Where to Experience a Taste of Asia in Swindon?

By Ben Fitzgerald - 25 October 2018

Food & Drink

Swindon is undeniably a diverse, inclusive city, where people from all corners of the globe have made a home for themselves and shared in the amazing experiences this town has to offer. With a South Korean delegation set to visit Swindon later in the year - you can find details on our site at swindonlink.com/6729/south-korean-delegation-to-visit-swindon we thought now would be a good time to highlight the best little slices of East Asia on offer in the town. Whether you're in the book for some sizzling Korean barbecue, some Macau-style gambling or a serene walk through a traditional Japanese pleasure garden, here are the highlights of Asia, in the heart of Wiltshire. 

Hongxin Oriental Buffet

If you've lived in Swindon for more than five minutes, chances are you've already paid a visit to Hongxin. This classic oriental buffet is something of a local institution that has been filling the faces of Swindon families for decades. The buffet is pretty much exactly how you'd expect, resplendent with fountains, dragon statues, faux chandeliers and gold trim, which is what makes it great. The food is also exceptionally high quality for a buffet, so make sure you try their succulent Peking duck and, of course, their Korean grill.

Twigs Community Japanese Garden

For a little bit of serenity just a stone's throw away from the centre of town, a trip to the community-run Twigs garden is all you'll ever need for a recharge. Within this sprawling and varied green space there lies an authentic Japanese garden, complete with all the aesthetic touches you'd expect, such as stone lanterns, symmetrical rock pathways and some truly gorgeous bonsai trees. Head here alone and contemplate the world for a while.

Casino-to-go

Unfortunately, Swindon doesn't have its own casino, but that doesn't mean you can't have a true Macau-style blowout. Casino-to-go is a party supply company that allows you to deck your venue out in the style of an OTT Macau casino, complete with slot machines, roulette tables and even tux rentals. For those unfamiliar with the Macau gaming styles (which aren't quite the same as the Las Vegas variety), you'll want to brush up on your skills and knowledge by playing through the Macau slot games at https://games.paddypower.com/c/macau beforehand. After a heart-racing game of 'Dragon's Luck' or 'Three Games', you'll feel like a true pro.

Connie's

Back to the food for this one and it doesn't get much more delicious than Connie's. Another Chinese restaurant, this place offers up a slightly more intimate and subdued experience compared to the pomp that is on display at Hongxin. Come here for strictly Cantonese classics, including generous portions of steaming dim sum and melt-in-your-mouth belly pork. 

Rendezvous Express

Located on Victoria Road, Rendezvous Express is the place where the people of Swindon flock to get their sushi fix. The sushi is fresh and authentic, with heaving sashimi platters that are second to none. Make sure to save some room for their gyoza and unbelievably addictive salted squid, before rounding off the night with a couple of industrial-strength glasses of sake - if you dare.

While the Asian experiences on offer are mostly food related, that's no bad thing. Work up your appetite and explore the cuisine of East Asia, before walking it off in the park or giving the slots a spin.

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