Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2018

Known as the 'Oscars of Asian cuisine,' the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards unite the continent’s top chefs and dining spots, celebrating culinary excellence across Asia’s vast expanse.

As the sixth edition of the prestigious event, sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, kicked off at the Wynn Palace’s Grand Theatre in Macau on a Tuesday, everyone was asking, 'Will we see a new champion this year?'

Gaggan Anand’s celebrated Bangkok restaurant, Gaggan, had claimed the top spot from 2014 to 2017, and the chef himself had expressed his desire to pass on the title.

But, it seems Anand’s reign will continue for a little while longer before someone else can claim the crown.

For the fourth year running, the progressive Indian restaurant was named Asia's top dining destination at the awards, which are determined by the votes of over 300 influential figures from across the continent’s restaurant scene.

A Four-Time Winner

'You’ve heard me speak too many times,' Anand quipped as he accepted the award with a smile.

'I began my culinary journey 22 years ago, and it’s amazing to see dreams become reality – but they manifest in ways so grand and so real, it’s truly unbelievable.'

He reiterated his readiness to pass the torch to the younger generation, emphasizing he was eager to see fresh talent rise to the occasion.

'We’ve built a family here, and that’s the greatest thing to come out of the past six years of the 50 Best.'

'We have a new wave of young chefs taking over from the older generation. It’s time for us to step aside and let you take the lead.'

When asked about the secret behind his restaurant’s success, Anand credited Steve Jobs as a major source of inspiration.

'It’s not merely about following a recipe or crafting a dish; it’s about how you push the boundaries within the 150 square meters of space you’re working with,' he shared.

'Every four months, we revamp 80% of our menu, and that means discarding 80% of the dishes. That’s the price I pay for being where I am today,' he revealed.

While Bangkok emerged as the winner, Tokyo dominated the top three, with Den and Florilege securing second and third place respectively.

Yet, Bangkok, which hosted the awards in 2016 and 2017, also made a mark with restaurants Suhring, by German twins Thomas and Mathias Sühring, and former winner Nahm, taking the fourth and tenth spots.

Singapore’s French-inspired fine dining venue, Odette, ranked fifth, while Shanghai’s Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet secured the eighth spot and also won the Art of Hospitality award.

Nahm in Bangkok, which ranked fifth last year, completed the Top Ten list this year.

Hong Kong’s top restaurant was Amber, helmed by Dutch chef Richard Ekkebus, securing seventh place. In Taiwan, RAW in Taipei claimed the top spot, while Korea’s best restaurant was Mingles in Seoul, led by Chef Mingoo Kang, coming in at 11th.

Newcomers to the list included Shoun Ryugin in Taipei, TocToc in Seoul, Neighborhood in Hong Kong, and Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin in Tokyo. The highest-ranking new entry was La Cime in Osaka, Japan, which debuted at No. 17.

The best restaurant in India, and one of the country’s two representatives on the Top 50 list, was Indian Accent in New Delhi, which placed 19th.

The inaugural Sustainable Restaurant Award went to L’Effervescence in Tokyo, recognized for its commitment to social responsibility, sourcing, and environmental practices. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet not only earned the Art of Hospitality award but also placed eighth on the list.

The finest of Asia's culinary world

The sixth edition of the awards spanned several categories, including Asia’s Best Female Chef 2018, which was awarded to Bongkoch 'Bee' Satongun, the chef behind Bangkok’s Paste. Known for her innovative and modern takes on traditional Thai dishes, she has earned widespread recognition.

The gender-specific nature of this award has faced criticism from some in the industry, with food blog Eater calling it 'not only absurd, but insulting' in a 2017 article.

In response, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants issued a statement defending the award.

'There are those who argue that awards like the Best Female Chef title only reinforce everyday sexism,' said Group Editor William Drew in the explanation.

'As the award organizers, we strongly disagree with that stance. We believe that having a gender-specific category helps correct an imbalance, while also acknowledging the reality that kitchens are still predominantly male-led.'

This year’s 'One to Watch' award was presented to Jordy Navarra, the chef behind Toyo Eatery, a highly regarded contemporary Filipino restaurant in Manila.

Renowned for his creative reinterpretations of humble local ingredients, Navarra is at the forefront of the Philippines’ culinary revival.

'This recognition means a lot to us, especially because it was unexpected. It’s incredibly motivating for both me and the team,' said Navarra.

'We’re proud to represent the Philippines, and it shows that people are starting to take an interest in our cuisine, particularly from abroad.'

Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang, widely recognized as one of Asia’s most talented and innovative culinary figures, received the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award.

Recently, Chiang made the unexpected decision to close his renowned Restaurant Andre in Singapore, and has since been enjoying a rare break from the kitchen.

'I feel both relieved and content. I know more challenges await, but I’m ready,' he shared with Dinogo Travel.

'This feels like a fresh start. It’s wonderful to spend time at the market, sit down for 20 minutes, and truly reflect on an ingredient. I now have more personal space – and more meaningful time.'

Meanwhile, the title of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef was awarded to Nicolas Lambert, the mastermind behind the exquisite pastries at Caprice, a French fine dining restaurant in Hong Kong.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2018

1. Gaggan, Bangkok

2. Den, Tokyo

3. Florilege, Tokyo

4. Suhring, Bangkok

5. Odette, Singapore

6. Narisawa, Tokyo

7. Amber, Hong Kong

8. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Shanghai

9. Nihonryori Ryugin, Tokyo

10. Nahm, Bangkok

11. Mingles, Seoul

12. Burnt Ends, Singapore

13. 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo, Hong Kong

14. Le Du, Bangkok

15. RAW, Taipei

16. Ta Vie, Hong Kong

17. La Cime, Osaka, Japan

18. Mume, Taipei

19. Indian Accent, India

20. L’Effervescence, Tokyo

21. Locavore, Bali

22. The Chairman, Hong Kong

23. Waku Ghin, Singapore

24. Lung King Heen, Hong Kong

25. Ministry of Crab, Sri Lanka

26. Jungsik, Seoul

27. Sushi Saito, Tokyo

28. Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin, Tokyo

29. Les Amis, Singapore

30. Fu He Hui, Shanghai

31. Paste, Bangkok

32. Neighborhood, Hong Kong

33. Eat Me, Bangkok

34. Hajime, Osaka

35. Jade Dragon, Macau

36. Corner House, Singapore

37. Bo.lan, Bangkok

38. Quintessence, Tokyo

39. Issaya Siamese Club, Bangkok

40. Belon, Hong Kong

41. Ronin, Hong Kong

42. TocToc, Seoul (new entry)

43. The Dining Room at the House on Sathorn, Bangkok

44. Jaan, Singapore

45. Nihoni, Sri Lanka

46. Caprice, Hong Kong

47. Shoun Ryugin, Taipei (new entry)

48. La Maison de La Nature Goh, Japan

49. Wasabi By Morimoto, Mumbai, India

50. Whitegrass, Singapore

To view the complete list of winners, visit the official Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants website.