A Bangkok restaurant has reclaimed the number one spot at the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. Gaggan, named the best restaurant in Asia in 2025, is known for its boundary-pushing fine-dining experience that serves progressive Indian cuisine with influences from around the world. It was the first time the eponymous restaurant by chef Gaggan Anand had snatched the top prize since he redefined his restaurant concept and moved to a new location in 2019 following wins in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. It ranked third on the list last year. “When we started as a restaurant, it was not about me but it was about Asia. Everyone in this room is a winner. Today, I’m taking the podium, but that doesn’t mean that one of us from Asia will not take it next time,” said Anand as he accepted the award during the ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday evening. “When I was young, I never imagined that Asia could be a gastronomic hub. And today, look who we are. We are not just one city, one country. We are a family of so many people from Asia, representing our culture, our family and our cuisine.” Two Chinese establishments in Hong Kong, The Chairman and Wing, took second and third spots, respectively. Both restaurants moved up two spots (from fourth and fifth) from last year’s awards. Vicky Cheng of Wing (no.3) also earned the peer-voted “Chefs’ Choice Award.” Last year’s winner Sezanne — a neo-French restaurant residing within the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo by English chef Daniel Calvert — came fourth this year. Mingles, which showcases contemporary Korean food with local ingredients and international techniques, rounded out the top five of this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. It was the top-rated restaurant in Korea and won a huge round of cheers from the hometown crowd. Which city has the most restaurants on the list? The list — part of the global “World’s 50 Best” brand — is compiled by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, which is made up of more than 300 food critics, writers, chefs and restaurateurs, all selected for their knowledge of Asia’s restaurant scene. This year, Bangkok and Tokyo have the most entries on the top 50 list — both boasting nine restaurants in the rankings. Nusara, helmed by chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, was another Bangkok restaurant that made it to the top 10 this year, ranking number six. Hong Kong and Singapore each had seven entries. Host city Seoul, like Shanghai, bagged four spots in the 2025 awards, including Eatanic Garden — a menuless fine-dining concept that highlights ingredients using five senses — at 25th place, which was the highest new entry on the list. For local chefs and foodies, hosting the event in Seoul for the second year in a row was a sign that Korean food has truly earned a place of global influence. “Because (this) event has happened in Korea, I was able to participate and interact with many chefs,” Kim Jae-ho, chef at the Andaz Seoul Gangnam, told CNN Travel at the event. “Korean culture is becoming popular abroad. I will work to become a chef who can play a role in further spreading Korean dining culture to overseas.” It’s also the second year Bangkok brought home the award for “Asia’s Best Female Chef.” Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam, this year’s awardee, is known for her farm-driven cuisine highlighting the beauty of Thai produce. Her restaurant Baan Tepa was named 44th on the list this year. Last year’s winner, Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij, and her Thai-Chinese restaurant Potong secured 13th place this year. Chef Tam’s Seasons in Macao, which came ninth, was the winner of this year’s “Highest Climber Award,” dramatically ascending 40 spots from 49th in 2024. Kazutaka Ozawa from Crony (no.30) in Tokyo was recognized as the best sommelier in the region. Asia’s 50 best restaurants for 2025 – The full list 1. Gaggan (Bangkok) 2. The 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 (Macao) 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. Florilège (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, Taiwan) 36. Goh (Fukuoka, Japan) 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. Baan Tepa (Bangkok) 45. Myoujyaku (Tokyo) 46. Indian Accent (New Delhi) 47. Samrub Samrub Thai (Bangkok) 48. Euphoria (Singapore) 49. August (Jakarta) 50. Lamdre (Beijing)
‘We are not just one city’: Asia’s 50 best restaurants for 2025 revealed
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Gaggan in Bangkok Named Best Restaurant in Asia for 2025 at Annual Awards"
CNN
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
At the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards held in Seoul, South Korea, Gaggan, a restaurant in Bangkok, reclaimed the top position for 2025, marking its return to glory after a series of previous wins from 2015 to 2018. Gaggan is celebrated for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with global influences. Chef Gaggan Anand, upon receiving the award, emphasized the collective strength of Asian cuisine, stating that the recognition is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of the broader gastronomic community across Asia. He remarked on the evolution of Asia as a culinary hub, highlighting the diversity and richness of the region's food culture. Following Gaggan, two restaurants from Hong Kong, The Chairman and Wing, secured the second and third spots, respectively, both making notable advancements from their previous rankings. Wing's chef Vicky Cheng also received the peer-voted “Chefs’ Choice Award,” further underscoring the competitive culinary landscape in Asia.
