Ask a Cathay member: what’s the best meal you’ve ever had on holiday, and why?

What makes a trip unforgettable? An incredible meal. Travel opens doors to new places, fresh perspectives and unique experiences. Sometimes those experiences look like a romantic candlelit dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant; other times, it’s crouching on a plastic stool in the backstreets of Hanoi with a steaming bowl of pho in your hands. No matter the destination, food is the heart of a city – and where there’s good food, great memories follow.  

If you’re a traveller who plans their trip around the best dining experiences, allow our members to inspire you with their most memorable meals.to inspire you with their most memorable meals – or check out more Cathay member stories, here. 

“During a recent trip to Ubud in Bali, I discovered a hidden gem called Twist , helmed by the innovative Chefs Bayu and Komang, where their culinary vision transforms local ingredients into extraordinary experiences. 

“What made this experience truly exceptional was their creative wine pairing menu featuring exclusively Aga Balinese wines – a delightful showcase of the island's emerging viticulture. What sets their wine programme apart is their unconventional approach, personally curating each pairing through extensive (and admittedly entertaining) tasting sessions. As they explained, traditional wine pairing rules don’t always apply to their unique Balinese flavour profiles, leading them to discover unexpected but perfect matches through their dedicated ‘research’. 

“The chef's artistry shone through in dishes that celebrated authentic Balinese flavours, particularly in their aromatic chicken dish: sautéed to perfection with soy sauce and coconut cream, garnished with cashew nuts, spring onion.” 

“On my first night in Tokyo, I wandered through the streets of Shinjuku and stumbled upon a ramen shop, tucked away in an alley surrounded by glaring tourist traps. Taking a chance, I stepped inside and was pleasantly surprised to discover the best fish broth ramen I’ve ever had in my life. That dish still tops my list of personal culinary discoveries.” 

“One of the best meals I’ve ever had on holiday was at Suay in Phuket. I love Thai food and this Michelin Plate restaurant offers a fun twist on traditional Thai cuisine that I haven’t found anywhere else. 

“I enjoyed every single dish we tried, but the standout was the Tom Yum lobster bisque. Slow-cooked with fresh herbs, the stock was incredibly rich and bursting with complex flavours, while the lobster dim sum was the perfect complementary side. 

“But what made the meal even more memorable was the company. My girlfriend and I chose Phuket for our first holiday together and decided to splurge on this dinner. The combination of great food, live music and a beautiful sunset in the backdrop made the experience even more special. We’re already planning to return on our next visit to Phuket.” 

“I’m a huge fan of ramen. I travel to Japan often, both for work and holiday, and I’ve hunted down my fair share of ramen shops across Tokyo. But one that holds a special place in my heart is Ramen Kai , located near Senso-ji in the Asakusa area. 

“The shellfish broth is simply amazing. Everything is made in-house, including the noodles. The star of the show, however, is the broth. In a city overflowing with exceptional tsukemen, shoryu and shio ramen shops, Kai’s unique take stands out. I haven’t found another bowl quite as delicious or well-executed, and I find myself returning every time I visit. 

“Though I’m no stranger to long queues for a good meal, I like to arrive just before opening for a quick bowl to fuel the rest of my day – always leaving completely satisfied. Since the shop is tucked slightly away from main tourist attractions, the lines tend to be shorter too.” 

“My ultimate holiday meal? A classic Full English Breakfast in London. Visiting family there every year means indulging in at least one (okay, maybe two!) of these hearty plates every time – baked beans, crispy bacon, fried eggs, buttered toast, it’s pure comfort on a plate for me. Especially when paired with good company and a hot drink. 

My go-to spot for a Full English is Cafe No 41 in Barnet, London. The owners are very friendly and the breakfast always hits the spot.”