TripAdvisor Reveals World's Best Fine Dining Restaurants & Malaysia's Top Cheap Eats According to Travellers' Choice

October 19, 2016

TripAdvisor Reveals World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants & Malaysia’s Top Cheap Eats According to Travellers’ Choice

SINGAPORE, October 19, 2016 – TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced its Travellers’ Choice™ awards for top restaurants around the world.

This year’s awards recognise 528 restaurants overall, including the top 25 fine dining in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Canada, Europe, India, Mexico, South America, South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S. This year, TripAdvisor has also awarded some of the best bargain dining establishments around the world. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period.

“Eating is such a big part of a travel journey so we’re incredibly excited to recognise the top places to eat at in Malaysia that have been recognised by millions of global foodie travellers from the TripAdvisor Community,” said Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “There is a ‘must try’ list for any occasion, whether you feel like splashing out on the town or having an amazing meal that’s friendlier on the wallet.”

Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Asia:

DK David’s Kitchen at 909 – Chiang Mai, Thailand

photo0jpg

An establishment that prides itself as a family run restaurant, DK David’s Kitchen at 909 offers exquisite French dishes with a modern Asian touch. A TripAdvisor reviewer stated, “The entire experience, from arrival to leaving, was top notch. I watched David personally greet each table and engage in conversation. It is easy to see that he desires each guest to have a wonderful dining experience. The food was excellent. David and his staff can rightfully be proud of the dining experience that they have created here!”

Restaurant Locavore – Ubud, Indonesia

20160113-154553-largejpg

Chefs Ray and Eelke mix up the best local flavours and seasonal produce to serve up carefully crafted and unique contemporary European fare. Gushed a TripAdvisor reviewer, “The five-course menu turned out to have about 18 courses, and each was better than the last one! The fresh ingredients, careful preparation, creative presentations, and obvious enthusiasm of all of the staff made this another memorable meal at Locavore. It is definitely a ‘must do’ every time we’re in Ubud.”

TRB – Beijing, China

trb-beijing

Nestled in an extraordinary setting of a beautifully restored ancient temple located near The Forbidden City, TRB offers an unforgettable dining experience serving European culinary delights, accompanied by impeccable service. “The food was a delight for the eyes, and delicate, delicious and sometimes surprising in creative ways. Staff were attentive, friendly, not intrusive and professional. There is a clear demonstration of both passion and invention – to be rewarded in the high pressure stakes of the restaurant scene! Well done, and thank you,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Restaurant Andre – Singapore

andre

French-trained chef André Chiang opened his eponymous restaurant in October 2010, offering exceptional, high-concept Mediterranean-influenced cuisine in Singapore. One TripAdvisor reviewer claimed, “The service, the extra treats, the concept of the 8 points of his [Chef Andre] philosophy which the menu is based around, the fact that the wine list is like a bible and something you could take home and read for the evening… You can’t tell a restaurant what they should do like this as the quality is in their uniqueness – but Andre gets it exactly right. Just to top things off, Andre himself made a tour of the tables at the end of the service and spent a few minutes talking to us about his menu and some of the thinking behind particular dishes.”

Hakushu – Shibuya, Japan

hakushu

A small, family-run establishment that is a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Hakushu is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef that is served up in ‘teppanyaki’ style. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “A small cosy family place where you talk to your neighbours and watch the grandmother cook the most delicious and tender Kobe beef on a hot plate. Simple and delicious. A very unique atmosphere: book early and don’t miss it!”

Tapas Molecular Bar – Chuo, Japan

Situated on the 38^th floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Tapas Molecular Bar promises to offer a unique molecular gastronomical experience with an unparalleled view of the city skyline. Travellers are advised to book early as they only cater for eight guests at a time with two sittings per day. A TripAdvisor reviewer raved, “What an experience. My first contact with molecular cuisine and I was stunned by the technical aspects of it but also, and more importantly, by the wonderful flavours. Spectacular! The menu is all set so no need to scratch your head for an hour choosing what you want. The chef is right in front of you working out the dishes and serving you whilst giving all the explanations on what’s in your plate. That makes it interactive and very enriching.”

