Asia’s ‘finest eating places’ record is out — and it is no shock which nation made the record 17 occasions

Japan is the highest vacation spot in Asia for gastronomes this yr, in line with new rankings launched by the 50 Finest group. 

The nation is residence to 17 of the area’s “finest” 100 eating places, which have been launched in two elements in March.

Singapore and Thailand tied for second place, with 15 eating places on the record every. Hong Kong — final yr’s high vacation spot — noticed 13 institutions on the record. 

William Drew, director of content material for Asia’s 50 Finest Eating places, stated Japan’s sturdy efficiency is “no shock.” 

“Japan has lengthy been thought to be one of many nice gastronomic nations of the world with a culinary heritage that’s admired throughout the globe — mixed with innovation, dedication, data and expertise,” he advised CNBC. 

This yr commemorates the 10th anniversary of the “Asia’s 50 Finest Eating places” record. This yr’s rating consists of eating places from 19 cities, with 7 new institutions on the record.

Singapore and Thailand each rely the very best variety of entries on the highest 50 record with 9 eating places every. Thailand took residence the highest honor with Bangkok’s Le Du named “The Finest Restaurant in Asia 2023” — transferring up three spots. 

This yr’s rating noticed some shake-ups: Japan’s Den, which was No. 1 in 2022 — dropped three spots to No. 4, whereas Bangkok’s Sorn tumbled from No. 2 to No. 9. 

Japan’s Sezanne rose a formidable 15 locations to emerge at No. 2, clinching the title of “Finest Restaurant in Japan” for the primary time.

Hong Kong’s The Chairman, which ranked No. 1 in 2021, misplaced additional floor because it slipped from No. 5 to No. 13. 

The “Highest Entry” award additionally went to Avartana from India, which debuted on the record at No. 30. 

Asia’s high restaurant, Thailand’s Le Du, is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant that first entered the record in 2017 at No. 37.

Opened in 2013, head chef and proprietor Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn provides Thai meals a contemporary spin by a French-leaning lens. 

His menus champion using seasonal and native substances — imposing his steadfast perception within the superiority of Thai produce.

Talking to CNBC after the award ceremony on Tuesday night time, Tassanakajohn stated taking the coveted spot feels “unreal.” 

“I did not count on it in any respect … 10 years in the past, once I opened the restaurant, [people] stated, I’ll by no means make it as a result of I solely use native produce and you must use imported substances,” he shared. 

“I am so completely happy to symbolize Thailand and convey Thai substances to the forefront of Asia.” 

The record of “Asia’s 50 Finest Eating places” for 2023 are:

1. Le Du (Bangkok, Thailand)

2. Sezanne (Tokyo, Japan)

3. Nusara (Bangkok, Thailand)

4. Den (Tokyo, Japan)

5. Gaggan Anand (Bangkok, Thailand)

6. Odette (Singapore)

7. Florilege (Tokyo, Japan)

8. La Cime (Osaka, Japan)

9. Sorn (Bangkok, Thailand)

10. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)

11. Labyrinth (Singapore) — Highest Climber Award (from No. 40 in 2022)

12. Sazenka (Tokyo, Japan)

13. The Chairman (Hong Kong)

14. Villa Aida (Wakayama, Japan)

15. Mosu (Seoul, Korea)

16. Masque (Mumbai, India)

17. Meta (Singapore)

18. Fu He Hui (Shanghai, China)

19. Indian Accent (New Delhi, India)

20. Ode (Tokyo, Japan)

21. Zen (Singapore)

22. Suhring (Bangkok, Thailand)

23. Onjium (Seoul, South Korea)

24. Burnt Ends (Singapore)

25. Euphoria (Singapore)

26. Cloudstreet (Singapore)

27. Les Amis (Singapore)

28. Mingles (Seoul, South Korea)

29. Neighborhood (Hong Kong)

30. Avartana (Chennai, India) — Highest New Entry Award

31. Ensue (Shenzhen, China)

32. Cenci (Kyoto, Japan)

33. Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh (Bangkok, Thailand)

34. Da Vittorio (Shanghai, China)

35. Potong (Bangkok, Thailand)

36. Born (Singapore)

37. Wing (Hong Kong)

38. Raan Jay Fai (Bangkok, Thailand)

39. Wing Lei Palace (Macau)

40. Anan Saigon (Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Vietnam)

41. Mono (Hong Kong)

42. Toyo Eatery (Manila, Philippines)

43. Sichuan Moon (Macau)

44. L’Effervescence (Tokyo, Japan)

45. Mume (Taipei, Taiwan)

46. Baan Tepa (Bangkok, Thailand)

47. Born & Bred (Seoul, Korea)

48. Metiz (Makati, Philippines) 

49. Caprice (Hong Kong)

50. Refer (Beijing, China) 

That is the third yr the prolonged record has been launched. There are 17 new entries spanning 17 cities — together with L’evo at No. 60, the primary ever restaurant from Toyama, Japan to make the record.  

