4 picturesque restaurants in Asia where you can dine by the waterfall
2. Hirobun, Kawadoko Nagashi Sōmen, Kibune, Japan
The tradition of kawadoko—riverside terraces built above flowing streams—originated as a pragmatic escape from Kyoto's summer heat. It evolved into an artful dining practice combining shade, breeze and water for natural air conditioning.
Hirobun, perched steps away from Kibune Shrine, offers the iconic nagashi sōmen during May to September: ultra-thin wheat noodles sent careening down bamboo flumes over cold mountain water, waiting for eager diners with chopsticks in hand. The setting—a shaded riverside tatami counter under cool pine canopy—drops ambient temperature by nearly 10°C from the city below.
You might have seen the restaurant on Instagram. Here, a metred 15-minute noodle chase: bundles of somen drift down each bamboo channel, intercepted then dipped in chilled tsuyu broth, often garnished with scallion, ginger, myōga or shikuwasa. Meals typically come with matcha and wagashi dessert..
While it all sounds tailored for a tourist trap, Hirobun exemplifies a living, minimalist ritual that embodies Japan's seasonal harmony. Each slurp invites both chill and charm, pairing food and river, nostalgia and novelty, in one unforgettable Kyoto moment.
See more: Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel 3. Layana Warung, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Tucked into a jungle fold just north of Ubud's art-laced lanes, Layana Warung is more than a scenic lunch stop. Rather, it's a quiet ode to the island's centuries-old water culture. The restaurant overlooks a real, free-flowing waterfall that meanders past centuries-old rice terraces—part of Bali's Unesco-recognised subak system, an ancient cooperative irrigation network dating back to the 9th century. That alone makes it sacred ground for Balinese Hindus, who revere water as not just life-giving but also divine.
The open-air setting frames the falls in full view, with no glass walls or piped-in ambient sounds to interrupt the natural hush. The menu follows suit: earthy turmeric broths and coconut-milk satays are crafted with market-fresh produce from nearby villages, while lemongrass teas and mint-lime juices cool the soul as much as the body. No theatrics—just clear river air, edible tradition and a refreshing sense of pause.
It's not just serene. It's spiritual. It's a rare place where Bali's elemental magic—earth, water and ritual—flows directly to the table. 4. The Waterfall Restaurant, Chennai, India
Long before immersive dining was a marketing hook, Chennai had The Waterfall Restaurant, a local favourite that melds temple-like reverence for water with joyful overindulgence. Tucked in the heart of the city's T Nagar district, this decades-old institution doesn't serve its meals by a riverbank or mountain stream. Instead, it brings the cascade indoors. Like many of the other waterfall restaurants on this list, this eatery isn't a natural formation. Behind a grand dining hall lies a dramatic 20-foot manmade waterfall wall, built not just for ambience but as a nod to India's long-standing architectural flirtation with water features—from Mughal garden fountains to South Indian temple tanks.
The layout is symmetrical and deliberate: rows of tables face the falls directly, ensuring every diner eats with a view (and a soundtrack). The food is unapologetically plentiful: think saffron-scented biryanis, flame-licked Andhra chicken tikka, dosa counters and an unexpected flourish of red velvet cake for dessert. It's all served buffet-style but with theatrical intent, making the meal feel like part feast, part pageant.
Here, nature is engineered, but no less atmospheric. This is a maximalist response to the country's love of sound, texture and sensory immersion. It's also a reminder that sometimes, indulgence can be deeply cultural.
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Tatler Asia
13-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
4 picturesque restaurants in Asia where you can dine by the waterfall
2. Hirobun, Kawadoko Nagashi Sōmen, Kibune, Japan The tradition of kawadoko—riverside terraces built above flowing streams—originated as a pragmatic escape from Kyoto's summer heat. It evolved into an artful dining practice combining shade, breeze and water for natural air conditioning. Hirobun, perched steps away from Kibune Shrine, offers the iconic nagashi sōmen during May to September: ultra-thin wheat noodles sent careening down bamboo flumes over cold mountain water, waiting for eager diners with chopsticks in hand. The setting—a shaded riverside tatami counter under cool pine canopy—drops ambient temperature by nearly 10°C from the city below. You might have seen the restaurant on Instagram. Here, a metred 15-minute noodle chase: bundles of somen drift down each bamboo channel, intercepted then dipped in chilled tsuyu broth, often garnished with scallion, ginger, myōga or shikuwasa. Meals typically come with matcha and wagashi dessert.. While it all sounds tailored for a tourist trap, Hirobun exemplifies a living, minimalist ritual that embodies Japan's seasonal harmony. Each slurp invites both chill and charm, pairing food and river, nostalgia and novelty, in one unforgettable Kyoto moment. See more: Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel 3. Layana Warung, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Tucked into a jungle fold just north of Ubud's art-laced lanes, Layana Warung is more than a scenic lunch stop. Rather, it's a quiet ode to the island's centuries-old water culture. The restaurant overlooks a real, free-flowing waterfall that meanders past centuries-old rice terraces—part of Bali's Unesco-recognised subak system, an ancient cooperative irrigation network dating back to the 9th century. That alone makes it sacred ground for Balinese Hindus, who revere water as not just life-giving but also divine. The open-air setting frames the falls in full view, with no glass walls or piped-in ambient sounds to interrupt the natural hush. The menu follows suit: earthy turmeric broths and coconut-milk satays are crafted with market-fresh produce from nearby villages, while lemongrass teas and mint-lime juices cool the soul as much as the body. No theatrics—just clear river air, edible tradition and a refreshing sense of pause. It's not just serene. It's spiritual. It's a rare place where Bali's elemental magic—earth, water and ritual—flows directly to the table. 4. The Waterfall Restaurant, Chennai, India Long before immersive dining was a marketing hook, Chennai had The Waterfall Restaurant, a local favourite that melds temple-like reverence for water with joyful overindulgence. Tucked in the heart of the city's T Nagar district, this decades-old institution doesn't serve its meals by a riverbank or mountain stream. Instead, it brings the cascade indoors. Like many of the other waterfall restaurants on this list, this eatery isn't a natural formation. Behind a grand dining hall lies a dramatic 20-foot manmade waterfall wall, built not just for ambience but as a nod to India's long-standing architectural flirtation with water features—from Mughal garden fountains to South Indian temple tanks. The layout is symmetrical and deliberate: rows of tables face the falls directly, ensuring every diner eats with a view (and a soundtrack). The food is unapologetically plentiful: think saffron-scented biryanis, flame-licked Andhra chicken tikka, dosa counters and an unexpected flourish of red velvet cake for dessert. It's all served buffet-style but with theatrical intent, making the meal feel like part feast, part pageant. Here, nature is engineered, but no less atmospheric. This is a maximalist response to the country's love of sound, texture and sensory immersion. It's also a reminder that sometimes, indulgence can be deeply cultural.
