The best Southeast Asian restaurants in Beijing

Where to get the best Vietnamese, Malaysian and Thai food in the capital

Pho? We've got it. Curries? In abundance. Get ready to tuck in to some of the tastiest Southeast Asian cooking around, because all these places offer good value, considered flavours and a metaphorical trip to more tropical climes, all for the price of dinner. You can thank us by sending summer rolls to the office, okay?

Vietnamese

Saigon Mama

Retro, attractively furnished and with a menu hitting all the Vietnamese high notes, Saigon Mama is a Sanlitun gem with some of the best pho in the capital. With its everyday price point and decent coffee, the menu provides great weekday lunch options, which arrive in the kind of cauldron-sized bowls we can't help but love.

S6-32, 3F, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district

Susu

If you love seafood, summer rooftop dining and authentic pho, the attractive Susu should appeal; located in a 140-year-old siheyuan, Susu has a wide-ranging menu of Vietnamese delights, stretching from northern to southern specialities, and some interesting cocktails made with homemade bitters and syrups.

10 Xi Xiang, Qianliang Hutong, (near the National Art Museum, 150m north of Sanlian Bookstore), Dongcheng district

Singaporean

My Humble House

You get what you pay for at this luxe option, serving refined versions of Singaporean dishes in upscale, light-filled surroundings. Beautifully designed according to contemporary Chinese aesthetics and showcasing the high quality of ingredients used, My Humble House is far from a casual option but is a worthwhile occasional treat.

Unit 01-07, Level W3, Oriental Plaza Podium, 1 Changan Dong Dajie,   Dongcheng district

Ji Kun Hainan Chicken Rice

Although novice chicken rice eaters might freak out at the bloody joints of their tender, boiled bird (and admittedly, that doesn't sound appetising when written down like that, but it's perfectly normal because science), this Singaporean staple is one of those things that once tasted is never forgotten. Ji Kun serves up one of the best plates in town, with lashings of all the traditional accompaniments and an abundance of delicate flavour.

4 Sanlitun Dongsanjie

Thai

Pak Pak

With two branches (one in the CBD and the other in Wangjing), this classy Thai concept is run by the same team as the one behind Susu and serves up both vibrant, chilli-flecked versions of classics and more obscure temptations for the intrepid diner. The menu is comprehensive and portions are generous: we recommend trying the lemongrass showcase that is the tom kha gai or one of the excellent potato dishes.

1F, Building AB, 10 Jintong Xi Lu, The Office Park, Chaoyang district

Home Thai

Pad Thai, green curry, and papaya salad, you know the drill. Home Thai nails down the flavours of classics, which are influenced by strong, pungent and powerful ingredients. It's highly likely you'll wait for a table during peak hours, but service is efficient so you won't wait too long.

S2-32, 3F, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district

Malaysian

Malacca Legend

Hidden away next to a lake in Shunyi district, Malacca Legend should sit at the top of your list for tasting the dynamic flavours of Malaysian cuisine. We highly recommend topping off your meal with some traditional desserts like the seri muka, kueh lapis and kueh ketayap. There's also a variety of durian sweets that are sure to have you leaving your windows open on the drive home.

6 Luodong Road, Luogehhuang Village, Shunyi District

Nyonya Kitchen

For a real introduction into Peranakan cuisine, Nyonya Kitchen does it best. The warm and comfortable natural wood interior mimics Southeast Asian vibes and provides a cosy haven in China World Mall. Curry pastes and spices are all imported from the motherland so you're sure to get a real taste of ♬Malaysia truly Asia♬.

5F, China World Mall, Chaoyang district

Indonesian

Nom Nom

The attempts in the city for authentic Indonesian food have been mostly unsuccessful, but Nom Nom gets it just right. This budget Indonesian eatery is that unique, authentic, four-menu-small, no frills place you've been dying to find. Serving affordable, wholesome and delicious food that bursts with flavours and spices, a few bites of the classics like beef rendang and ayam geprek will have you thankful you made the trek out to Haidian.

11 Qinghua Lu, Haidian district

For more places to get your fix of Southeast Asian food, hit 'Read more'.

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