The oldest restaurants in Asia: Where every meal is a taste of living history

In the era of 30-minute delivery and Tiktok recipe hacks, there’s something undeniably romantic—and quietly rebellious—about a restaurant that has outlived empires, outlasted trends, and kept its original recipes intact. From the imperial courts of Ming Dynasty China to the bustling heart of colonial Manila, these historic dining institutions have witnessed revolutions, wars, and the rise of oat milk—and they’re still open for service.

These aren’t just places to eat. They’re edible time capsules. Whether it’s a Kyoto soba shop older than Shakespeare or a dim sum parlour that once served José Rizal, these restaurants remind us that flavour transcends time. Come hungry—and maybe a little reverent.

Also read: Culinary heritage vs modernity: How five Asian chefs use innovation to keep their traditions alive

Bianyifang (Beijing, China; established 1416)

Bianyifang serves classic Chinese food, fit for an emperor (Photo: Daifawei via Wikimedia Commons)

Founded during the Ming Dynasty, Bianyifang is legendary for its Peking duck, roasted using a closed-oven technique that imparts a unique flavour and crisp texture. Its name, meaning “convenient and comfortable,” was gifted by Ming official Yang Jisheng in praise of its hospitality. Centuries on, it remains a favourite for both locals and dignitaries—a culinary relic that still knows how to please a crowd.

Also read: What’s so special about Peking duck that it graces the most prestigious Cantonese menus?

Honke Owariya (Kyoto, Japan; established 1465)

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Originally a confectionery shop, Honke Owariya became a soba noodle restaurant in the 18th century and has since been serving handmade buckwheat noodles for over 550 years. Emperors, monks and Kyoto locals have all dined here. The ambiance is quietly reverent, the flavours timeless—every bowl of soba is a lesson in tradition.

Ma Yu Ching’s Bucket Chicken House (Kaifeng, China; established 1153)

Before Colonel Sanders, there was Ma Yu Ching. This chicken-centric legend has been slinging its famed “bucket chicken” since the 12th century, surviving wars, emperors and dynastic drama with a recipe that locals still swear by. The chicken is marinated, boiled, and fried to a golden crisp. As with many heritage restaurants in Asia, there are no frills—just centuries of flavour behind every bite. By February 2007, Henan Province named Ma Yu Ching’s bucket chicken as part of its “intangible cultural heritage.”

See more: 7 famous restaurants in Tokyo with a fascinating history

Tai Ping Koon (Hong Kong; established 1860)

The Tai Ping Koon in Guangzhou (formerly Canton) (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

First opened in Guangzhou, Tai Ping Koon brought its signature “soy sauce Western” cuisine to Hong Kong in 1938. Famed for dishes like Swiss chicken wings and baked soufflés, and for being one of the most historic restaurants in Asia, Tai Ping Koon has served Sun Yat-sen, Ho Chi Minh and generations of Hongkongers. It’s part diner, part history book—with a side of nostalgia.

Lin Heung Tea House (Hong Kong; established 1889)

Lin Heung Tea House reopened in 2024 and seems poised to stay another century (Photo: N509FZ via Wikimedia Commons)

Still proudly stuck in its steamy, trolley-pushing heyday, Lin Heung isn’t just a tea house. One of the oldest restaurants in Asia, it’s a fever dream of clinking porcelain, flying bamboo steamers and hazy nostalgia. Opened in 1889 and miraculously still alive after a dramatic 2022 closure-and-revival arc, this chaotic dim sum palace in Central is one of the last to serve yum cha the old-school way: no QR codes, no trendy plating, just roast duck and har gow fighting for elbow room.

New Toho Food Centre (Manila, Philippines; established 1866)

Even the owners of Toho can't exactly tell when the restaurant opened, with some documents saying it started in 1866, while others claim 1888 (Photo: Judgefloro via Wikimedia Commons)

Nestled in the heart of Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, New Toho Food Center—originally known as Toho Antigua Panciteria—there is some debate about whether it has been serving classic Chinese-Filipino dishes since 1866 or 1888. Either way, it definitely remains one of the oldest restaurants in Asia that remain open to this day.

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Founded by Manuel “Po Kong” Bautista, the restaurant has become a culinary institution, attracting notable figures such as national hero José Rizal. Despite its name, “New” Toho maintains its old-world charm, offering signature dishes like pancit Canton, lumpiang Shanghai and beef ampalaya. The establishment continues to be a beloved dining spot, preserving its rich heritage while serving generations of Chinese food lovers.

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