The best dining experiences in Asia - as voted by Cathay members

We asked Cathay members to vote for the very best places to grab a bite or a drink in Asia, and their selection certainly does not disappoint. Whether you like munching on delicious gua bao (pork stuffed buns) at bustling night markets or sampling neo-French fare with an Asian twist, the dining category winners of the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 will have you salivating. Check them out below.  

Asia’s most amazing street food city: Taipei 

For sheer variety of hearty street food, look no further than the night markets of Taipei. The likes of Raohe, Ningxia and Shilin markets are packed with stalls selling everything from fluffy gua bao and oyster omelettes to mouthwatering skewers and stinky tofu fried to a perfect crisp. If that doesn’t satiate you, tuck into a lu rou fan, steamed rice with braised pork belly that melts in your mouth. Taipei’s night markets are an exciting showcase of the city’s culinary diversity – and they’ll keep you coming back for more.

What our panellist says: “Any night market in Taipei is incredible. I don’t think it’s possible to eat badly in this city.” - Lilit Marcus, travel producer and Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 panellist. 

Check out the other finalists here. 

Asia’s must-book fine dining restaurant: Sézanne, Tokyo 

Sézanne has made a name for itself as the place to go for refined neo-French cuisine made with the freshest Asian ingredients, earning three Michelin stars as well as the number one spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024. This fine dining establishment at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi serves innovative creations from the mind of Executive Chef Daniel Calvert, with dishes such as shima ebi (morotoge red shrimp) marinated in vin jaune and scallop galette with uni (sea urchin) sauce. The delicacies are complemented by a bright and elegant setting designed by André Fu and beguiling views of the Tokyo cityscape.

What our panellist says: “Chef Daniel Calvert’s unique take on neo-French cuisine with Asian influences is simply divine.” –  Zoe Qu, travel editor and  Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 panellist. 

Check out the other finalists here. 

Asia’s best sustainable restaurant: Desa Potato Head, Bali  

Sustainability is at the heart of everything Desa Potato Head does. Whether it’s sourcing fresh catches from local fishermen for the seafood-focused restaurant Ijen or working with local regenerative farmers to grow vegetables for plant-forward dishes at Tanaman, Desa Potato Head demonstrates that you can take a green, minimal-waste approach to cooking without any compromise on flavour. What’s more, a significant amount of the restaurants’ waste is then upcycled: oyster shells are repurposed as trays, for instance, while leftover oil is turned into candles for the stylish rooms. 

What our panellist says: “At Desa Potato Head, less than five per cent of their current waste ends up in landfill.” –  Frank Cheng, industry expert and Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 panellist.

Check out the other finalists here. 

Asia’s top young chef: Terry Ho, Amber, Hong Kong 

Rising culinary star Terry Ho earned his stripes at Hong Kong’s Amber and Arbor and Taipei’s L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon before returning to Amber in 2022 as Chef de Cuisine. At this Michelin two-starred establishment at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Ho’s influence can be seen in the use of house-made fermented products – such as sourdough miso and seaweed garum – alongside sustainable culinary approaches. In collaboration with his mentor Richard Ekkebus, the director of culinary operations at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Ho crafts sophisticated dishes such as pigeon with preserved winter truffle and cashew miso, and a Ping Yuen chicken with king crab that utilises every part of the bird.  

What our panellist says:  “Amber consistently shifts paradigms, ensuring ingredients and menus reflect sustainability, right down to the wine list.” –  Ian Law, industry expert and Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 panellist.

Check out the other finalists here. 

Asia’s top young bartender: Evan Mak, ARGO, Hong Kong

Raise a glass at ARGO , where bartender Evan Mak is shaking things up. His unique concoctions incorporate ingredients like Lantau wormwood and sandalwood smoked bergamot for a distinctive flavour trail. His inventive creations have put ARGO in the top 50 World’s Best Bars and are a must-try for cocktail aficionados. He’s even crafted a special cocktail exclusively for Cathay members – just ask for The Violet Sky when you’re there.

What our panellist says: “At Argo, Evan is crafting inventive, intelligent drinks – with a side of charm.” –  Sébastien Hue, Cathay insider and Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 panellist. 

Check out the other finalists here.

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