8 Unique Dining Experiences in Asia

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The signature hot pot at the Modern Toilet Restaurant, Taiwan

Much like Alice’s adventure, these unique places to eat transport you to another world altogether. These quirky themed cafes and restaurants are changing the notion of “eating out” and bringing a whole new dimension to having a good meal.

SINGAPORE

Cable Car Sky Dining

Cable Car Sky Dining offers three different cabin choices, all offering privacy and each one more unique than the last. Its Stardust Cabin offers a delectable four course meal as you take in the lights and splendor of Singapore’s cityscape set against the romantic night sky. This is the perfect way to pop the question, celebrate special occasions, or simply show someone how much you love them. The Singapore Flavors Cabin is infused with the authentic flavors of seven of Singapore’s favorite dishes along with the magnificent panoramic view. Meanwhile, the Champagne Cabin gets you “high” on life with a glass of bubbly and intoxicating vistas at 100 meters up in the air.

ADDRESS

Faber Peak Singapore, Level 2, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore

GETTING THERE

If you are coming from from HarbourFront MRT station, take Exit B towards HarbourFront Centre. Cross the link bridge (beside KFC, level 2) to get to Singapore Cable Car at HarbourFront Tower Two. Tickets are available at HarbourFront Tower Two ground floor. Faber Peak Singapore is approximately five minutes from Harbourfront Station (alight at Mount Faber Station)

OPENING HOURS

Mondays to Fridays 6:30PM till midnight, Saturdays and Public Holidays 10:30AM-2AM, Sundays 10:30AM till midnight

PRICE RANGE

USD65-150

 

NOX – Dine in the Dark

Take a plunge into the world of mystery and sensation by heightening your sense of taste, smell, touch, and sound – all in total darkness. Seated in a pitch-black dining room, you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired individuals who have been specially trained to offer guidance and reassurance to sighted guests. It is a truly human experience when the roles are reversed and the blind become your eyes, opening your mind to a deeper consciousness.

ADDRESS

269 ​​Beach Road, Singapore

GETTING THERE

Take the MRT to Bugis Station using the East West or Circle Line. From the station, it is a 10 minute walk to the restaurant.

OPENING HOURS 6PM till midnight daily

PRICE RANGE

USD50-75

 

BALI, INDONESIA

Inflight Restaurant, Keramas Aero Park

In the middle of a rice field, an abandoned Boeing 737-400 stands, refurbished into a luxurious restaurant that serves much more than infamous airplane food. The Inflight Restaurant menu offers 30 mains to choose from – a vast difference from the stressful “fish or chicken” plight on an actual flight – and the dishes are served by waiters dressed in flight attendant uniforms. Furthermore, the wings are accessible through the plane and the cockpit is open for the perfect photo opportunity with your hands at the controls. Enjoy the stunning view of rice paddies, Keramas Beach, and the ocean all whilst feeling like you’re in the sky.

ADDRESS

Jl. By Pass Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra KM 28, Keramas, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

GETTING THERE

The best way to get to the park is by car. You can either hire a driver for the day, or hire a taxi

OPENING HOURS

10AM-10PM daily

PRICE RANGE = USD8-14

 

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Soon Heng Social Club

This 70s Chinese-house-turned-restaurant is located at a secret venue in Kuala Lumpur, which is only revealed after a reservation is made through the establishment’s Instagram page. Soon Heng Social Club portrays a vintage Shanghai vibe with old school, rustic decor and antiques. They’re not open to walk-ins, partly in an effort to reduce food waste and ensure the quality and freshness of ingredients being delivered right to diners, and partly to portray a mystery element and pique interest.

ADDRESS

Make a reservation to find out:www.instagram.com/soonheng_

OPENING HOURS

Fridays to Saturdays, 6-11PM

 

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Villa Chandara

Villa Chandara offers an afternoon and evening exploration of the Cambodian countryside, complemented by fine Khmer dining and free-flow wine beneath the stars. They take you on an adventure tourist crowds don’t usually follow – to an enchanting rural experience set in the landscaped gardens of a private dining villa. Arrive early in the afternoon on a private boat to take full advantage of the many activities provided by the villagers as they share ancient rural skills with you. Explore the village by ox cart, select ingredients from the herb garden for evening cocktails and enjoy a foot massage with a drink in hand as the sun sets over the rice paddies. Over five courses, the Khmer celebratory dinner is served by the award-winning team of DineBeyond beneath the stars and by candlelight for a truly memorable occasion.

