Bangkok’s Gaggan Retains Top Spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List

By MOOK Travel
 
The sixth edition of the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, was unveiled today at Wynn Palace in Macau. Eight new restaurants have made it onto this year’s list, while Japan has 11 restaurants featured.

Bangkok’s Gaggan has claimed the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, solidifying its position as both the best restaurant in Asia and Thailand under the sponsorship of S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Named after chef Gaggan Anand, the Bangkok restaurant first appeared on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2014 at number seven.

A total of nine Thai restaurants made the 2018 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including Paste (ranked 31st), which is newly listed and helmed by this year’s elit® Vodka Asia’s Best Female Chef, Bongkoch 'Bee' Satongun. Other popular Thai restaurants that retained their spots include Suhring (rising nine places to fourth), Nahm (10th), and Le Du (jumping 23 places to 14th).

Regional Awards:

 
Japan
 
Den (2nd place) climbed nine spots to claim the title of Japan’s Best Restaurant, overtaking five-time winner Narisawa (6th place). The top ten also includes Florilege (3rd) and Nihonryori RyuGin (9th), while newcomer Il Ristorante - Luca Fantin ranked 28th.

Osaka’s La Cime made its debut on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, ranking 17th and winning the Best New Restaurant Award, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles. Its menu features French cuisine, with Chef Yusuke Takada focusing on local seasonal ingredients to deliver refined and stylish dishes.
 
Multiple awards went to Japanese chefs and restaurants. Renowned chef Yoshihiro Narisawa is the recipient of this year’s Chef’s Choice Award, sponsored by Estrella Damm. For 20 years, Chef Narisawa has earned widespread respect in the industry for his exquisite French cuisine, delicious dishes, sustainable practices, and dedication to Japanese culinary traditions.
 
Tokyo’s L’Effervescence, ranked 20th in 2018, won the inaugural Asia’s Sustainable Restaurant Award. This award recognizes restaurants that practice environmental conservation based on sustainability standards set by independent judging partner the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
 
Singapore
 
Odette, led by Chef Julien Royer, climbed four places to rank fifth this year, earning the title of Singapore’s Best Restaurant. Seven Singaporean restaurants made the list this year, including Burnt Ends (12th), Waku Ghin (23rd), Les Amis (29th), Corner House (36th), and Jaan (44th). Additionally, newcomer Whitegrass ranked 50th.