FOOD & WINE

Bangkok’s Gaggan Takes the Crown at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025

by Jocelyn Tan
26 Mar 2025

Seoul once again claims centre stage as the region’s finest chefs gather to celebrate culinary excellence across Asia.

For the second consecutive year, Seoul has played host to one of the most anticipated culinary events on the continent: The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony. Held on 25 March at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the 2025 edition reaffirmed the South Korean capital’s growing stature as a food destination – not just for Korean cuisine, but as a gathering ground for the region’s top talents.

“Seoul is attracting global attention for its amazing cuisine, famous for blending tradition and innovation,” said Deputy Mayor of Seoul City Kim Taegyun in his opening remarks. “Seoul is truly a perfect city for food lovers all over the world.”

This year, the coveted number one spot went to Bangkok’s Gaggan, helmed by Indian-born chef Gaggan Anand. The progressive Indian restaurant won the same award 10 years ago in 2015. Chairman from Hong Kong secured second place, followed by Hong Kong’s Wing in third.

“Thank you so much for believing in us,” says Chef Gaggan.

Team Singapore, Photo: Jocelyn Tan

The ceremony was attended by culinary professionals, critics, chefs, and restaurateurs from across the region. “We are honoured to return to Seoul,” said William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best. “This city has shown the world it’s not only a dynamic dining destination, but a gracious host for this community we’ve built across Asia.”

With seven restaurants on the list, Singapore once again proved it punches well above its weight. Odette retained its title as Singapore’s best restaurant at No. 7, followed by Les Amis (No. 28), Labyrinth (No. 37), Burnt Ends (No. 38), Meta (No.39), Seroja (No. 40), and Euphoria (No. 48).


(Related: 9 Singapore restaurants included in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list)

The 2025 list featured entries from 16 cities, reflecting a diverse, ever-evolving culinary map. Alongside long-time powerhouses like Tokyo, Bangkok, and Hong Kong, smaller markets made a strong showing. From the elegant Logy in Taipei (No. 26), the Best Restaurant in Taiwan, to August in Jakarta (No. 49), a winner of the Best Restaurant in Indonesia, regional voices resonated with authenticity and innovation. 

Seoul itself fielded four entries: Mingles, Onjium, 7th Door and Eatanic Garden, who stole the show – Chef Son Jong Won’s reimagined Korean concept made a dazzling debut at No. 25, clinching the Highest New Entry award. “I’m still in shock. I never expected to be placed so highly for our debut in the 50 Best List,” says Chef Son at the post-awards press conference.


(Related: Get to know some of Singapore's top chefs beyond the kitchen)

  • Toyo Eatery bagged 3 awards: Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, the best restaurant in the Philippines, and 42nd place on the list
  • Chefs’ Choice Award went to Wing’s Vicky Cheng in Hong Kong
  • Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam of Bangkok’s Baan Tepa wins Asia’s Best Female Chef
  • Kazutaka Ozawa of Crony in Tokyo was named Asia’s Best Sommelier
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Meanwhile, Locavore NXT in Ubud took home the Sustainable Restaurant Award, while Kazutaka Ozawa of Crony in Tokyo was named Asia’s Best Sommelier. The Chefs’ Choice Award went to Wing’s Vicky Cheng in Hong Kong, Thailand’s Dej Kewkacha earned the title of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, and Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam of Bangkok’s Baan Tepa was honoured as Asia’s Best Female Chef. The One to Watch Award was given to Farmlore of India’s Bengaluru, while Toyo Eatery bagged three awards: the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, the best restaurant in the Philippines, as well as the 42nd place on the list.

Filipino legend Magarita Fores was awarded the Icon Award posthumously for her dedication to her craft and passion for the industry, and her award was received by her son and restaurateur, Amado Fores.

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025


  1. Gaggan (Bangkok)

  2. Chairman (Hong Kong)

  3. Wing (Hong Kong)

  4. Sezanne (Tokyo)

  5. Mingles (Seoul)

  6. Nusara (Bangkok)

  7. Odette (Singapore)

  8. La Cime (Osaka)

  9. Chef Tam’s Seasons (Macau) highest climber award

  10. Onjium (Seoul)

  11. Sühring (Bangkok)

  12. Narisawa (Tokyo)

  13. Potong (Bangkok)

  14. Meet The Bund (Shanghai)

  15. Fu He Hui (Shanghai)

  16. Sorn (Bangkok)

  17. Florilege (Tokyo)

  18. Caprice (Hong Kong)

  19. Masque (Mumbai)

  20. Le Du (Bangkok)

  21. Neighborhood (Hong Kong)

  22. Den (Tokyo)

  23. 7th Door (Seoul)

  24. Mono (Hong Kong)

  25. Eatanic Garden (Seoul)*

  26. Logy (Taipei)

  27. Ling Long (ShanghaI)

  28. Les Amis (Singapore)

  29. 102 House (Shanghai)

  30. Crony (Tokyo)*

  31. Gaggan at Louis Vuitton (Bangkok)*

  32. Estro (Hong Kong)*

  33. Sushi Saito (Tokyo) **

  34. Sazenka (Tokyo)

  35. JL Studio (Taichung)

  36. Goh (Fukuoka)

  37. Labyrinth (Singapore)

  38. Burnt Ends (Singapore)

  39. Meta (Singapore)

  40. Seroja (Singapore)

  41. Ando (Hong Kong)

  42. Toyo Eatery, (Manila)

  43. Maz (Tokyo)*

  44. Bann Tepa (Bangkok)

  45. Myoujyaku (Tokyo)*

  46. Indian Accent (New Delhi)

  47. Samrub Samrub Thai (Bangkok)

  48. Euphoria (Singapore)

  49. August (Jakarta)

  50. Lamdre (Beijing)*



 *new entry
** re-entry

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