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Tatler Asia
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Eating history: Where to experience Asia's most revered culinary traditions
2. Kimjang (Korea) Above Kimchi-making is one of a revered culinary tradition from Korea (Photo: huiyeon kim via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2013 Few foods inspire as much national pride as kimchi—and few practices are as cherished as kimjang, the communal ritual of making it. Typically held in late autumn, kimjang sees families and neighbours come together to transform mountains of cabbage, radish, garlic and gochugaru (chilli flakes) into vats of fermented brilliance. Each household adds its own variations, whether in spice blends, ingredients or methods. Beyond preservation, kimjang represents intergenerational learning and social cohesion. Historically a survival strategy for enduring Korea's harsh winters, it remains a vital cultural touchstone today. Unesco recognised kimjang as a powerful expression of Korean solidarity and cultural continuity. Where to experience kimjang In Seoul, Museum Kimchikan offers workshops that demystify the process. Outside the capital, rural communities host kimjang festivals from late October through early December, with some welcoming visitors. Year-round, Korean folk villages offer immersive classes for those eager to learn this living tradition hands-on. Don't miss: The history of banchan, the heart of Korean dining 3. Hawker culture (Singapore) Above One of Singapore's many hawker centres (Photo: Ethan Hu via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2020 Singapore's hawker centres are more than food courts—they're microcosms of a nation. At these bustling open-air markets, Malay satay sizzles next to Chinese noodle stalls, and Indian curries waft through the air. Hawker culture is a living, delicious reflection of Singapore's multicultural society. Originating from itinerant street vendors, hawker centres were formalised in the 1970s to raise hygiene standards. Today, they are beloved for their affordability, variety and inclusivity. UNESCO's 2020 inscription acknowledged not just the food, but the social fabric: hawker centres as communal spaces where different classes, ethnicities and generations meet in the shared joy of food. Where to experience hawker culture Try Maxwell Food Centre, home to the famed Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice; Lau Pa Sat, with its colonial-era architecture and evening satay stalls; or neighbourhood gems like Tiong Bahru market or the Old Airport Road food centre. Local favourites often have the longest queues—and the most loyal followings. 4. Traditional tea processing (China) Above Chinese tea ceremony (Photo: 五玄土 ORIENTO via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2022 In China, tea is more than a drink—it's a philosophical tradition. UNESCO's 2022 listing recognised the cultivation, processing and cultural practices surrounding six main tea types: green, black, white, yellow, oolong and dark (such as Pu-erh). Each has its own terroir, personality and preparation method. Tea-making is a skill-intensive process involving withering, oxidising and roasting, but it also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. The Gongfu Cha ceremony, for example, is both a meditation and a gesture of respect. Tea is central to family gatherings, religious festivals and even business etiquette. Where to experience tea culture Travel to Fujian's Wuyi Mountains for oolong tea, or Yunnan's ancient pu-erh groves. In Hangzhou, Longjing (dragon well) green tea is harvested near West Lake. For a curated experience, visit traditional teahouses in Beijing or Chengdu. Tea markets like Maliandao in Beijing offer a chance to explore China's vast tea landscape in one place. 5. Breakfast rituals (Malaysia) Above A traditional Malaysian breakfast (Photo: Damia Mustafa via Unsplash) Unesco inscription: 2023 In Malaysia, breakfast is more than a meal—it's a cultural mosaic. From banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak to roti canai dipped in dhal, the diversity of breakfast fare reflects the country's multiracial harmony. In hawker stalls and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), Malaysians of all backgrounds come together. The dishes themselves often blur culinary boundaries—Chinese-Malay laksa, Indian-Malay mamak roti, and more. UNESCO's 2023 recognition celebrates breakfast as a daily ritual of coexistence, trust and shared identity. Where to experience breakfast culture In Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields' mamak stalls are famous for roti and teh tarik. Penang's George Town is a haven for breakfast-hopping—start with char kway teow, then move on to kaya toast and assam laksa. In Ipoh, old-school kopitiams serve kai si hor fun and their legendary white coffee in vintage interiors. See more: Rooted in Flavour: A deep dive into Malay food
