Dear guests and friends of Secret Retreats
In a world of mass tourism, where every experience is meticulously catalogued online, the truly memorable journey is a rare find. It’s not about ticking off landmarks from a list; it’s about the unlisted moments—the fragrant smoke from a street-side grill, the story of a lost recipe, the quiet wisdom of a local artisan. At Secret Retreats, we believe the heart of Asia isn’t found in a guidebook, but in the hands of its people. We are a collection of local experts and passionate hosts, committed to revealing the authentic, hidden soul of this continent—one story, one plate, one quiet journey at a time.
Supanniga Eating Room, Bangkok – Thailand: A Legacy of Flavor
Family recipes carried from the eastern provinces to the capital
In a city where culinary trends come and go, Supanniga Eating Room stands apart by holding fast to a legacy of family recipes from Thailand’s eastern provinces. The menu celebrates those enduring dishes with exquisite execution and a warm, home-style sensibility rather than formality. Signature curries and stir-fries brim with the vibrant herbs and spices of the coast, each plate telling a story of roots carried to Bangkok and lovingly preserved.
Nén, Da Nang – Vietnam: A Story of the Central Coast
Connecting guests to local producers through hyper-fresh ingredients.
On Vietnam’s vibrant Central Coast, Nén embodies the belief that great food begins with great ingredients. Chef Summer Le is a tireless advocate for local producers, personally sourcing seafood, herbs, and vegetables from the region’s markets and fishing villages. Her ever-changing menus echo the tides and seasons, offering a dining experience that feels inseparable from the land and sea that inspire it.
Apéritif, Bali – Indonesia: A Taste of the Old Empire
The colonial echoes and spice-route inspirations on the menu.
In the lush heart of Ubud, Apéritif isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a journey through time and taste. Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken’s menus draw on both European techniques and Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage, subtly weaving in the island’s spice-route legacy. Local spices, rare herbs and tropical flowers meet classical preparation to create a tasting menu that feels like a dialogue between past and present. Each course is an exploration of flavour and a respectful nod to Bali’s complex history.
Royd, Phuket – Thailand: A Culinary Portrait of the South
A tasting menu that reflects Southern Thai culture and sustainability.
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, Royd is a canvas where Chef Mond paints a portrait of Southern Thailand. Every dish on the tasting menu draws from local farms and fishermen, telling a seasonal story of the region through flavour and form. Using only sustainably sourced ingredients, Chef Mond creates a respectful conversation between heritage and modernity — turning a meal into an immersive journey through the South’s culinary soul.
Sienna Calcutta – India: A Modern Take on Tradition
Revitalising traditional Bengali cuisine with a “bajaar-to-table” philosophy.
Hidden in the lanes of Kolkata, Sienna operates on a “bajaar-to-table” philosophy that is as authentic as it is fresh. Chef Auroni and his team start each morning at the market, letting seasonal catches and produce guide a dynamic menu. This approach honours traditional Bengali recipes while infusing them with contemporary sensibility, creating a dining experience that is both deeply rooted and excitingly new.
Embassy, Siem Reap – Cambodia: The Lost Flavours of the Kingdom
Reviving lost Khmer gastronomy with an all-female team.
Embassy’s multi-course set menu is a testament to the revival of Khmer culinary heritage. Led by Executive Chefs Kimsan Pol, the restaurant researches and reinterprets recipes that nearly vanished during decades of upheaval. With an all-female brigade in the kitchen, Embassy serves not only a taste of Cambodia’s rich traditions but also a celebration of its women’s resilience and creativity.
Oitom, Kota Kinabalu – Malaysia: A Chef’s Journey Home
Rediscovering Kadazan-Dusun heritage through food.
Oitom (meaning “black” in Kadazan-Dusun) is built on Chef Raphael Jay Peter Lee’s personal odyssey. After honing his craft abroad, he returned to Sabah to tell his story through food. Working closely with local foragers and farmers, he brings rare ingredients from the mountains and forests to the table, creating a tasting menu that whispers the secrets of Sabahan traditions in a deeply personal way.
Manda de Laos, Luang Prabang – Laos: A Living Legacy
Preserving Laotian heritage in a UNESCO-listed setting.
Set around three lily ponds in the heart of UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang, Manda de Laos is a living tribute to family legacy. The menu revives traditional Laotian recipes passed down through generations, served in a setting that reflects the spiritual and cultural heart of the city. Dining here is an intimate invitation into a culinary history lovingly preserved.
Gēn 根, Penang – Malaysia: The Chef’s Secret Garden
Transforming overlooked Malaysian ingredients into avant-garde cuisine.
In vibrant George Town, Gen showcases Chef Johnson Wong’s deep respect for his Malaysian roots. Rather than import exotic ingredients, he forages for and rediscovers native produce — rare herbs, jungle ferns, and unique spices — transforming them with modern techniques. His tasting menu unfolds as a thoughtful, multi-course narrative revealing the surprising and complex flavours of Malaysia in a way few have experienced before.
These stories are just a glimpse of the experiences that await you. They’re a promise of journeys built not on a rigid itinerary but on genuine connections and local insight. With Secret Retreats, you’re not just a tourist; you’re a guest on an unforgettable expedition, guided by the people who know these lands best. Discover the flavours, history, and secrets that lie beyond the well-trodden path. Your journey to the authentic heart of Asia begins with us.