A Michelin Star is the highest honour bestowed on a restaurant that promises the chef all the glory and fame in the world. Though Michelin is yet to give stars to restaurants in India, there are more than 726 Michelin starred restaurants currently in Asia where you can enjoy a lip-smacking meal. Right now Michelin gives ratings in Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei. Some restaurants have a three-star and one can consider their food as an artwork that tingles the palette with exemplary flavours.
Joël Robuchon, Singapore Joël Robuchon’s mastery of French cuisine has sealed him as one of the most decorated chefs in the world. His restaurant is located on Sentosa Island and its posh interiors correspond with the unique and ingenious use of ingredients that made waves in the culinary world. Its popularity lies in the fact that it is the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Singapore and has maintained its revered reputation. With an impressive collection of more than 1,200 wines to choose from forming an aesthetic paradise when paired with the delicate food.
Raan Jay Fai, Thailand Devoid of any pomposity, this street-side restaurant that was started 70 years ago is still the same and offers authentic Thai dishes that are hearty meals, unlike the minuscule meals served by other Michelin restaurants. Jay Fai is the woman behind it who cooks in the open with her goggles and quick fervour making her known as the ‘Best Cook in Thailand’. Her signature dishes are mostly seafood cooked in a wok like crab omelettes, crab curry and Tom Yum soup.
Gaon, South Korea Korean food engulfs the mind and palette with combinations of flavours that are spicy, sweet and tangy at the same time. Keeping its premises minimal with the quality of food maximum, Chef Kim Byoung-Jin is the master chef who enhances the natural flavour of traditional dishes with his cooking. Ceramic vessels are used to present the food in the 5 private dining rooms where the tasting menu is available. The exceptional use of seasonal produce is like the cherry on the top and you can pair the food with a wide range of sakes.
Sushi Saito, Japan Deemed as offering the tastiest sushi in the world, this restaurant always has a waiting list, having just 8 seats. This simple restaurant follows the decor of the ‘Omakase’ tradition where the chef ensures that the meal being served unleashes their creativity and delivers a cherishable meal to the customers. The chef Takashi Saito has made himself a ‘sushi superstar’ by perfecting the art of rolling sushi with his hands. Using nothing less than world-class ingredients along with the experience of a true sushi master preparing the dish in front of the customer is truly mesmerising.
Le Palais, Taiwan This place recites pure culinary poetry with interiors straight out of a fancy movie, Le Palais is where Cantonese cuisine is given an infallible identity of deliciousness. The restaurant offers majestic views of Taipei’s skyline and has six private dining rooms. It is luxuriously furnished with utmost attention to detail and decorated with calligraphy, paintings and ceramic art. Their most tempting dishes include Crispy Roast Duck, Baked Barbecue Pork Buns, Steamed King Prawn Dumplings and many more.
The Golden Peacock, Macau The brainchild of Kerala born chef Justin Paul who brings the diverse flavours of India in an artisanal manner. The menu equally covers the length and breadth of India and the interiors decorated are eponymous with the Indian theme. The chefs prepare the food in a see-through kitchen where the tempting steam from the tandoor reaches the nostrils of the customer. You can visit the restaurant in the famous Venetian Hotel in Macau.
