A decade ago, GAGGAN first secured its place as Asia's No. 1 restaurant, according to Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. From 2015 to 2018, GAGGAN reigned supreme in the culinary scene, earning this esteemed title consecutively. On 25 March 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, South Korea, GAGGAN was once again honoured as the Best Restaurant in Asia and the Best Restaurant in Thailand.
Gaggan Anand, celebrated for his playful eccentricity and innovative culinary style, initially set out on a different path as a professional drummer before uncovering his true passion for cooking. He is the mastermind behind GAGGAN, as well as Ms Maria & Mr Singh, and his latest venture, GAGGAN at Louis Vuitton in Bangkok, which is also one of the newcomers at No.31 on the list. This collaboration showcases the fusion of Chef Gaggan Anand's creativity with high-end fashion, further cementing his status in the region's culinary scene. Additionally, the esteemed title of Asia's Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by Valrhona, has been awarded to Dej Kewkacha from Gaggan at Louis Vuitton. Kewkacha is well-regarded for his inventive modern interpretations of classic desserts, skillfully merging traditional textures with unexpected flavours and showcasing the potential for culinary innovation.
GAGGAN's latest offering presents a unique blend of progressive Indian cuisine influenced by Japan, France, and Thailand. His signature 20+ course menu is a stunning showcase of taste, texture, and technique, transforming dining into a theatrical experience. Enhanced by biodynamic wine pairings, pyrotechnics, and an eclectic playlist, this immersive meal unfolds on a cosy 14-seat counter overlooking an open kitchen. Here, guests are placed at the heart of the creative process, making communal dining truly unforgettable.
Seven restaurants from Thailand have made it to the list alongside Chef Gaggan Anand's establishments. Nusara, ranked No. 6, retained its position as Chef Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn honours his heritage with a creative twist on ancient family recipes. Sühring came in at No. 11, while Potong held the No. 13 spot with its progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine crafted by chef-owner Pichaya 'Pam' Soontornyanakij, who was awarded Asia's Best Female Chef Award in 2024 and 2023. The innovative Thai restaurant Sorn was ranked No. 16, and Le Du made it at No. 20. Baan Tepa secured the No. 44 position, with chef Chudaree' Tam' Debhakam receiving the title of Asia's Best Female Chef 2025, sponsored by Nongshim Shinramyun, in recognition of her advocacy for Thai produce and farm-driven cuisine. Finally, the educational restaurant Samrub Samrub Thai rounded out the list at No. 47.
This year, nine entries from Japan made it onto the list. Last year's No. 1 Sézanne was ranked No. 4, celebrated for its neo-French cuisine that masterfully integrates modern classics with exceptional Japanese ingredients. Narisawa was at No. 12, followed by Florilège at No. 17, and Den at No. 22. Crony made a debut at No. 30, with owner-sommelier Kazutaka Ozawa winning Asia's Best Sommelier Award for his skill in curating exceptional wine pairings that enhance the flavours, aromas, and stories behind each dish. Sushi Saito, returning at No. 33, offers an exclusive experience where the legendary chef Takashi Saito delights guests with his masterful sushi. Sazenka was positioned at No. 34, while newcomers Maz (No. 43) and Myoujyaku (No. 45) also celebrated their inclusion on the list. Maz, launched by Virgilio Martínez, introduces South American fine dining to Tokyo with a nine-course menu inspired by Peru's diverse ecosystems, highlighting local Japanese ingredients. At Myoujyaku, chef Hidetoshi Nakamura provides a serene dining experience focused on French-leaning cuisine and ingredient integrity, exemplified by dishes featuring lightly boiled vegetables seasoned only with water from three different sources and a pinch of salt. Osaka and Fukuoka each have one restaurant on the list: La Cime is ranked No. 8 from Osaka, and Goh is at No. 36 from Fukuoka.
Hong Kong has showcased seven remarkable establishments this year, with The Chairman taking the lead at No.2. This acclaimed restaurant is at the forefront of contemporary Cantonese cuisine, redefining the culinary landscape with an ingredient-driven approach. Situated at The Wellington, The Chairman presents creative dishes that pay homage to forgotten luxury ingredients from southern China, all within a beautifully refreshed space adorned with custom artwork and greenery. Following closely at No.3 was Wing, where chef-owner Vicky Cheng has also earned the prestigious peer-voted Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award. Caprice made a remarkable leap of fourteen spots to No.18, while Neighborhood was ranked at No.21 and Mono at No.24. A noteworthy newcomer, Estro debuted at No.32, where Naples-born Chef Antimo Maria Merone revitalises classic Neapolitan cuisine, crafting dishes that tell personal stories through each ingredient. The restaurant also boasts a diverse wine cellar, focusing heavily on Italian selections. Rounding out Hong Kong's representation on the list was Ando at No.41.
