Southeast Asian food varies widely from country to country and even from village to village. A curry in Thailand and a curry in Indonesia are not the same and discovering the difference first hand is part of the fun of any trip to this tasty corner of the world. Today some the region’s passionate chefs are helping keep culinary customs alive while also adding in some contemporary international flare. Sample their delicious wares while on holiday in the following locations.

merah putih restaurant bali

Photo Credit: Merah Putih

Merah Putih – Seminyak, Bali

Both your palate and your eyes will be wowed by an evening at this stunning, contemporary Indonesian restaurant situated nearby glamorous Seminyak Beach in Bali. The dimly-lit dining room with its soaring cathedral ceiling offers a magical setting for a memorable meal of sophisticated fusion dishes which remain true to their origins. The menu showcases traditional dishes and modern small plates designed to be shared following Balinese culinary customs as well as larger main course dishes. These may include Manadonese yellowfin tuna and pearl scallop with shallots and lemongrass, roast pumpkin ‘Betutu’ Asparagus with long bean, smoked coconut and basa gede and Medan roast pork loin served with cabbage and andaliman.

Website | Address: Jl. Petitenget No. 100x | Tel: +62 361 8465950

krua bophut

Photo Credit: Krua Bophut

Krua Bophut – Koh Samui, Thailand

Sample some of the best Southern Thai food dining at this beautiful, classical house located on Bophut Beach, Koh Samui. Guests can either take in the ambiance of their classy dining room or dine under the stars and to the sound of the gently crashing waves on their romantic terrace. Their varied menu features beautifully presented dishes that will please all members of your party. Since the island is abundant with amazing coconuts, try their Tom Kha Gai chicken soup with coconut milk and fresh Thai herbs before moving on to the stir-fried white snapper with 3 spices, straight from the sea right in front of the restaurant.

Website | Address: 16/16 MOO 1, Tambol Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Tel: +(66) 0 7743 0030

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Shan Yoe Yar – Yangon, Myanmar

A beautifully restored wooden mansion houses one of Yangon’s best restaurants. The refined yet relaxed atmosphere is a lovely setting for savoring their spectacular specialties from the Shan State in the northeast of Myanmar. In the morning get your day started on the right foot with their breakfast Kyaing Tong style noodles or come for lunch or dinner to feast on zesty leek root salad, Taunggyi Style fried dumplings or herb-stuffed catfish steamed in banana leaves. Save some room for their complimentary dessert of steamed pumpkin in rose-water infused and sweetened milk.

Website | Address: War Tan Street, Lanmadaw township, Yangon | Tel: +95 1 221 524 | Email: [email protected]

Where to Stay in Myanmar.

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Photo Credit: Muang La Resort

Muang La Resort – Northern Laos

For a truly authentic and exceptional dining experience in Laos, travel to the lush rainforest of the northern part of the country. Nestled on the banks of a river and on the edge of a small traditional village, the Muang La Resort’s Transient restaurant offers an intimate introduction to the culinary traditions and customs of the region’s diverse ethnic tribes. The ever-changing and inventive menu features Laotian specialities with a contemporary twist. These sophisticated multi-course meals can be enjoyed in the privacy of an enchanting wooden pavilion overlooking the river, found on a small island accessed by a torch-lit path and foot bridge. For a complete culinary immersion, they can also arrange more rustic meals in the homes of local villages as well as cooking classes at the lodge.

Learn more about this unique culinary retreat in Laos through Carpe Diem Luxury Travel here.

Cuisine Wat Dam Nak, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Photo Credit: Cuisine Wat Dam Nak

Cuisine Wat Damnak – Siem Reap, Cambodia

A trip to Southeast Asia isn’t complete without a visit to the incredible temples of Angkor Wat and a trip to Siem Reap isn’t complete without a meal at the delightful Cuisine Wat Damnak. Since opening in 2011 chef Joannès Rivière has been consisting winning international accolades for his fusion cuisine melding French and Cambodian gastronomy. He follows a farm to fork approach, using fresh ingredients sourced or foraged from the Siem Reap province in his bi-monthly changing tasting menu. In their modern dining room or on their outdoor terrace, you’ll feel far removed from the boisterous city as you dine on coconut tree heart salad with pan fried snakehead fish, barbecued duck sour soup with lime, shiny cresson and elephant ear taro stem or quail and Cambodian green giant eggplant in game style, wild mangoosteen sour leaves and mushrooms.

Website | Address: Wat Damnak Market Street, Between Psa Dey Hoy market and Angkor High School, Siem Reap | Tel: +855 (0)77 347 762

Where to stay in the region.