For discerning gourmands, a reservation at an award-winning restaurant is more than just another dinner—it’s an experience. Unfortunately, securing coveted tables at Michelin-starred and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants can be as tough as scoring VIP tickets to Lady Gaga’s sold-out concert in Singapore. This is where foresight and connections can come in handy for access into the upper echelons of the gastronomy world.
Whether you’re craving Edomae sushi for dinner or a modern take on Cantonese cuisine, here are just a few exceptional restaurants on that list that showcase the diversity of the region’s cuisine while embodying the passion and craftsmanship that define world-class dining.
Ginza Sushi-Ichi, Singapore
Image: Ginza Sushi-Ichi
Step into Ginza Sushi-Ichi, the Singaporean sister of its famed Tokyo counterpart, and you’ll find yourself in an intimate 16-seat sanctuary where tradition meets precision. The countertop, crafted from a 300-year-old cypress tree, sets the stage for an Edomae-style sushi experience that’s as much about artistry as it is about flavor.
While this spot might be its Southeast Asian outpost, you’re still getting the full Japanese omakase treatment—not just in technique but in ingredients. Beyond the fresh seafood flown in from Japan’s top markets, even the vegetables and sauces come directly from Ginza, ensuring the same impeccable standards upheld across the Sushi-Ichi brand.
Card perks: Securing a seat at this sought-after establishment is no easy feat, but holders of the DCS Imperium Card can enjoy an added perk—a complimentary glass of alcohol or non-alcoholic beverage to elevate their experience.*
Restaurant Born, Singapore
Image: Restaurant Born
Helmed by Chef Zor Tan, protégé of the legendary André Chiang, Restaurant Born is a culinary ode to heritage and innovation. Chef Tan’s nine-course tasting menu weaves together contemporary French and Chinese cuisines, guided by themes of Birth, Roots, Memories, Craft, Relationship, Vicissitudes, Time, Progress, and Legacy. This ethos has earned them 1 Michelin Star and the 25th position on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.
Housed in a beautifully restored Jinrikisha Station, a rickshaw depot from 1903, Born offers a truly immersive experience with just 15 seats in the main dining area, 12 around the show kitchen, and two private dining rooms for larger parties.
Card perks: As a bonus, DCS Imperium Cardholders can enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic drink, making this culinary pilgrimage even more special.*
Gaig Restaurant, Singapore
Image: Gaig Restaurant
Gaig Restaurant brings a taste of Barcelona to Singapore, carrying forward a legacy of culinary excellence that dates back to 1869. Managed by Núria Gibert, daughter of Michelin-starred chef Carles Gaig, and his protégé Martí Carlos Martinez, this outpost stays true to its Catalan roots while offering a modern twist.
From hearty canelons to succulent roasted suckling pig, the menu is a love letter to Spanish tradition complemented by an extensive selection of Spanish wines to enhance every dish.
Whether you opt for the à la carte offerings or the set menus, every dish reflects the passion and heritage of the Gaig family.
Card perks: As part of the DCS Imperium Card, diners are welcomed with a complimentary drink, setting the tone for a meal that’s as warm and inviting as it is refined.*
Lolla, Singapore
Image: Lolla
Ranked #43 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, Lolla is a hidden gem nestled in a charming shophouse along Ann Siang Hill. Helmed by Chef Johanne Siy, crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2023, the restaurant is known for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates that highlight exceptional produce and masterful simplicity.
Image: Lolla
The best seats in the house? The 13 seats by the zinc counter overlook the open kitchen, where diners can watch the chefs at work, transforming the humblest ingredients into stunning, flavour-packed dishes. Bigger groups can book the long communal table in the basement.
Lolla’s menu is ever-evolving: à la carte and seasonal menus run Monday to Thursday while tasting menus are served on Fridays and Saturdays; though they can be arranged with advance notice.
