Pan-Asian Cuisine in Moscow: A Fusion Food Tour
From trendy izakayas to cosy bistros — a culinary journey through different countries in one dinner
In such a vast city like Moscow, you can find every culinary delight imaginable: from legendary Peking duck and aromatic spicy Tom Yum coconut soup to the Japanese mochi dessert — delicate cream wrapped in the finest rice dough. Wondering where to find all these rare gems of Asian national cuisines in one place? Read on in our feature.
Moya Pyanaya Babushka Letit V Singapur
A trendy downtown spot with the vibe of a Singaporean bar, where traditions and cuisines intertwine. The format is that of a Japanese izakaya, prioritising simplicity, comfort, and hospitality. At the bar, it's all about "come, have a drink, grab a bite", with street food and signature shots on offer. Or, if you prefer, you can settle in for a full-scale dinner with shared plates, rice and noodle dishes, cocktails, and soju tastings. The menu features dishes from Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines, ranging from Peking duck tacos to Tom Yum.
Address: Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, 14
Zodiac
This spacious gastro-bistro with a vibrant interior is designed for an intimate acquaintance with dishes from all corners of Asia. Every item on the menu is a signature interpretation of a classic: spring rolls are made with crab, wok-fried rice noodles come in a curry sauce, Pad Thai is served with chicken and squid, and the wagashi mochi dessert features persimmon. The bar menu is particularly intriguing, with cocktails divided into four elements — each one referencing zodiac signs and playing with astrological themes. On weekdays, Zodiac offers a special lunch menu — a perfect way to sample several delicacies at once.
Address: Smolenskaya Square, 3
Chow Chow
Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai dishes in one place, fixed-price noodles on Wednesdays, special prices on all cocktails on Thursdays — Chow Chow knows how to draw attention to Asian gastronomy. Inside, the atmosphere is that of a bistro: small tables, a simple interior in contrasting tones, and an engaging bar with a wide counter. This is the perfect place to begin your acquaintance with Southeast Asian traditions: start with spring rolls and steamed bao buns, move on to fried dumplings and meat dishes for your main, and finish with fried bananas and mochi for dessert. If you make it to the cocktails, try their twists on the classics.
Address: Zabelina Street, 1А
Biwon
Subdued lighting, warm tones, and a minimalist interior: here, time seems to slow down, allowing guests to fully savour the tasting of Asian dishes. The menu features gastronomic delights from Southeast Asian countries: dishes from China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan are presented through the chef’s unique lens. The wok is used for crab fried rice and shrimp noodles, the Josper oven prepares several types of Wagyu beef steak, and there is a large selection of hot and cold appetizers, sushi, and main courses. As for the bar, it serves several types of sake, including sparkling, as well as whiskeys from different Asian countries.
Address: Pogodinskaya Street, 2
Hands Asian
This spacious, bright bistro operates next to the neo-bistro Hands: both projects follow a comfort-food format—straightforward food, seasonal ingredients, and creative additions to traditional dishes. Here you'll find a synthesis of gastronomic delights from various Asian countries: chicken karaage, roti with salmon, kukxi soup, and gyoza dumplings with shrimp or chicken. A separate section of the menu is dedicated to Japanese rolls and sushi, prepared using premium Koshihikari rice. The bar menu features unusual combinations with a focus on floral and fruity components.
Address: Pogodinskaya Street, 2
Koji
A minimalist interior with natural finishes in warm tones creates a cosy space for hanging out with friends or conducting business meetings. Here you'll find dishes from Indonesian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, Asian beer on tap, and a comfortable atmosphere for a first-time try of unusual dishes. The menu offers both traditional dishes and fresh interpretations: smashed cucumbers, sushi, laksa soup, ramen and pho bo, Peking duck, udon, fried rice, and more. There's also a special seasonal menu with unusual cocktails and set menus designed for sharing with a group.
Address: Kalashny Lane, 9
Mr. Lee
One of Moscow's most popular Pan-Asian restaurants, with a simple interior and charming nods to Chinese culture. Although it's commonly referred to as a Chinese restaurant, the menu actually features a wide selection of dishes from various Asian countries—around 80 items that also introduce you to Malaysian, Singaporean, Thai, and Japanese gastronomy. However, the star of the show is, of course, the delights of Chinese cuisine, which Chef Li Jan sources directly from the mainland. Besides the Peking duck, carved in front of guests, Mr. Lee also prepares a rare delicacy—shark fin soup, perfect dim sums, and, of course, fried milk.
Address: Povarskaya Street, 52/55с3
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