Authentic Local Dishes Across Asia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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

Most Read In News

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

Most Read In News

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

Most Read In News

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

Most Read In News