Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo have dominated the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, with Thai modern kitchen Le Du by chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn taking the top spot. Tassanakajohn’s restaurant showcased refined modern Thai cuisine based on the country’s extraordinary agricultural heritage and centuries-old culinary techniques, wowing critics and diners from across the continent. The list featured nine restaurants from Bangkok, including Nusara at the third spot, while Singapore and Tokyo both earned nine and seven spots, respectively.

The awards were given to the winners at a ceremony held at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa on Tuesday, and included special awards like the “One to Watch Award” won by Jakarta restaurant August and the “Sustainable Restaurant Award” won by Manila’s Toyo Eatery. Individual awards went to head chef Johanne Siy of Singapore restaurant Lolla, who won “Asia’s Best Female Chef Award,” and Louisa Lim of Odette, Singapore, who won “Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award.”

Tassanakajohn was inspired by his mother’s and grandmother’s cooking, and pursued a career in culinary arts after studying at the Culinary Institute of America. In the U.S., he worked at renowned establishments, such as the former World’s Best Restaurant Eleven Madison Park in New York.

At the ceremony, Tassanakajohn expressed his gratitude and said, “50 Best is something very special to my heart, and not just because of the ranking but because of everyone in this room. That is the most important thing. I’m so lucky to be included in this family with you all, with all my chef friends, my brothers and sisters.”

The 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards were based on a list compiled by over 300 food writers, critics, chefs, and restaurateurs from the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The awards celebrate the best culinary talents and their outstanding restaurants in Asia.

Written by Robert D