Although mainly represented by Chinese restaurants, Asian cuisine in Bratislava has caught on recently and now includes both Thai and Japanese eateries. To help you choose from the ever increasing choice of Asian venues, The Slovak Spectator has compiled a list of our favourite restaurants in the Bratislava city centre.
Jasmin
Jasmin is the best Chinese Szechwan restaurant in the city, situated just under the castle in what used to be the old Jewish quarter before the Communists moved in with the bulldozers. Peking duck is the undisputed king of the menu, which is full of spicy and authentic dishes. Italian & Slovak wines, along with the outrageously expensive Tsing Tao Chinese beer, are there to douse the fire on your tongue.
English menu available. Židovská 7. Tel: 5441 5182. Open daily 11:00-23:00.
Jasmin is also located on Seberíniho 2 near the city centre - Tel: 4341 1951.
Hua Li Gong
An extravagant place that attracts a large lunch-time crowd because of its great location in the centre of the old town. The food is tasty and the service very eager. There is also a lunch menu between 11:00 - 17:00 with soup and a main course for 140 Sk.
English menu available. Laurinská 3. Tel: 5443 3865. Open daily 11:00 - 23:00, Sun. 10:30 - 23:00.
Mekong
The first and only Thai restaurant in town, Mekong offers tasty, spicy food in a pleasant environment. The great food and service makes it an excellent place to dine. Lunch menu with soup and a choice of chicken, pork and vegetarian dishes for 119 - 129 Sk is available between 11:00 - 16:00 every day.
English menu available. Palackého 18. Tel: 5443 1111. Open Mon.-Sat. 11:00 - 23:30, Sun. 11:00 - 22:00.
Tsing Tao
This is the place to hold an event - the Peking Duck is amazing for company dinners. The service is attentive and multilingual and the decor is pleasantly airy and oriental. Food choices are extensive and the dishes terrific.
English menu available. Trnavská cesta 23/a. Tel: 4445 4267. Open daily 11:30 - 23:00.
U Dežmára
Located in the old town opposite the Church of Poor Clares, this restaurant also offers Chinese food for take away. The modern interior is not particularly Chinese looking but it's Chinese where it counts: in the kitchen. The courtyard promises pleasant outdoor seating in the summertime and the staff is gracious and helpful.
English menu available. Klariská 1. Tel: 5443 1511. Open daily 11:00 - 23:00.
Tokyo
A friendly place decked out in traditional Japanese decor. Sushi, sashimi, tempura and other varieties of Japanese food are prepared by the chef right at your table. Tokyo also offers a traditional Japanese Tatami room.
English menu available. Stromová 2. Tel: 5477 5406. Open daily 11:00 - 22:30
Sushi Bar Tokyo
Located in the old town just off Hviezdoslavovo námestie, this only full-on sushi joint in Slovakia is a trendy hang-out that commands hefty prices for something particularly exotic in this country. Sushi-lovers give the food a rating of 'good'.
English menu available. Strakovská ul. Tel: 5443 4982. Open daily 11:00 - 24:00.
