Asia is the world's greatest food destination — a dozen distinct culinary traditions, from a $2 bowl of pho to hushed Tokyo omakase, each worth a trip in itself.
Asia is the world's greatest food destination, full stop — a dozen distinct culinary traditions, each worth building an entire trip around.
From a $2 bowl of pho on a Hanoi street corner to omakase in a hushed Tokyo counter, Asia is where food becomes the reason to travel. Night markets and hawker centres, cooking classes and family kitchens — eating here is culture, ritual and joy all at once.
Family-run since 1974, Cooee builds food into every Asia trip — the right stalls, the right classes, and the local phrases that unlock the best tables.
Follow your appetite — each links to the country guide.
Sushi and ramen, kaiseki tasting menus, and back-street izakaya.
🇯🇵Street pad thai, fiery curries and the balance of four flavours.
🇹🇭Pho, banh mi and herb-strewn freshness, north to south.
🇻🇳Regional thalis, tandoor and the world's deepest spice.
🇮🇳Dim sum, Sichuan heat and eight great regional cuisines.
🇨🇳Satay, nasi goreng, rendang and fiery sambal.
🇮🇩Generally yes — and it's where the best food is. Follow the crowds and the turnover: a busy stall with a queue of locals cooks fresh and fast. Eat food that's hot and freshly cooked, choose busy vendors, and ease in gently on your first days. A bowl of pho or pad thai from the right stall will be a trip highlight. See our things to do.
It's gloriously subjective — Japan for precision and sushi, Thailand for balance of sweet-sour-spicy, Vietnam for fresh, herby lightness, India for depth of spice, and China for regional variety. Most travellers fall for at least one for life. See our Southeast Asia guide.
Absolutely — food tours, cooking classes, market walks and street-food crawls are among Asia's best experiences. Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Tokyo, Penang and Delhi are all superb food cities. We can build a whole itinerary around eating. See our itineraries guide.
Just ask — "mai phet" (not spicy) in Thailand, for example. Vegetarian and vegan travel is easy in India and increasingly across the region; coeliac and allergy needs are best flagged via a translation card. We brief you on the phrases and note dietary needs with every restaurant and guide.
Extraordinary. In Southeast Asia a superb street meal costs a few dollars, and even fine dining is a fraction of Australian prices. Japan is pricier but still excellent value, with world-class set lunches at bargain prices. See our first-time in Asia guide.