Gaggan, Bangkok‘s iconic restaurant helmed by celebrated chef Gaggan Anand, has been awarded the coveted title of The Best Restaurant in Asia at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, held in Seoul, South Korea.
This accolade marks the fifth time Anand’s innovative establishment has earned the top spot, reinforcing its status at the forefront of Asian gastronomy.
This year’s awards highlight culinary excellence across 16 regional cities, with Bangkok and Tokyo leading the rankings with nine restaurants each.
Gaggan’s ascendancy is a testament to Anand’s visionary approach, blending progressive Indian cuisine with influences from Japan, France, and Thailand.
His signature dining experience—a theatrical, immersive performance of over 20 courses—has captivated guests and critics alike. It features dishes enhanced by natural and biodynamic wine pairings, pyrotechnics, and an irreverent playlist in an intimate, 14-seat counter setting.
“Winning this title again is not just about culinary innovation; it’s about pushing boundaries and continuously reinventing ourselves to deliver an unforgettable dining experience,” said Anand.
Additional highlights from the awards include Seoul’s Eatanic Garden, which debuted impressively at No.25 and won the Highest New Entry Award sponsored by Lavazza. The restaurant, helmed by chef Jongwon Son, creates an urban oasis offering innovative dishes such as Hanwoo beef served three ways and winter vegetables intricately presented like snowflakes.
Macau‘s Chef Tam’s Seasons made a remarkable leap of 40 spots to No.9, securing the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Located in Wynn Palace, Chef Tam’s establishment showcases refined Cantonese cuisine, embracing the finest seasonal produce amid luxurious surroundings.
Notably, Dej Kewkacha from Bangkok’s innovative Gaggan at Louis Vuitton (No.31) earned recognition as Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by Valrhona. Chef Vicky Cheng of Hong Kong‘s Wing (No.3) received the prestigious peer-voted Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held by his culinary peers.
Kazutaka Ozawa of Crony (No.30) in Tokyo was awarded Asia’s Best Sommelier, showcasing his unparalleled expertise in pairing wines with exceptional cuisine. Indonesia‘s Locavore NXT in Ubud (No.92) earned the Sustainable Restaurant Award, sponsored by Hibiki, applauded for its commitment to sustainability and innovation through hyper-local ingredients and seasonal menus.
Posthumously honored with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award was Margarita Forés, recognizing her transformative contributions to Filipino cuisine and hospitality.
William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, praised the winners, stating, “Chef Anand and the team at Gaggan epitomize culinary creativity and innovation. Their continuous drive for excellence is inspirational and elevates the entire Asian dining scene.”
Michel Beneventi from main sponsor S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna echoed this sentiment, celebrating the chefs who continue to define and elevate Asian gastronomy: “We are thrilled to recognize such outstanding talent. Their passion and innovation set a benchmark for culinary excellence worldwide.”
