Snapshots
You would be surprised at how varied Asian cuisine is! With deftness and a firm commitment to authenticity, some of the best eateries in India are showcasing the whole spectrum of oriental food. With dishes ranging from the finest cuts of meat to fragrant curries, these eateries give a true tribute to Asian culture. Those with refined palates can use these menus as a gateway to an enticing culinary adventure. Naturally, the top five have been nominated under the “Best Asian Restaurants” category at the upcoming Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2025. What makes them worth it? Find out for yourself!
Hakkasan
The Mumbai outpost of Hakkasan, Alan Yau's Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, is a favourite among the city’s social elite, and the restaurant's renowned décor—dramatic lighting, backlit blue glass, and towering ceilings—reflects this. At the Ling Ling Lounge, you can relish sensuous cocktails like the Polmos Cooler—a blend of vodka, peach liqueur, fresh passion fruit and apple juice—as well as the enticing aroma of jasmine that fills the air. There is enough seating for sixteen people in the private dining area, however, for a more intimate dining experience, request a booth and begin with a Fried Soft Shell Crab appetiser tossed with nuts and chilli.
Then, go on to the Steamed Dim Sum Basket, and last, the Roast Mango Duck. Sanpei Chicken Claypot, Peking Duck with Ossetra Caviar (reserved at least 24 hours in advance), and Roasted Silver Fish with honey and champagne are some of the delicious main attractions here! The desserts are a pleasant surprise; the Almond Ice Cream and Jasmine Crème Brulée are well worth the calories.
Fireback
Fireback, a newly opened Thai restaurant in Goa, is set in one of the most exquisitely renovated homes in Siolim. It is behind HOSA, the highly acclaimed South Indian restaurant, also owned by restaurateur Rohit Khattar, who has brought to us Fireback. One of the most lauded chefs from Thailand's cultural kaleidoscope of cuisines, David Thompson, co-founded it. The restaurant, which takes its name from Thailand's vibrant national bird, is a compact 90-square-foot eatery with a contemporary glasshouse area and terraced outside seating.
If you’re done feasting with your eyes, here's a meal you'll hardly forget. Cue the Cucurbits and the rich Massaman Lamb Curry are must-haves. And for something tangy, try the Sour Orange curry, which consists of river prawns and shredded green papaya. The gravy pairs amazingly well with the classic Thai Omelette with Crab, which is a wok-kissed bundle of puffy, fluffy egg that clings to delicate bites of crab. Talk about taking your tongue on a trip to Thailand.
Muro
Muro Social Club is a two-story establishment with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as two private dining rooms and inviting booths. For Muro's eight trademark cocktails, beverage manager and mixologist Sahil Essani drew on his extensive experience throughout the nation with the Taj hotel chains. Cocktails combining Naga chilli, rum, coffee, banana, and miso are on the menu, as are whisky, almonds, oranges, and cacao. Enjoy some small plates from Thai and Cantonese cuisine to nibble on while you sip.
Appetisers include Rice Flour Cups filled with creamy salmon, Green Mango and Crispy Fish salad, Turnip Cakes, Chicken Satay, Truffle Pork Belly with Steamed Mantou Buns, Jasmine Smoked Prime Short Ribs, Mango Rice Pudding and Coconut Caramel Coffee Flan for dessert. Indulge in a leisurely evening instead of just having drinks and meals at the bar with one of their inventive cocktails!
Seefah
Seefah is a sanctuary for spice, sauce, and huge taste enthusiasts on Bandra's Hill Road, which is often busy and full of people. At this Mumbai suburban eatery, some of the delicacies on the menu include a tangy Raw Papaya Salad, Crispy Pork, Wasabi Prawns and Khoa Kluk Ka-Pi, a stir-fried rice dish with pork, raw mango and prawns that combines Thai and Japanese flavours. Seefah, a fiery gin-based drink flavoured with Som Tam, is one of the cocktails on the menu you must try.
Another is The Antz, a combination of mezcal, tequila, and black ants. With their zesty tribute to the street food of Bangkok and Tokyo, co-owners Karan Bane and Seefah Ketchaiyo bring to you a mouthwatering experience. They have a combined 30 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, and it shows.
By the Mekong
Perched atop the city with imposing views, enjoy delicious Asian fare at this restaurant. By the Mekong enchants visitors with authentic Asian flavours, no surprises there. For an even more customised dining experience, the chef here may even create a bespoke menu based on your tastes.
Cocktails made with vodka or gin, such as the Golden Triangle (vodka, grapes, passion fruit, cranberry, ginger, vanilla), or Mekong Bowl (gin, oriental lime, cranberry, star anise, freshly squeezed lime juice, fresh fruits, finished with flamed Cointreau), are perfect with their Mongolian Lamb Chops, the Classic Peking Duck and the Chatuchak Night Market John Dory, among others.