In Singapore, the city was well-represented with seven entries this year, led by Odette at No.7, recognised as The Best Restaurant in Singapore. Known for its timeless French fine dining, Odette has consistently been ranked in the top 10 since 2017 under the leadership of chef Julien Royer. Close behind, Les Amis jumped ten positions to No.28, while Labyrinth followed at No.37, where Chef LG Han puts a modern twist on classic Singaporean dishes. Burnt Ends, ranked No.38, showcases chef Dave Pynt's innovative approach to barbecue, and Meta landed at No.39, blending Japanese ingredients with French techniques and hints of Korean flavour. Chef Kevin Wong's Seroja at No.40 pays tribute to the cuisine of the Malay Archipelago. To complete the lineup, Euphoria made it at No.48, celebrated for its 'Gastro-Botanica' style emphasising high-quality vegetables.
The host city of Seoul boasted four notable entries this year. Mingles (No.5), renowned for its seasonal Korean cuisine that artfully fuses influences from Hong Kong and Europe, was recognised as The Best Restaurant in South Korea, with sponsorship from Korean Air. Chef Mingoo Kang, a protégé of Martin Berasategui, emphasises unique local ingredients within a minimalist, earth-toned setting. Onjium moved up eleven spots to secure the No.10 position, while 7th Door sat at No.23. Making a remarkable debut, newcomer Eatanic Garden (No.25) captured the Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by Lavazza. The restaurant's name, reminiscent of 'botanic garden' in Korean, cleverly highlights its mission to create an urban oasis amid Seoul's skyline. Chef Jongwon Son offers a natural dining experience, featuring an illustrated guide to key ingredients, with inventive dishes like Hanwoo beef prepared three ways, complemented by fermented cauliflower and winter vegetables sculpted like delicate snowflakes.
Mainland China boasted five restaurants on this prestigious list. Leading the way was Shanghai, which had four entries this year. Notably, Meet the Bund has surged an impressive thirty-six spots to claim the title of The Best Restaurant in Mainland China, offering patrons a soothing retreat within the vibrant Bund Finance Center. Hot on its heels was Fu He Hui, now ranked at No. 15, while Ling Long has made a remarkable leap, rising nine positions to No. 27. At No. 29, 102 House enchants diners with chef Xu Jingye’s inventive menu that harmoniously blends Cantonese banquet traditions with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets. This year, Beijing also made its mark with Lamdre at No. 50. Lamdre is renowned for its innovative take on plant-based cuisine, providing a tranquil, nature-inspired dining experience that beautifully melds Chinese heritage with minimalist aesthetics in the heart of Sanlitun.
Macau's Chef Tam's Seasons rose forty spots to No.9, clinching the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Located in Wynn Palace, Chef Tam's Seasons showcases refined Cantonese cuisine with the finest seasonal produce amid opulent surroundings, including a stunning view of the resort's Performance Lake.
Representing Mumbai and New Delhi are Masque at No.19 and Indian Accent at No.46, respectively. Farmlore from Bengaluru hasn't made it to the list yet but snatched the American Express One To Watch Award 2024. From Taipei, Logy held strong at No.26. At the same time, JL Studio in Taichung followed closely at No.35. Additionally, Manila's Toyo Eatery, under the leadership of chef Jordy Navarra and his wife May, has proudly secured the No.42 spot and been honoured with the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award. This eatery celebrates Filipino heritage and culinary traditions, offering guests a warm hospitality experience reminiscent of dining at the couple's home. At No. 49, August was Indonesia’s sole entry.
The awards ceremony also announced a list of distinguished recipients. Locavore NXT from Ubud—not on the list yet—received the Sustainable Restaurant Award, sponsored by Hibiki, and is a new entry on the extended 51-100 list at No. 92. Led by a duo, Chef Eelke Plasmeijer and Chef Ray Adriansyah, the restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to hyper-local, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine, seamlessly integrating research and experimentation into the dining experience.
The late Margarita Forés, recipient of Asia’s Best Female Chef Award in 2016, has been posthumously honoured with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award for her transformative influence in the culinary world and her legacy of elevating Filipino cuisine and hospitality.
The ceremony was preceded by #50BestTalks, a thought-leadership forum titled ‘The Asian Wave’; 50 Best Signature Sessions, a series of collaborative dining events where 50 Best chefs cooked alongside renowned local talent in Seoul; a Chefs’ Feast showcasing the finest cooking and ingredients that South Korea is famous for; and a Meet the Chefs media roundtable.
The highly anticipated events on the horizon include the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants and Asia's 50 Best Bars. Notably, the World's 50 Best has revealed that the World’s 50 Best Bars for 2025 will be celebrated in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. This event promises to showcase the finest bars from around the globe, highlighting creative mixology and exceptional drinking experiences that set trends in the industry. As the excitement builds, bar enthusiasts and professionals alike eagerly await the unveiling of this celebrated list in one of Asia's most vibrant cities.
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