Asia is a continent for foodies with an amazing diversity of cuisines. As the world’s largest and most populous continent it also has millions of restaurants. That’s why if you’re serious about its important to get recommendations on where to eat in Asia. Trust us, this is a good list.
This year, Odette in Singapore has taken top honours at the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 awards ceremony, succeeding four-time winner Gaggan in the No.1 spot. Chef Julien Royer’s Odette claims the coveted titles of The Best Restaurant in Asia and The Best Restaurant in Singapore.
Housed in the iconic National Gallery Singapore, Odette serves Asian-inspired modern French cuisine,each dish presented with impeccable style and characteristic perfection. Taking its name from Royer’smaternal grandmother, Odette earned Asia’s Highest New Entry Award in 2017 before debuting on TheWorld’s 50 Best Restaurants list last year at No.28.
The 2019 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants was announced at an awards ceremony at Wynn Palace, Macao.
The 2019 list reflects the diversity and vitality of the ever- evolving Asian gastronomic scene, featuring 10 new restaurants, including a first-time entry from Malaysia (Dewakan, No.46) and a new restaurant in the Philippines (Toyo Eatery, No.43). Host destination Macao counts two restaurants with Jade Dragon rising eight places to No.27 and Wing Lei Palace debuting at No.36.
Individual Country Awards:
Japan
Japan leads the 2019 list with 12 entries. Fronting this group is Den (No.3), earning the title of The Best Restaurant in Japan for a second consecutive year. Den’s charismatic chef, Zaiyu Hasegawa, was alsorewarded for his innovative approach and named the 2019 recipient of the Chefs’ Choice Award,sponsored by Estrella Damm, the only award voted for by the chefs of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 list to recognise a peer making a positive impact on the restaurant scene. The top 10 also includes Japan restaurants Florilège (No.5), Narisawa (No.8) and Nihonryori RyuGin (No.9). Sazenka andSugalabo, both in Tokyo, are newcomers to the list, landing at No.23 and No.47 respectively.
Thailand
After holding the No.1 spot for four consecutive years, Gaggan in Bangkok moves to No.2 while retaining the title of The Best Restaurant in Thailand. Entering the list at No.16, Gaa in Bangkok has double reason to celebrate. As well as claiming the Highest New Entry Award, executive chef Garima Arora is namedelitTM Vodka Asia’s Best Female Chef 2019.
Among the remaining six Thailand entries, Sühring holds at No.4, Bo.Lan rises 18 places to No.19 andPaste climbs three places to No.28 while Sorn, specialising in Southern Thai cuisine, is a new entry at No.48.
Singapore
Singapore claims seven entries on the list, including newcomer Nouri making a bow at No.39 and longtime favourites Burnt Ends and Jaan rising to No.10 and No.32 respectively. The remaining Singapore restaurants are Les Amis (No.33), Waku Ghin (No.40) and Corner House (No.49).
Greater China
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (No.6) in Shanghai is named The Best Restaurant in China. Hong Kong counts nine restaurants on the list, including The Chairman (rising from No.22 to No.11) and first-time entries Vea(No.34) and Seventh Son (No.44). Soaring 25 places to No.15, modern French bistro Belon is crownedwith this year’s Highest Climber Award.