In addition to the top three, the awards saw other remarkable entries, including Sezanne in Tokyo, which dropped to fourth place from last year’s first position, and Mingles in Seoul, which rounded out the top five. The list revealed that Bangkok and Tokyo each had nine restaurants represented among the top 50, showcasing the vibrant dining scenes in both cities. The event also highlighted the growing influence of Korean cuisine on the global stage, with Seoul hosting the ceremony for the second consecutive year. Chef Kim Jae-ho expressed his enthusiasm for the event's impact on Korean culinary culture, emphasizing the importance of international recognition. Other notable achievements included Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam being awarded “Asia’s Best Female Chef” for her commitment to farm-driven Thai cuisine. The awards reflect not only individual successes but also the collaborative spirit among chefs across Asia, as they work to elevate their culinary traditions on the world stage.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of Gaggan securing the top position at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards serves multiple purposes within the culinary and cultural landscape. It highlights the growing reputation of Asian cuisine on the global stage and reinforces the idea of a collective identity among Asian chefs and restaurants.
Culinary Prestige and Identity
The article emphasizes the elevation of Asian culinary arts, with Gaggan stating, “We are not just one city, one country. We are a family of so many people from Asia.” This sentiment fosters a sense of unity and pride among Asian chefs and promotes the idea that Asia is a significant player in the global gastronomy scene. The recognition of multiple restaurants from different countries, particularly the rise of establishments from Hong Kong, illustrates the shifting dynamics in culinary prestige towards Asia.
Public Perception and Cultural Representation
By showcasing Gaggan’s award and the achievements of other restaurants, the piece aims to shape public perception positively regarding Asian cuisine. It suggests that Asian food is not only diverse but also innovative and worthy of international recognition. The narrative crafted around these awards seeks to inspire confidence in both local and international audiences about the quality and creativity present in Asian dining.
Potential Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the article celebrates culinary achievements, it may overlook the challenges faced by many restaurants, such as economic pressures and competition within the hospitality industry. It does not address the potential struggles of lesser-known restaurants or the impact of the pandemic on dining establishments. By focusing on the top performers, the piece may inadvertently downplay these broader issues.
Manipulative Elements and Trustworthiness
The article appears largely factual, but its celebratory tone could be seen as somewhat manipulative in promoting a singular narrative of success while omitting other facets of the industry. The emphasis on awards and accolades may lead to an uncritical acceptance of the status quo in the culinary scene. This creates a sense of trustworthiness regarding the celebrated establishments, but readers should remain aware of the broader context of the restaurant industry.
Economic and Political Implications
The recognition of Asian restaurants can influence tourism and local economies, as culinary tourism grows in popularity. The article may indirectly impact how cities are marketed and perceived on a global scale, potentially drawing in investment and further supporting the restaurant industry. Politically, showcasing a united culinary front can foster cultural diplomacy and international relations.
Target Audience and Community Engagement
This news piece primarily appeals to food enthusiasts, culinary professionals, and those interested in cultural trends. It aims to engage a community that values innovation in cuisine and seeks to explore diverse dining experiences, thereby enhancing the visibility of Asian culinary arts.
Market Impacts and Investor Interests
The recognition of top restaurants can have significant implications for stocks related to the hospitality and food industries. Investors may look to capitalize on the global interest in Asian dining, impacting shares of restaurant groups, food suppliers, and hospitality services associated with the recognized establishments.
Global Dynamics and Timeliness
In terms of global power dynamics, the piece highlights Asia's growing influence in the culinary world, which can be seen as a reflection of broader cultural shifts. It aligns with current trends emphasizing diversity and inclusivity in the global food narrative, resonating with contemporary discussions around culture and identity.
AI Utilization in Content Creation
There is a possibility that AI tools could have assisted in drafting the article, especially in structuring information and generating engaging content. However, the human element in capturing the emotional weight of the award ceremony suggests a balance between AI application and human touch in storytelling.
The overall analysis reveals that the article is primarily celebratory, with a focus on presenting a positive image of Asian cuisine. While it largely maintains factual integrity, readers should remain cognizant of the broader context and challenges within the industry.