Café des Amis – Pattaya, Thailand

cafe-des

Travellers can expect meticulously prepared haute-cuisine-style dishes and more than 300 gins and spirits in a romantic ambience with mood-setting soft piano sounds and jazz blues. “It has a beautiful atmosphere, amazing staff, delicious food and fab owners. The gin collection is second to none and it is nice to have a good wine selection in Thailand. The biggest asset here however is the staff. Nothing is too much trouble, everything runs smoothly and the food is some of the best in Thailand,” praised a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Spiral – Manila, Philippines

spiral-manila

A comprehensive international buffet at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Spiral offers 21 dining ateliers – French for artistic workshop stations – that reflect the best of global cuisines. “It is without a doubt the best buffet experience I have had in Manila. It had so much seafood on offer and a variety of different kinds of styles of cuisines from different countries. The restaurant is big so you don’t feel like you’re bumping to each other when getting food, and even though you think you’ve tasted everything you’ll find there’s something you missed out on,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud – Ubud, Indonesia

swept-away

Situated in an enchanting setting amidst lush forests, tall palm trees and the beautiful Ayung River, is Swept Away, the signature restaurant of award-winning property The Samaya Ubud. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “Best meal we had in Ubud so far. Service is impeccable. The setting is stunning (you are sitting above a river and just the sound of the water running is terrific). Bread comes with truffle and fig butter – what a combination! One piece of advice – go for lunch instead of dinner to take the most advantage of the view. 5 stars.”

Mandarin Grill – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

mandarin-grill

The flagship restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Mandarin Grill is set to delight meat lovers with exceptional dishes boasting the best meat cuts such as Sher Wagyu Tomahawk Steak and Grilled Boston Lobster Thermidor. A TripAdvisor reviewer mentioned, “Service was unobtrusive but attentive and the food served was nicely presented and tasty. Overall, a restaurant I would return to, especially if you are looking for a good grill without anything fancy except good food and service.”

Malaysia’s Top 10 Cheap Eats Revealed

Andrew’s Kampung – Batu Ferringhi: Amidst the tourist hotspots in the area is this gem that is known for its warm hospitality and great offerings of Malay delicacies. The crispy duck and fried squid are deemed by many as ‘must-try’ dishes.

Tg’s Nasi Kandar – Kuala Lumpur: Parallel to the overpriced vendors and frenzied streets of Bukit Bintang, this food joint is loved for its great value and extensive menu of Indian dishes.

Wonderland Food Store – Langkawi: Travellers can expect to feast on massive grilled tiger prawns, crisp fried soft shell crabs and scrumptious seafood fried rice at Wonderland Food Store that offers an extensive seafood menu at affordable prices.

Long Beach – Batu Ferringhi: From satay (seasoned and skewered grilled meat) to spring rolls to pizza, this locally-renowned food centre comes alive in the evenings to house a great variety of cheap food all under one roof.

Cactus Restaurant – Langkawi: This casual restaurant with football jerseys hung all around is a great place to meet and mingle with other travellers. Enjoy Western dishes like club sandwiches, and local delights such as nasi lemak (rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf).

Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant – Melaka: Always bustling with local and foreign customers, this roadside eating place is famous for its freshly prepared naans and well marinated tandoori chicken.

Red Garden Food Paradise & Night Market – George Town: Featuring a line-up of stalls of not only Penang cuisines but also international fares, the bustling food centre is ideal for a gathering among friends and family members.

Lot 10 Hutong – Kuala Lumpur: An air-conditioned food court located at the heart of Bukit Bintang, this rabbit warren of food stalls is home to iconic Malaysian street food such as the Kim Lian hokkien mee and Soong Kee beef noodles.

Restoran Kapitan – George Town: Open 24 hours, this restaurant located in George Town’s Little India is packed with patrons who come for classics such as tandoori chicken and naan and specialty offerings like the claypot briyani.

Ewan Cafe – Pulau Perhentian Kecil: Highly-rated and lauded as the best restaurant by visitors of Pulau Perhentian Kecil, this eatery which is located in between Coral Bay and Long Beach serves local delights such as curry noodles and provides free WIFI to its customers.

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Restaurants in the World: