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.

This Father’s Day, give Dad an unforgettable escape that’s all about making cherished memories at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. Here, adventure and relaxation come together in the beautiful Indian Ocean. With two unique island properties – Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru – there’s something special for every kind of dad.

At Landaa Giraavaru, Dad can spend the day exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve on a private yacht, snorkeling next to reef sharks, or simply watching dolphins play. A friendly padel match on the island’s exclusive court is a great way to bond, or he can dive into meaningful marine projects like identifying manta rays or helping to restore coral alongside the resort’s expert marine biologists. These are the kinds of adventures that create stories worth sharing and memories that last forever.

If Dad needs to unwind and recharge, the peaceful wellness center, AyurMa, is the perfect spot. Supported by the principles of Ayurveda, Planetary Wellbeing, Yoga Therapy, and general wellness, and guided by a multi-award-winning team of Ayurvedic Doctors, Naturopaths, and Yoga Therapists, AyurMa offers in-depth wellness screenings and personalized treatments that help dads truly relax, recharge, and feel completely cared for.

Over at Kuda Huraa, dads who love nature can get involved in coral restoration projects, enjoy a peaceful sunset fishing trip, or spot dolphins together on a family cruise. For dads who love a thrill, the resort offers exciting Jet Ski rides across the clear blue lagoon and vibrant coral gardens to explore on guided snorkeling or diving trips. If surfing is his passion, expert Tropicsurf coaches are ready to take him to some of the Maldives’ best waves – just a quick speedboat ride from the shore. This is the same part of the ocean where the world’s top surfers compete each year at the Surfing Champions Trophy, making it a dream spot for dads who love to catch a wave.

To make the experience even more special for the whole family, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives offers spacious multi-bedroom beachfront villas like the Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate and the Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate. These private havens offer direct beach access, stunning ocean views, and private infinity pools perfect for barbecues, family breakfasts, or evening swims. With butler service, personalized touches, and plenty of space, they are ideal for multi-generational stays, offering all the comforts of home and much more.

With IndiGo’s direct flights from Bengaluru to Malé, along with easy connections from Mumbai, Delhi, and Kerala, getting to paradise has never been easier for Indian travelers. This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a much-deserved break at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, where unforgettable moments are waiting in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

In an ambitious fusion of heritage, theatre, and culinary art, Vietnam has unveiled one of its most enchanting tourism experiences to date—a cave dining and cultural performance inside the ancient Dragon Pearl Cave near Halong City. The remarkable initiative, launched by Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, offers guests a 2.5-hour immersive journey through Vietnamese folklore and fine local cuisine.

The experience, which debuted on May 30, takes place in a 150-million-year-old limestone cave, spanning 4000 square metres and located about 30 minutes from Halong City. Nestled 45 metres above sea level and part of the Bai Tu Long region in Cam Pha district, Dragon Pearl Cave is revered for its dramatic stalactites and twin-chamber formation, often referred to as "a theatre inside a mountain."

The evening begins with “The Quest for the Dragon Pearl”, a visually stunning 45-minute cultural performance directed by Le Thanh Phong. Against a surreal cave backdrop, the show uses music, dance, acrobatics, lighting effects, puppetry, and props to narrate the legend of the sacred Dragon Pearl—a tale of power, peace, and unity between heaven and earth.

After the performance, guests are treated to an elaborate Vietnamese fine dining experience by candlelight. Curated by Head Chef Nguyen Gia Thien, the menu celebrates the culinary richness of Quang Ninh Province, blending local ingredients and folklore inspiration. Dishes include:

• Pomelo and giant river prawn salad
  

• Grilled Van Don oysters with scallop sauce
  

• Hand-pounded Co To squid cakes
  

• Crispy roasted Tien Yen chicken
  

• Grilled sea bass in wild dzong leaves
  

• Lobster with Tiến Vua imperial sauce
  

• Gat Gu rolls and braised Khau Nhuc pork
  

• Stir-fried asparagus with cordyceps mushroom
  

• Golden Dragon Pearl dessert
  

• Yen Tu golden flower tea
  

This innovative experience is expected to reshape the region’s tourism appeal. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, shared, “‘The Quest for the Dragon Pearl’ diversifies Quang Ninh’s tourism, offering more for travellers to discover beyond famed Halong Bay. This ancient cave is a new cultural landmark that promotes sustainable, heritage tourism and creates lasting economic and cultural impact for the province.”

By combining natural wonder, dramatic storytelling, and refined hospitality, Dragon Pearl Cave is not only a visual spectacle but a celebration of Vietnam’s cultural legacy and culinary depth. The launch marks an important step in positioning Quang Ninh as a leading cultural and experiential destination in Asia.