Thailand

Thailand's steak scene splits between Bangkok's hotel grill rooms and international chophouses and the resort steakhouses of Phuket and Koh Samui, where charcoal, Josper ovens and sea views come together. Australian beef is widespread, with Japanese and Thai wagyu at the top end.

Bull & Bear grills dry-aged and wagyu cuts on the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok's 55th floor, and Fireplace Grill and Bar at the InterContinental has been open since 1966. In Phuket, Wagyu Steakhouse at Twinpalms lets you pick a cut from the display fridge, and Sizzle Rooftop grills above Patong. On Koh Samui, The Ranch at the Ritz-Carlton serves steaks on sizzling cast-iron plates.

Book hotel steakhouses ahead, especially rooftop and sunset tables. Phuket and Koh Samui are listed island-wide rather than by area, as are Bangkok's André and Don Asado. Churrasco Phuket in Jungceylon is pork-free; most other listings are not halal or unconfirmed, so check before you go.