The mountainous city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has long been known for its picturesque scenery, beautiful architecture, and moreish food. But if you’re looking for an authoritative guide to eateries, bars and restaurants in the city, look no further. For chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, more popularly known as chef Ton, Chiang Mai holds deep personal meaning. The city is home to suppliers of his famed Bangkok restaurants Le Du (Asia’s No. 1 Restaurant in 2023) and Nusara, and the chef-owner makes it a point to visit several times a year, charmed by its ingredients and culinary culture. Read on for an insider guide to the best spots to wine and dine at in Chiang Mai.

Don’t miss: Le Du, Asia’s Best Restaurant for 2023, is Mandala Masters’ next culinary residency

Heading to Niseko this winter for a ski holiday? If you find yourself among the snow-capped mountains in this village in Hokkaido looking for something to eat, chef Willin Low knows where to go. The Singaporean chef is known for coining the term “Mod-Sin”, short for modern Singaporean cuisine, which he explored to great acclaim at his now-closed restaurant Wild Rocket. During winter season, you will find him temporarily based in Niseko with his restaurant, Roketto, a noodle bar which also offers omakase dinners. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him exploring the picturesque village for a good, hot meal. Here are his favourites.

Don’t miss: Hitting the slopes: The best ski destinations in Japan

Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and Coldplay … what do these names have in common? They are international superstars who hold sold-out shows at the Singapore National Stadium.

Picture this: Singaporeans and fans from all around the region besiege the stadium grounds and sing their hearts out apace with their idol(s). But when the music stops and the curtain calls, finding the perfect supper spot to satiate the hunger pangs comes into focus next for many concert-goers alike. Well, you’re in luck because Singapore’s electrifying nightlife is peppered with some of the best late-night eats in the country.

From comforting soups and live seafood feasts to silky soybean curd, we dive into the most popular street eats in close proximity—no more than a ten-minute drive from the Singapore National Stadium—that promise an unforgettable gastronomic encore. Let this be your handy guide when planning your next concert.

Read more: The best supper spots in Singapore, according to jazz singer Joanna Dong and other top musicians

Asia’s culinary scene is often framed by its heavy hitters. Tokyo dazzles with precision and artistry, Bangkok delivers the riotous kick of spice and street food chaos, and Hong Kong flaunts its cosmopolitan diversity. These top travel destinations often dominate the conversation—the darlings of globetrotting food lovers and social media feeds. But, for all their brilliance, they can sometimes feel a little too obvious.

The real intrigue lies elsewhere—in places where food isn’t merely a commodity for tourism campaigns but an act of cultural preservation and everyday joy. These cities don’t clamour for global recognition; they simply get on with the business of being extraordinary. Their food speaks for itself—quietly, sometimes, but always with a sense of place and purpose that comes from generations of care. Together, they remind us why Asia remains one of the most thrilling playgrounds for the adventurous eater. All you need to do is let your appetite lead the way. If you’re ready to step off the well-worn path, here’s where to start.

Singapore gets the Coldplay treatment in the recently released music video for “Man in the Moon”, created in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board and Warner Music Singapore. A masterclass in destination marketing, the video prominently features Singapore, integrating its distinctive skyline and cultural landmarks into the visual narrative. The partnership underscores STB’s continued efforts to leverage entertainment and pop culture, rather successfully at that, as a means of promoting the city-state.

Read more: Hong Kong concerts in 2025: Coldplay, Jay Chou, Stray Kids and other global artists

South Korea is a dynamic cultural epicentre where tradition and innovation converge, making it one of Asia’s most compelling destinations. Beyond its futuristic skyline, historic palaces and of course its dynamic K-Pop culture, it boasts a flourishing art scene that continues to evolve.

From contemporary galleries and experimental art spaces to world-class museums, South Korea is a hub for creativity, drawing artists and enthusiasts alike. As 2025 unfolds, the city's cultural landscape expands further with the opening and revitalisation of museums, offering fresh spaces for artistic expression and historical exploration.

Read more: 7 most luxurious smart hotels in South Korea