Tuk-Tuk: A Tour of Asian Restaurants

No false modesty here — these folks know Asian cuisine. With three locations in the city, each one is its own universe: one whisks you to Hong Kong’s narrow streets, another drops you into the heart of a bustling Asian market, and the third strikes a perfect balance between futurism and authenticity. And a little spoiler for our readers: this year, Luckee Yu is gearing up for an even bigger project in Astana.

The menu is a greatest hits collection from Southeast Asia, but our undisputed favorite? The sweet-and-sour chicken. An absolute must-try!

The ultimate fancy spot for Japanese cuisine connoisseurs. Here, the fish arrives on the first flight, and we take off from the first bite. Add to that signature cocktails (which may just stretch your evening longer than planned) and a sleek interior where every detail begs admiration.

The best seats? At the bar — where you can watch the chef wield a Japanese knife with precision. It’s hypnotizing. One look, and you’ll be ordering another round of sushi.

Still in Japan (figuratively), we step into the city’s top izakaya bar. Full disclosure: we’ve spent many evenings here (no regrets). The sake selection alone is worth it.

Bar seating wraps around the open kitchen, turning food prep into a meditative spectacle. Neon lights, red accents, and nods to Japanese culture set the mood. While sushi and rolls shine, what sets Raw apart are its full-fledged wine and cocktail lists — rare for a traditional izakaya. Start the night with their signature nori «flatbread» topped with tuna tartare.

One of our favorite Korean spots for interactive dining with friends. If you’ve ever binge-watched K-dramas, you know those scenes — characters grilling pork at the table, washing it down with soju. Want the same? Head to Masisso.

If DIY grilling isn’t your thing (hey, it’s a restaurant, not grandma’s kitchen), just order Korean classics like kimchi and kimbap. Grab soju, beer, and toast with a hearty Gan Bei!

Who knew specialty coffee and Korean fried chicken could be a perfect match? Well, they are. Flask Café on Kurmangazy shares space with Chicken Star — and that’s where the magic happens. Owner Chihun hails from Korea, and his Chicken Star is a goldmine for authentic flavors. The plan? Golden, juicy chicken with the crispiest crust and an arsenal of sauces — including one marked «dangerous» with five fiery chili icons.

Proof of its cult status? In Bishkek, people queue for this chicken. Our verdict? A hard yes.

One of the buzziest spots on our Asian tour. Recently dubbed «How an Almaty hole-in-the-wall is making history, » Syo-Syo landed in The World’s 50 Best Bars, thanks to its non-alcoholic cocktails. But that’s not even the main draw.

This place isn’t just about food — it’s a secret gastro-club vibe. An Asian speakeasy where everything clicks: cozy, intimate, just right. The star? Pho bo, steeped in tradition, aromatic broth simmered for 24 hours until it’s rich, deep, and unmistakably Vietnamese. Hard to find? That’s part of the charm.

A veteran of our list — open since 1997 and a local legend. Here, everything is generous: huge portions, wallet-friendly prices, and uncompromising love for Japanese flavors. The interior? Pure, unfiltered authenticity, straight out of a traditional Eastern eatery.

Sumo-san guards the secrets of Japanese cuisine, delivering taste as it should be. Their signature? Sushi boats — dubbed by us «love boats» because no other phrase captures their epic deliciousness.

You might wonder: what does Akunin have to do with sushi? We puzzled over it too—until we dug deeper. Turns out, Boris Akunin is a Japanologist deeply immersed in Japanese culture. Plus, «akunin» in Japanese means «a villain of epic proportions.» Here, that villain is a cat — adorably on the logo.

But philosophy aside, the flavor steals the show. Bold combinations, juicy rolls, and daring creativity define Akunin Sushi. We hit like and order a second set.

A slice of Thailand on Lýganskıı Street. Shocked? We were too. Vetted by a Thai expat who’s eaten more tom yum than home-cooked soup, this place delivers. The tom yum? A warm hello from Phuket. The pad thai? A one-way ticket to Samui. The mango sticky rice? Straight from a Bangkok street stall, no border delays.

Just remember: Thai food is like Bangkok traffic — vibrant and unpredictable. If you don’t want to crash-land, specify your spice tolerance upfront.