Bangkok’s Gaggan has been named the best restaurant in Asia and the second-best in the world in the newly announced 50 Best Restaurants 2026 rankings, cementing the Thai capital’s status as one of the world’s leading dining destinations.
Helmed by celebrated Indian chef Gaggan Anand, the restaurant was beaten to the global top spot only by Asador Etxebarri in Spain’s Basque Country, where chef-owner Victor Arguinzoniz has earned international acclaim for his mastery of wood-fire cooking. Copenhagen’s Alchemist rounded out the top three.
Unveiled at a ceremony in Lima, Peru, on November 4, the rankings featured 14 restaurants from across Asia, including five in Bangkok alone.
Joining Gaggan on the list were Sorn (No.12), renowned for its refined interpretation of southern Thai cuisine; Sühring (No.14), which brings contemporary flair to German cooking; Nusara (No.18); and Potong (No.32).
Hong Kong also made a strong showing, with Vicky Cheng’s Wing claiming fifth place globally, followed immediately by The Chairman at No.6. Singapore’s Odette, celebrated for its modern French cuisine with subtle Asian influences, placed 15th.
Elsewhere in the region, Seoul’s Mingles secured 17th place, while Shanghai’s Meet the Bund (No.21), Mumbai’s Masque (No.26), Hangzhou’s Ru Yuan (No.36), and Seoul’s Onjium (No.41) were among the notable new entries.
India’s Naar, located in the Himalayan foothills of Kasauli, entered the rankings at No.49 and received the Sustainable Restaurant Award. Its menus follow the Himalayas’ six distinct seasons, drawing on regional ingredients and traditional preservation techniques.
Asian culinary talent was also recognized in several individual categories. Bangkok-based pâtissier Dej Kewkacha received the Best Pastry Chef Award for his inventive dessert omakase experiences, while Lesley Liu of Singapore’s Odette was named Best Sommelier.
Commenting on the awards, Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events for The 50, said the rankings celebrated “the highest calibre of hospitality on a global scale.”
She also highlighted the 11 newcomers to this year’s top 50, describing them as evidence of “the breadth of talent, diversity and creativity shaping the global hospitality landscape.”
The annual rankings are compiled from votes cast by more than 1,100 international restaurant industry experts. This year’s list spans 28 territories across six continents.