Card perks: When booking with the DCS Imperium Card, diners indulging in the tasting menu will get a complimentary glass of champagne.*
Hyotei Hibiya, Tokyo
Image: Hyotei Hibiya
A taste of Kyoto’s legendary 450-year-old, three Michelin-starred Hyotei in the heart of Tokyo, Hyotei Hibiya brings centuries of Japanese culinary heritage to the capital. Located on the third floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, this outpost carefully preserves the traditions of Kyoto kaiseki, while incorporating the finest ingredients sourced from all over Japan.
Hyotei has held three Michelin stars since 2010, a testament to its exquisite attention to detail and time-honoured techniques. Dining here is not just about the food—it’s about experiencing Japanese hospitality at its finest, where every course unfolds like a poetic journey through time and nature.
Arbor, Hong Kong
Image: Arbor
A sanctuary of refined Nordic-Japanese gastronomy, Arbor is a two-Michelin-starred haven where Chef Eric Räty expresses his Finnish heritage through the delicate, seasonal precision of Japanese cuisine. The interior exudes a serene yet bold aesthetic, blending Nordic minimalism with Hong Kong’s fiery energy, reflected in the rosy pink hues that wash over the dining room.
Dinner is offered in six- or nine-course tasting menus, each showcasing a harmonious interplay of rare, exotic ingredients, bright flavours, and nature-inspired creativity. The restaurant’s philosophy is deeply tied to the changing seasons, ensuring that every visit brings a fresh and inspired experience.
Chim by Siam Wisdom, Bangkok
Image: Chim by Siam Wisdom
Chim by Siam Wisdom is an ode to Thai culinary heritage, having held a Michelin star for seven consecutive years. Under the expertise of Chef Thaninthorn “Noom” Juntharawan, the restaurant draws inspiration from traditional Thai dishes spanning the middle to the current Rattanakosin period, balancing history with contemporary refinement.
With an ethos of preserving authentic Thai flavours in a fine dining setting—namely a vintage colonial house—the restaurant meticulously sources the best local ingredients to craft elegant, thoughtfully executed plates. Expect a sensory journey through Thailand’s rich culinary history, where aromatic herbs, bold spices, and textures converge in a nostalgic, groundbreaking meal.
Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur
Image: Dewakan
Perched on the 48th floor of Naza Tower, Dewakan offers sweeping views over Kuala Lumpur’s skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows—but the real spectacle is on the plate. Holding two Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star, Chef Darren Teoh crafts a truly Malaysian dining experience, deeply rooted in sustainability and locality. Even the dinnerware is handmade by local artisans, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to celebrating its homeland.
The name Dewakan translates to “food from God”, and every dish pays tribute to Malaysia’s rich biodiversity. The set tasting menu features house-fermented and dry-aged elements, alongside seasonal fruits and indigenous herbs, offering a bold and expressive take on Malaysian gastronomy.
Taking a culinary journey through Asia’s best restaurants
Elevate your next dining adventure with privileged access to these Michelin-starred and award-winning destinations through the Mastercard Asia Gourmet Circle program. This exclusive portal offers curated reservations and bespoke experiences across Asia’s top restaurants, available only to select Mastercard World Elite cardholders. Additionally, enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary glasses of champagne and alcohol when you dine at Lolla, Ginza Sushi Ichi, Restaurant Born, and Gaig Restaurant with your Imperium World Elite Card. Just be sure to book through the DCS concierge to lock in your reservation — and your privileges.
For those seeking the pinnacle of what gastronomy can offer, the DCS Imperium Card grants membership to this elite dining network, along with an array of unparalleled travel and lifestyle privileges. So when you’re travelling to Hong Kong or Japan to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, you can access a network of over 1,200 airport lounges and get complimentary airport transfers.
And did we mention the high mileage earn rate of 2.4 miles per dollar spent on foreign currency transactions? Getting the wine pairings for those tasting menus will translate into more miles, making every sip and bite go further. Apply for the DCS Imperium Card now and unlock a world of culinary excellence at your fingertips.
Discover more about the DCS Imperium Card
*To access these benefits, simply book your dining experience via the DCS concierge.
Cover image: Lolla, Gaig Restaurant
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