Japan is the top destination in Asia for gastronomes this year, according to new rankings released by the 50 Best organization.
The country is home to 17 of the region’s “best” 100 restaurants, which were released in two parts in March.
Singapore and Thailand tied for second place, with 15 restaurants on the list each. Hong Kong — last year’s top destination — saw 13 establishments on the list.
William Drew, director of content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, said Japan’s strong performance is “no surprise.”
“Japan has long been regarded as one of the great gastronomic countries of the world with a culinary heritage that is admired across the globe — combined with innovation, dedication, knowledge and talent,” he told CNBC.
The top 50 restaurants in Asia
This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” list. This year’s ranking includes restaurants from 19 cities, with 7 new establishments on the list.
Singapore and Thailand both count the highest number of entries on the top 50 list with nine restaurants each. Thailand took home the top honor with Bangkok’s Le Du named “The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023” — moving up three spots.
Le Du’s menus champion the use of seasonal and local ingredients — enforcing its steadfast belief in the superiority of Thai produce.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023
This year’s ranking saw some shake-ups: Japan’s Den, which was No. 1 in 2022 — dropped three spots to No. 4, while Bangkok’s Sorn tumbled from No. 2 to No. 9.
Japan’s Sezanne rose an impressive 15 places to emerge at No. 2, clinching the title of “Best Restaurant in Japan” for the first time.
Hong Kong’s The Chairman, which ranked No. 1 in 2021, lost further ground as it slipped from No. 5 to No. 13.
The “Highest Entry” award also went to Avartana from India, which debuted on the list at No. 30.
Asia’s ‘best restaurant’
Asia’s top restaurant, Thailand’s Le Du, is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant that first entered the list in 2017…
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