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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.

You have virtually nothing but blue skies overhead during the summer in Morocco. While this is extremely pleasant to the eyes, the high temperatures hovering around 35-40 degrees can make touring in the country’s vibrant cities, like popular Marrakech, often unbearable. But, it doesn’t have to be if you take strategic breaks at some of these prada replica refined restaurants, cafés and country clubs.

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Photo: Mandarin Oriental

Lunch at the Pool Garden – Mandarin Oriental

Surrounded by a 20-hectare garden, the Pool Garden restaurant at the luxury 5-star Mandarin Oriental is the perfect place for a sophisticated lunch in a cool setting. The dior replica restaurant encircles the hotel’s main pool and is shaded by pergolas crawling with colorful bougainvillea. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu uses local products and home-grown organic vegetables in delicious dishes like sea bream ceviche drizzled in yuzu dressing, organic quinoa taboulé or prime beef fillet and Jerusalem artichoke purée.

Website | Address: Route du Golf Royal | Tel: +212 5 24 29 88 88

Beldi Country Club

Photo: Beldi Country Club

Lunch and a swim at the Beldi Country Club

After a morning of sightseeing, let loose and cool down at the Beldi Country Club. Open spring through autumn, here you can have lunch at the poolside restaurant then rent a lounge chair, dip into the pool, have a game of tennis or tee off at the golf course. Situated next to a vast 35-meter pool with a backdrop of olive trees, rose bushes and the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the country club’s El Badia restaurant offers a seasonal menu of both Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes. In addition to the large pool, they have a smaller one specifically for children, plus the Beldi has a well-renowned spa and a variety of shops selling local handicrafts.

Website | Address: Km 6, Route de Barrage. “Cherifia” | Tel: +212 5 24 38 39 50

Mamounia Garden Bar Menzeh

Photo: Mamounia Hotel

Ice Cream or tea at Le Bar Menzeh – Mamounia

A trip to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its legendary Mamounia Hotel. It has several classy restaurants and a fabulous spa, but if you’re looking for a cool mid-afternoon pitstop, make your way to its Bar Menzeh. Lost in the heart of its vast gardens, you can sample their delicious ice creams, with such flavors as Medjool date and lemon and ginger, or opt for the Moroccan and French pastries accompanied by some refreshing mint tea. Afterwards toss some balls at the boules pitch or have an early apératif at the Pastis bar, which also has a selection of chanel replica board games.

Website | Address:  Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid | Tel: +212 5 24 38 86 00

Afternoon Tea Royal Mansour Marrakech

Photo: Royal Mansour Marrakech

Moroccan Afternoon Tea – Royal Mansour Marrakech

One of the best places for afternoon tea is the opulent Royal Mansour Marrakech hotel. You can soak up the luxurious ambiance while enjoying your high tea in the Loggia, the lobby or in one of the lounges. For a more local experience, order the Moroccan afternoon tea which includes local tea or “nos-nos” coffee, a plate of sweet Moroccan pastries and a selection of Moroccan pancakes flavored with thyme and honey. Alternatively, you may prefer a more traditional British tea served with scones, muffins and finger sandwiches or the gourmet French tea which comes with cheese, “foie gras” and classic French pastries. Tea is served daily from 3:30 to 6:00 pm.

Website | Address: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti | Tel: +212 5 29 80 82 82

Grand Café de la Poste Marrakech

Photo: Grand Café de la Poste

Aperitivo – Grand Café de la Poste

A popular meeting point in the new town district of Gueliz, the atmosphere of the Grand Café de la Poste mixes the best of authentic Marrakech with Western influences. Located in a former mansion, the classy 1920s decor evokes the bygone colonial era, also found on its mainly French menu. The best time to visit is between 6:00 and 8:00 pm for the happy hour when you can enjoy reduced-price cocktails, free aperitivo snacks and indulge in excellent people-watching on its busy terrace.

Website | Address: Corner of Boulevard el-Mansour Eddahbi and Avenue Imam Malik | Tel: +212 5 24 43 30 38

Dinner by the pool Villa des Orangers

Photo: Villa des Orangers

Dinner at Villa des Orangers

Located near Jemaâ El Fna square, the Villa des Orangers is a peaceful oasis from the chaotic Medina. A traditional noble riad, classified by Relais & Châteaux, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner on its beautiful candlelit patio. The talented French chef, Jean-Claude Olry, highlights local ingredients in his refined classic French dishes and modern takes on Moroccan specialities. Treat yourself to tangia of rabbit with new potatoes, Rhamna region free range chicken m’kali with olives and peas purée, or grilled beef tenderloin, gnocchis and Rif’s mountains chanterelles.

Website | Address: 6, Rue Sidi Mimoun –Place Ben Tachfine | Tel: +212 5 24 38 46 38

Sky Lounge in the Pearl Marrakech Hotel

Photo: Sky Lounge in the Pearl Marrakech Hotel

 

Drinks at the Sky Lounge – Pearl Marrakech Hotel

If you want to chill out at the end of a long hot day, head to this comfortable and stylish rooftop lounge at the Pearl Marrakech Hotel. As its name indicates, the Sky Lounge has amazing views of the Medina, the Red City, the Agdal Gardens, the Imperial Ramparts and the Atlas Mountains. Relax with a crisp cocktail on one of the daybeds by its circular pool, and if you have your swimsuit, take a refreshing dip. Stay to savor the sunset or dance the night away under the stars.

Website | Address: Corner of Avenue Echouhada and rue du Temple, Hivernage | Tel: +212 5 24 42 42 42

General tips on surviving the Moroccan heat:

  • Get your day started early to beat the heat, that way you can have a rest in the afternoon during the hottest hours from 1.00 to 4.00pm
  • Always have a bottle of water with you
  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you go out and top up throughout the day
  • Wear a hat or head covering to protect yourself from the sun
  • Eat olives! The salt can help fend off heat stroke and exhaustion

Where to stay in Marrakech

If you’re looking for the best place to stay and keep cool in Marrakech, our Morocco experts at Villanovo, Kensington Morocco and cazenove+loyd have a fabulous range of luxury villas in and around the city.

The biggest event in Rio de Janeiro isn’t its lively annual carnival – this year. Instead, during the months of August and September, the city will be playing host to the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, welcoming an expected 400,000 guests from around the world. This huge wave of visitors will cascade outside the stadium and into the city’s historic sites, shops, beaches and restaurants. If you’ll be getting in on the action, don’t be disappointed by not getting a seat at one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Plan ahead with these valuable insider tips on the best places to dine in the city provided by our local experts at Matueté Villas.

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