The 2018 rankings, the sixth Asia-specific list, were announced at a ceremony at Wynn Palace in Macao on 27 March.
Gaggan, which offers “progressive Indian cuisine” also retained the dual titles of Best Restaurant in Asia and Best Restaurant in Thailand. Despite its acclaim Anand is preparing to close the restaurant in 2020 to start a new venture in Japan.
There were 11 Japanese entries in the list. Den in Tokyo took the number two spot and was also named Best Restaurant in Japan, replacing five-time title holder Narisawa (no.6).
The top five was completed by Tokyo’s Florilege, which serves French cuisine using Japanese ingredients; Sühring, a ‘modern German’ site in Bangkok; and French restaurant Odette in Singapore.
Indian Accent, which opened an outpost in London last year, rose 11 places to no.19 and was named the Best Restaurant in India for a fourth time.
Newcomers included Paste in Bangkok (no.31) led by Bongkoch ‘Bee’ Satongun, who was also named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2018.
La Cime in Osaka, which serves French cuisine using local Japanese ingredients, was the highest new entry at no.17.
The list is based on the votes of over 300 restaurant industry leaders from across Asia.
“The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list welcomes eight new entries in 2018, reflecting the ongoing culinary innovation happening in this region,” says William Drew, group editor of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
“In its sixth year, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants continues to recognise new talents, identify industry trends and celebrate excellence.”
For the full list, click here.