced its entry into Germany with the takeover of the renowned Fürstenhof hotel in Bad Griesbach, Bavaria. Known for its rich thermal springs and tranquil natural beauty, Bad Griesbach is part of the famous Lower Bavarian Spa Triangle, alongside Bad Füssingen and Bad Birnbach.

The Fürstenhof, a property steeped in tradition, will undergo extensive renovations, including modernization of guest rooms, wellness spaces, and treatment areas. Its grand reopening is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Once complete, the hotel will seamlessly blend classic Bavarian elegance with Ensana’s signature health-focused offerings, creating a serene retreat for rejuvenation and recreation.

Guests will be able to enjoy tailored health programmes that combine natural healing methods with modern medical expertise, an approach Ensana has perfected over decades. The property will offer treatments designed for musculoskeletal health, stress reduction, and holistic well-being. Surrounded by lush forests and Europe’s largest golf resort, Fürstenhof also offers unique wellness-golf combinations, including exclusive packages with reduced fees and reserved tee times for guests.

Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana, expressed the significance of this milestone:

“The step to come to Germany marks an important milestone within our growth strategy and will strengthen Ensana’s leading role in European spa hospitality. With our expertise, we aim to enrich and extend the offerings in Bad Griesbach, appealing to a new generation of health-conscious guests.”

He further added that Ensana’s focus on personalized care, innovative natural remedies, and holistic wellness would redefine the spa experience in Lower Bavaria.

As part of its ambitious expansion strategy, Ensana plans to double its international portfolio by 2030, reinforcing its position as a leader in European health and wellness hospitality.


Kenya’s Hidden Honeymoon Escapes: Wild, Romantic & Wonderfully Untamed

Kenya’s Hidden Honeymoon Escapes: Wild, Romantic & Wonderfully Untamed

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2025

For couples who crave both adventure and intimacy, Kenya stands out as a honeymoon destination that captures the best of both worlds. Imagine camping under a starlit sky with the sounds of the wild echoing in the background, waking up to birdsong, and setting out to spot lions and elephants at dawn. Add candlelit dinners, fresh African cuisine, and the gentle hum of nature, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for romance in the wild.

Kenya is best known for the Masai Mara and its incredible Great Migration, but there’s so much more waiting beyond the savannahs. Whether you’re drawn to city experiences, coastal calm, or secluded safaris, Kenya has plenty of hidden gems for honeymooners to explore.

While many travellers treat Nairobi as a brief halt before the wild adventures begin, the capital city is worth exploring on its own. Start your journey at the Giraffe Centre, a delightful experience where visitors can hand-feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform, a memory that’s both charming and heartwarming.

If you’re easing into relaxation mode after the wedding rush, luxury boutique hotels in the city offer rejuvenating spa treatments and tranquil stays. For couples with a spirit of adventure, a day trip to Nairobi National Park provides an early glimpse of Kenya’s wildlife spot rhinos, lions, and other majestic animals roaming freely.

Head to Westlands, the vibrant heart of Nairobi, where chic cafés, rooftop bars, and art galleries create the perfect date-night atmosphere. For golf enthusiasts, Nairobi’s lush greens, like Muthaiga Golf Club, Karen Country Club, and Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club promise memorable mornings on the course.

Kenya’s coastline is a dream come true for beach lovers. With its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and breezy islands, it offers just as much allure as its wildlife-rich parks. The UNESCO-listed island of Lamu charms visitors with its Swahili culture, narrow streets, and traditional dhows gliding across the shimmering sea. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, explore hidden caves, or sail through mangroves at sunset.

For a touch of adventure, couples can go diving, kitesurfing, or snorkelling at Watamu or the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. Those seeking a cultural fix will find Mombasa equally enchanting with its mix of heritage and modernity.

Want to wake up by the sea? Choose from Almanara Luxury Resort & Spa on Diani Beach or the idyllic The Sands at Chale Island, both offering plush stays and breathtaking ocean views that redefine luxury.

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While the Masai Mara remains Kenya’s safari showstopper, there are quieter, equally stunning sanctuaries for honeymooners. The Segera Retreat blends luxury with sustainability, making it ideal for couples who want a mindful getaway. In Laikipia, private conservancies like Lewa and Ol Pejeta offer intimate game drives and a chance to see the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.

The Samburu National Reserve is another must-visit, known for its dramatic landscapes and rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Stay at the Saruni Samburu Lodge, where the infinity pool offers endless views of untouched wilderness—a scene straight out of a dream.

Kenya has a way of turning moments into memories. Picture yourselves drifting over the Savannah in a hot air balloon, or enjoying a private bush dinner under a sky full of stars. Toast your love on a dhow ride in Lamu, or relax with a couple’s massage in a seaside cabana while the Indian Ocean hums in the background.

Whether you’re on your honeymoon, babymoon, or just seeking a luxurious escape filled with adventure and affection, Kenya offers experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.

So skip the clichés, let Kenya surprise you with its perfect mix of the wild, the warm, and the wonderfully romantic.

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