Flavoured snow, dressed-up ‘pani puri' and more

It's a truth universally acknowledged that the end of the year is a time of reflection and gratitude. As I mull over 2024, I find myself counting my blessings that came in the form of exciting travels and even more exciting nosh.

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Before I dive headfirst into planning my 2025 eating itinerary, I'm taking a moment to celebrate the most extraordinary meals of 2024.

This list, in no particular order, is by no means comprehensive and is totally based on my travels and what I've been exposed to in the past year. In the interest of keeping things accessible (reservations notwithstanding!), I've limited my selections to meals enjoyed at professional establishments.

PAPA'S, MUMBAI

If there's been one restaurant that has captured the attention of the food media, changed diner behaviour (who booked a table in India a month in advance before Papa's?) and thrown out the fine-dining rulebook, it's Papa's, the 12-seater tasting menu restaurant by Hunger Inc., the folks behind The Bombay Canteen empire. The menu riffs on chef Hussain Shahzad's personal history as well as his culinary proficiency. Where else does a thayir sadam with a tempura shiso leaf and a beetroot chevre make sense?

WING, HONG KONG

Classically trained in French cooking, chef Vicky Cheng was known for his European cuisine. So when he opened Wing in 2021, food enthusiasts sat up and took notice. I dined there in July and feasted on a range of dishes from a well-balanced and precisely timed tasting menu: there was chilli Alaskan crab, a sea cucumber spring roll and roasted pigeon, that were all standouts showcasing the chef's expertise in balancing flavours and textures.

RUMARI, BALI