The Red Room at Mount Nelson, a belmond Hotel

James Bond himself would melt right into this magical underground world of Singapore Sours, silk lanterns and dumplings. From the moment you descend the moody red-panelled staircase into The Red Room, prepare to be enchanted.

The newest restaurant from Liam Tomlin and chef/partner David Schneider is a retro sophisticated celebration of Pan-Asian cuisines at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, in the legendary underground space formerly known as The Grill Room. Elegantly red, gold and black with warm lighting that transports you to another time and place, it brings together original details like smokey glass wall panels with rich contemporary fabrics and artworks. And while this might be The Nellie, don’t think you need to be a hotel guest to spin the lazy Susan – locals are most welcome.

Inspired by the melting pot that is Hong Kong -- where multiple Asian cultures co-exist -- this is Pan-Asian food done respectfully -- with dishes from China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand and Việt Nam, each given their due honour. In our house, you won’t find any fusion.

Based on standards rather than cleverness, these are true-to-their-origin dishes, complete with house-made condiments and dipping sauces: from prawn toast, Korean fried chicken and Filipino pork ribs to linefish pad cha and the ultimate classic, Peking Duck.

Choose how you want to travel…

An Asian-inspired cocktail from the plush lounge, a glass of wine from the unusual wine list or straight to the food. The Chefs’ Choice Menu with 12 small plates representing the Pan-Asian spectrum. Or assemble your own à la carte selection of small plates, dim sum and wood-fired robata grill items. Meat, pescatarian or vegetarian.

Dine in the restaurant, dine in the bar: there’s even a Dim Sum Lounge menu where you can order snacks to go with your drinks before and after the kitchen closes. No matter your chosen route, service will be formal, respectful and smart.

Whether you close with a fortune cookie (with a message from the kitchen), a digestif or a pot of Imperial Lapsang Souchong tea, you will have travelled the Asian continent in style.