Bangkok restaurant Le Du has earned the coveted top spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023, beating out stiff competition from across the continent. The annual awards ceremony, held in Singapore, celebrates the finest culinary talents and establishments in Asia.
Thai restaurant Le Du takes first place
Le Du is a modern Thai-inspired restaurant that focuses on seasonal ingredients to create four- or six-course tasting menus. Owned by Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, Le Du beat out Japanese restaurants to take the top spot on the list.
Nusara takes third place
Incredible news for Tassanakajohn as his other Bangkok-based eatery, Nusara, took third place on the list. With two of Thailand’s top establishments featuring in the top three, it appears that Bangkok has truly established itself as a culinary capital of Asia.
Awards announcements
Aside from announcing the top 50 restaurants, various other awards were also announced at the ceremony. The “One to Watch” trophy went to a yet-to-be-discovered restaurant with huge potential, while the “Asia’s Best Female Chef” award was given to a leading woman chef from across the continent. The Sustainable Restaurant Award was also handed out.
Tokyo and Bangkok dominate
While Tokyo dominated last year’s list with 11 restaurants being included, this year saw seven Tokyo eateries make it through. Bangkok and Singapore each snagged nine spots on the 2023 list, cementing their influence over regional cuisine trends.
Street food makes an impact
One street food eatery managed to break through the pack – Bangkok’s Michelin-starred Raan Jay Fai. Proving that fine-dining gastronomy isn’t everything, this humble eatery has made a name for itself by serving up delicious Thai street food with a gourmet twist.
Japanese restaurants lead
While Thai establishments performed admirably in the top 50, it was Japanese restaurants that dominated the list. With 10 making it into the top 50, Japan had double the number of entries in comparison to second-placed Singapore.
Den drops to fourth
Last year’s number one restaurant, Den, dropped down the rankings to take fourth place. Japanese restaurants took both the second and third places with Sezanne and Les Creations de Narisawa respectively.
Chef Hiroyasu Kawate wins Inedit Damm Chef’s Choice Award 2023
Japanese chef and owner of Restaurant Florilege, Hiroyasu Kawate, earned a special accolade when he won the Inedit Damm Chef’s Choice Award 2023. This high honor recognizes his exceptional culinary skills and unique contribution to the culinary world.
L’Effervescence returns at 44th place
French-inspired L’Effervescence also made an appearance on this year’s list, taking 44th position after being absent from last year’s rankings. French cuisine is enjoying something of a renaissance in Asia, as shown by multiple French-inspired winners earning places in this year’s top 50 list.
In conclusion, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023 showcases some of the finest eateries and chefs operating in Asia today. With establishments from Thailand, Japan, Singapore and beyond taking spots in the top 50, there’s much to celebrate for foodies across the continent.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
