Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants: Bangkok’s Gaggan Retains Top Spot

By MOOK Travel News
 
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. This year, eight new restaurants made the list, while Japan claimed 11 spots.

Bangkok’s Gaggan 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. The Bangkok restaurant named after chef Gaggan Anand first appeared on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2014 at seventh place.

A total of nine Thai restaurants made the 2018 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the newly listed Paste (No. 31), helmed by this year’s elit® Vodka Asia’s Best Female Chef Bongkoch 'Bee' Satongun. Other popular returning Thai restaurants include Suhring (rising nine places to No. 4), Nahm (No. 10), and Le Du (jumping 23 places to No. 14).

Regional Awards:

 
Japan
 
Den (No. 2) jumped nine places to claim the title of Japan’s Best Restaurant, replacing five-time winner Narisawa (No. 6). The top ten also includes Florilege (No. 3) and Nihonryori RyuGin (No. 9), while newcomer Il Ristorante - Luca Fantin debuted at No. 28.

Osaka’s La Cime made its first appearance on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, ranking No. 17 and winning the Best New Restaurant Award sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles. The menu focuses on French cuisine, with Chef Yusuke Takada committed to using local seasonal ingredients to present refined and stylish dishes.
 
Multiple awards went to Japanese chefs and restaurants. Renowned chef Yoshihiro Narisawa was the recipient of the Chef’s Choice Award, sponsored by Estrella Damm this year. For two decades, Chef Narisawa has earned widespread respect in the industry for his exquisite French techniques, delicious dishes, sustainable philosophy, and dedication to Japanese culinary traditions.
 
Tokyo’s L’Effervescence, ranked No. 20 in 2018, won the inaugural Asia’s Sustainable Restaurant Award. This award recognizes restaurants that implement environmentally friendly practices based on sustainability standards set by independent judging partner the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
 
Singapore
 
Odette, helmed by Chef Julien Royer, climbed four places to No. 5 this year, earning the title of Singapore’s Best Restaurant. Seven Singaporean restaurants made the list this year, including Burnt Ends (No. 12), Waku Ghin (No. 23), Les Amis (No. 29), Corner House (No. 36), and Jaan (No. 44). Additionally, newcomer Whitegrass debuted at No. 50.