ADDRESS

No 1 Kok Tnout Village, Angkor Thom Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia

GETTING THERE

An all-inclusive price covers transport from your hotel, all activities, free-flow drinks, and dinner. The journey is by boat across the 11th century West Baray, then on foot through Kok Tnout, an unspoiled village, to Villa Chandara

OPENING HOURS

2-10PM daily

PRICE = USD130

 

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Modern toilet restaurant

No list of unique dining experiences would be complete without this toilet-themed café, which has made toilet bowls into chairs and wash basins into dining tables. Each table is designed differently from the others, and the two-storey restaurant can seat up to 80 people. Naturally, the food is served in miniature toilet bowls and bathtubs, but we promise you that it tastes nothing like what’s in your potty!

ADDRESS

2F, No 7, Ln 50, Xining S. Rd., Taipei City, Taiwan

GETTING THERE

You can get to Modern Toilet Restaurant by alighting at Ximen Metro Station (Exit 6). Once you’re out of the gates, walk straight and you’ll spot a giant toilet bowl hanging off the building

OPENING HOURS

11:30AM-9PM Sundays to Thursdays, 11AM-9:30PM Fridays to Saturdays

PRICE RANGE USD8-25

 

TOKYO, JAPAN

Ninja Akasaka

This ninja-themed restaurant is literally a labyrinth that is a replica of hidden ninja villages of the Edo era. The ambience is enhanced by waterfalls, ponds, and the sounds of bell crickets. But before you enjoy the atmosphere, you need to embark on a long and dark underground adventure through the ninja road. At your table, you will be served by ninja waiters, and also advanced ninjas who will perform at your table. Their experienced chefs serve Japanese, Chinese, French, and Italian cuisine, as well as pastries, all of which can be savored with the fire- and smoke-based tricks, and other surprises.

ADDRESS

2-14-3 Nagatacho, Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 1F, Chiyoda 100-0014, Tokyo, Japan

GETTING THERE

At Tokyo Metro Akasaka Mitsuke Station, take exit 10 for Tokyu Plaza. Just before entering the plaza, look for the small entrance right next to the signboard

OPENING HOURS

5-11:30PM Saturdays and Sundays

PRICE RANGE = USD55-180

 

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

Van Gogh Is Bipolar

Van Gogh Is Bipolar is more than just a café. It is a mood-healing sanctuary and a safe haven when you are feeling depressed, stressed, agitated, or just having a bad hair day. The restaurant serves The Mood Healing Diet – food and blends of tea to make you feel happy and calm. Most of the staff at the café are suicide survivors, overcoming depression or anxiety, or other mental ailments. The café is almost like a maze, with a starting and ending point. The stations in between come with instructions, such as deep breathing in the garden, expressing your thoughts by writing on a wall in a dark room, and mixing a concoction of healing oils to apply on your trigger points. Van Gogh is Bipolar provides a homely environment full of love, support, and good food.

ADDRESS

Inner Courtyard, 154 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, Philippines

GETTING THERE

Take a bus to Fairview and light at Philcoa. Alternatively, take the train northbound to Quezon Ave Station, look for the jeepney terminal behind Centris Mall and catch one that says Fairview or UP (University of the Philippines Diliman). At Philcoa, take a red tricycle to 154 Maginhawa

OPENING HOURS

12-5PM and 6-11:30PM daily

PRICE RANGE

USD15-50


If you’re seeking more inspiration for food and travel in Asia, our Asian Geographic passport edition no. 139, issue 6/ 2019 has much to offer, taking you on an adventure based on your taste buds!

Pick up your copy here

Keep your eyes peeled for another food special in 2023

 

 


 

 

 

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