Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024: Tokyo-based SÉZANNE wins Best Restaurant title
SUNDAY SPECIAL: The host city Seoul secured four coveted positions on the list, with Mingles leading the pack at No. 13, renowned for its seasonally inspired Korean fare. With dining establishments from 19 cities, the event had eight new entries.
SEOUL: French restaurant Sézanne in Tokyo clinched the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia, courtesy of S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, during the highly acclaimed Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 awards ceremony in Seoul early this week. Named after a medieval town in the Champagne region of France, Sézanne debuted on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022 at No.17. Interestingly, the 2nd and 8th position also went to Tokyo-based restaurants Florilège, and Den respectively .
The exclusive event, organized in SEOUL in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, showcased a stellar line-up of culinary excellence.
Handpicked by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a diverse collective of 318 esteemed individuals encompassing food critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary influencers, this year’s compilation spotlights dining establishments from 19 cities across the continent, with the addition of eight remarkable newcomers.
Seroja earns the distinguished title of this year’s Highest New Entry Award, presented by Nongshim, as it debuts at No.31 on the list. Chef Kevin Wong, hailing from Port Klang, showcases flavours from the Malay Archipelago at Seroja through meticulously curated multi-course tasting menus.
Meta claims the No.28 position, with Labyrinth close behind at No.30, while Les Amis secures No.38 to round up Singapore’s formidable culinary presence. Newcomer Lolla, under the guidance of the esteemed former Asia’s Best Female Chef Johanne Siy, makes its mark at No.43, concluding Singapore’s representation on the list. In Bangkok, the culinary scene shines bright with a total of eight esteemed restaurants making the cut.
Gaggan Anand’s intimate 14-seater chef’s table experience takes the lead at No.3, followed by Nusara at No.6, honoured this year as the recipient of the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award. Sühring makes an impressive ascent to No.7, climbing 15 spots, while Sorn holds strong at No.11, closely trailed by the former No.1 Le Du at No.12.
Potong makes a notable leap to No.17, with chef-owner Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij crowned as Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024. Samrub Samrub Thai re-enters the rankings at No.29, showcasing Thai omakase cuisine, while Baan Tepa, housed in the experiential setting of chef-owner Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam’s family home, secures its place at No.42.
Hong Kong shines with six esteemed positions on the list, with The Chairman leading the way at No.4 under the expert guidance of chef and owner Danny Yip. Yip’s outstanding dedication to promoting Cantonese cuisine globally earns him the prestigious Icon Award. Following closely is Wing at No.5, where Vicky Cheng’s Chinese establishment secures the coveted Highest Climber Award 2024, sponsored by Korean Air, for its remarkable jump of 32 places.
The remaining Hong Kong entries showcase notable movements, with Neighborhood at No.16 soaring 13 spots, followed by Mono at No.27 advancing a remarkable 14 positions, and Caprice at No.32 climbing by 17. Completing the city’s impressive representation is the newcomer, Ando, debuting at No.37, where Argentinian-born chef Agustin Balbi presents a tantalizing blend of Japanese and Spanish culinary influences.
In addition to Sézanne claiming the top spot as The Best Restaurant in Asia, Tokyo is home to four other notable establishments on the list. Florilège excels at No.2, captivating diners with chef Hiroyasu Kawate’s innovative French-Japanese fusion cuisine. Tokyo’s acclaimed eateries also include the esteemed Den at No.8, Narisawa at No.14, and the elegant Sazenka rounding out the city’s presence at No.39.
The host city Seoul proudly secures four coveted positions on the list, with Mingles leading the pack at No.13, renowned for its seasonally inspired Korean fare. Re-joining the rankings at No.18 is 7th Door, followed by Onjium at No.21. Completing Seoul’s culinary showcase is Mosu at No.41, with chef-owner Sung Anh rightfully honoured with the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, as recognized by their peers.
Shanghai demonstrates its culinary prowess with representation across four esteemed positions, with Fu He Hui leading the pack at No.19, accompanied by three fresh additions. These newcomers include the recently unveiled Ling Long at No.36, chef Jason Liu’s Shanghai rendition of the renowned fine Chinese dining experience. Additionally, 102 House at No.40 serves up exquisite Cantonese banquet cuisine, and Meet The Bund at No.50 offers a taste of Southern Fujianese culinary delights within Shanghai’s vibrant Bund Finance Center.
From Taipei, Logy makes a return to the rankings at No.22, while Kevin Lu earns the prestigious Beronia Asia’s Best Sommelier Award for his exceptional wine program. Mume ascends 11 places to claim the No.34 spot, and JL Studio from Taichung re-enters the list impressively at No.33.
Four distinguished Japanese cities each showcase an outstanding dining establishment on the list: La Cime from Osaka secures the No.9 position, followed by Villa Aida from Wakayama at No.35. Fukuoka introduces a captivating addition with Goh at No.45, and Cenci from Kyoto graces the list at No.47.
Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai each proudly boast one renowned restaurant on the esteemed list: Masque takes its place at No.23, Indian Accent shines at No.26, and Avartana represents Chennai with distinction at No.44. Jakarta’s August has made an impressive debut in the top 50, claiming the No.46 spot after securing last year’s coveted One to Watch Award. Anan Saigon represents Ho Chi Minh City gracefully at No.48, while Manila’s Toyo Eatery ascends a notable 18 positions to land at No.24. Macau joins the list with the newcomer Chef Tam’s Seasons at No.49.
During the live awards ceremony, special recognitions were also bestowed upon deserving recipients. Haoma in Bangkok is honoured with the Sustainable Restaurant Award and secures a spot as a new entry on the expanded 51-100 list at No.90. Helmed by Deepanker Khosla, a distinguished recipient of the Champions of Change awards within The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021, Haoma stands out as a vocal advocate for farm-to-table practices and zero-waste cooking, cultivating its ingredients in an eco-conscious manner. By employing hydroponics and sourcing ingredients from local organic farms, Mineko Kato of Tokyo’s Faro earns the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by Valrhona. Embracing her Italian culinary training, Kato’s culinary philosophy centers on fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature through her creations.
William Drew, the Director of Content at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, expresses his admiration for the diverse selection of outstanding dining establishments across 19 Asian cities, welcoming eight exciting newcomers to the list. He commends the restaurants featured for their contribution to the vibrant and diverse culinary scene in Asia. A special recognition is dedicated to Sézanne and its team for their outstanding cuisine, warm hospitality, and innovative approach, establishing the restaurant as a must-visit destination.
The unveiling of the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants took place on March 26 at a live awards ceremony held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Seoul, South Korea. Preceding the awards ceremony were various engaging events, including the #50BestTalks forum titled ‘Food of the People’, 50 Best Signature Sessions featuring collaborative dining experiences with local talents, a Chefs’ Feast spotlighting South Korea’s culinary excellence, and a ‘Meet the Chefs’ media roundtable.
(Awarded the ‘Best food writer in the country’ by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.)
