Best Places to Eat and Drink in Southeast Asia

Looking for some of the best places to eat and drink in Southeast Asia? Organisers of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants have launched a new eating and drinking listing. Named 50 Best Discovery, the guide features the crème de la crème of the region’s culinary and cocktail scene.

Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur

2019’s Best Restaurant in Malaysia and 46th in Asia’s Best Restaurants list, Dewakan (a mashup of the Malay words for ‘God’ and ‘food’), is a must-visit for anyone looking for a meal that pays homage to the variety of local produce. Spearheaded by Chef Darren Teoh – once a molecular gastronomy lecturer at a university – the fine dining establishment has two tasting menus that promises to show diners why this is one of the best places to eat and drink in Southeast Asia.

JungleBird, Kuala Lumpur

Opened in 2017, the first rum bar in the city has constantly earned itself a place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. And this year was no different as JungleBird ranked 44th in the prestigious annual listing. The bar itself is a tribute to all things tiki, with its palm-printed wallpapers, bamboo design and rattan armchairs. But we’re here for the drinks, so don’t leave without trying the iconic Jungle Bird, made from rum, campari, pineapple juice, lime juice and simple syrup.

Burnt Ends, Singapore

This modern barbecue joint is a top-ten entry in Asia’s 50 Best and one of the best places to eat and drink in Southeast Asia. Chef Dave Pynt elevates cooking to a whole new level as his dishes are made in a custom-made brick oven that heats up to more than 1,700 degrees. Unsurprisingly, there are steaks galore, as the perfect union between meat and flame leads to a carnivore’s pleasure, especially one with a deep pocket. However, this Chinatown-based restaurant also serves a mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich that’s easy on the wallet.

Native, Singapore

Ranked 12th on The World’s 50 Best Bars, Native is one of the most innovative bars in the region. Winner of this year’s Sustainable Bar Award, this watering hole’s commitment to local and regional products is its standout feature. Founder Vijay Mudaliar’s focus on foraging from his surroundings has led to an inventory of amusing cocktails that’s unlike anywhere else. After all, it’s not everyday you get the chance to sample a tipple made by locally foraged weaver ants Thai-imported ants, Chalong Bay Rum, coconut yoghurt, salt-baked tapioca and soursop.

Gaa, Bangkok

Think Indian in Bangkok and Gaggan Anand’s world-renowned establishment seemingly comes to mind. Well, it’s time to add Gaa to the list. No.16 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019, this two year old restaurant dishes out flavours from India and Thailand, using seasonal ingredients. Led by Mumbai-born Garima Arora, this is one of the best places to eat in Thailand, with her her restaurant being the highest new entry in Asia’s 50 Best, along with her win as Asia’s Best Female Chef 2019.

Backstage Cocktail Bar, Bangkok

If you’re looking to step into the shoes of your favourite celebrity, check out this backstage-themed bar, hidden behind heavy stage curtains and tastefully designed with red velvet sofas along with lightbulb-framed mirrors. Set up by a collective of Thailand’s leading bartenders, Backstage prides itself on clever concoctions, such as the C&Y – chamomile-infused Stolichnaya, apple, yuzu orange, lemon, sugar and angostura bitters – doing justice to its 20th spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019.

There you have it, our top picks of the best places to eat and drink in Southeast Asia. So the next time you’re cracking your head for where to dine and enjoy a cocktail or two, remember this list. You can thank us later.

Source: 50 Best Discovery

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