Ten eating places that ranked amongst Asia’s finest 50 eating places final yr fell into the 51-100 rating this yr. 

Most notably, Joo Okay fell 33 spots from No. 18 to No. 51 and Samrub Samrub Thai dropped 51 locations from No. 31 to No. 82. 

Ete additionally noticed a drop of 49 spots from No. 41 to No. 90. 

Hong Kong continued its reign with probably the most variety of eating places within the 51-100 record, with eight making the rating. 

Singapore’s Thevar noticed the largest bounce on this record — catapulting from No. 92 to No. 56 — edging near the perfect 50 record. India’s Bukhara additionally closed its hole, transferring 14 spots from No. 66 to No. 52. 

Here is the prolonged record:

51. Joo Okay (Seoul, South Korea) 

52. Bukhara (New Delhi, India) 

53. Ta Vie (Hong Kong) 

54. Yong Fu (Hong Kong)

55. seventh Door (Seoul, South Korea) 

56. Thevar (Singapore) 

57. Logy (Taipei, Taiwan)

58. Jade Dragon (Macau) 

59. Jin Sha (Hangzhou, China) 

60. L’evo (Toyama, Japan) 

61. Ando (Hong Kong) 

62. Estro (Hong Kong) 

63. Lolla (Singapore) 

64. Sugita (Tokyo, Japan) 

65. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (Shanghai, China)

66. Americano (Mumbai, India)

67. Esquisse (Tokyo, Japan)

68. Eatanic Backyard at Josun Palace (Seoul, South Korea) 

69. Ministry of Crab (Colombo, Sri Lanka) 

70. Eight 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana (Hong Kong) 

71. Cote by Mauro Colagreco (Bangkok, Thailand)

72. Wana Yook (Bangkok, Thailand) 

73. Lerdtip Wanghin (Bangkok, Thailand) 

74. Dewakan (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) 

75. Nihonryori RyuGin (Tokyo, Japan) 

76. Fu1015 (Shanghai, China)

77. Ling Lengthy (Beijing, China)

78. The Desk (Mumbai, India) 

79. Eat and Prepare dinner (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

80. The Pizza Bar on 38th (Toyo, Japan) 

81. Gaa (Bangkok, Thailand)

82. Samrub Samrub Thai (Bangkok, Thailand) 

83. Nae:Um (Singapore) 

84. Jaan by Kirk Westaway (Singapore)

85. Claudine (Singapore) 

86. Summer time Pavilion (Singapore) 

87. Adachi Sushi (Taipei, Taiwan) 

88. Obscura (Shanghai, China) 

89. Meet the Bund (Shanghai, China)

90. Ete (Tokyo, Japan) 

91. Hommage (Tokyo, Japan)

92. Golden Flower (Macau) 

93. Ekaa (Mumbai, India) 

94. Nadodi (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

95. August (Jakarta, Indonesia)

96. Liberte (Kaohsiung, Taiwan)

97. Sushi Hare (Hong Kong) 

98. Nahm (Bangkok, Thailand)

99. Xin Rong Ji (Hong Kong) 

100. Vea (Hong Kong) 

Singapore’s eating places maintain 9 coveted spots — a rise from seven final yr. Odette, which has been named Asia’s finest restaurant twice, leads the cost at No. 6.

Its pastry chef Louisa Lim additionally took residence the “Asia’s Finest Pastry Chef” award.

All of Singapore’s eating places — aside from Jaan by Kirk Westaway — noticed enhancements on the highest 100 record. 

For instance, Australian barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends, regained footing after dropping 27 locations final yr — leaping 17 spots to No. 24. 

Labyrinth additionally rose 29 spots to No.11, profitable the “Highest Climber” award. Born is Singapore’s highest rating new entry this yr at No. 36. 

This has been a “super yr” for Singapore’s culinary scene, Drew advised CNBC. 

“There are myriad explanations as to why some areas have a powerful exhibiting — it could possibly be a case of various Covid restrictions throughout sure nations lately,” he added. 

“Or extra broadly talking, it could possibly be a sign of shifting culinary tastes, or it might additionally symbolize {that a} geographical space is changing into extra essential.” 

The record is an “annual snapshot” of opinions of greater than 300 trade consultants, stated the 50 Finest group, known as “the academy.”

They’re made up of meals writers, critics, cooks and restaurateurs from throughout the area. 

The 50 Finest group added that the panel is “gender-balanced,” and every member was given 10 votes to appoint eating places — with a most of seven situated inside their residence nation.