The buzz is growing for the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, but it’s not just about the top spots. The extended 51-100 list, which was revealed before the main event, gives us a colorful glimpse of Asia’s exciting food scene, showcasing a ton of new talent and up-and-coming spots. This list isn’t just a ranking; it highlights the diversity in the region and the passionate chefs who are taking culinary creativity to new heights. It’s put together by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a diverse group of over 350 food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary pros.
Restaurants from 23 cities made the list, with 13 of them being brand new. Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul are leading the pack, each claiming six spots, which shows just how strong their food scenes are. But the real stars are the newcomers. Seoul’s Soigné, which started as a pop-up, makes a fantastic debut at No. 57, showing that you can blend innovation with tradition. Bengaluru’s Farmlore, winner of the American Express One To Watch Award, is at No. 68, and it’s all about that pure farm-to-table vibe. Kasauli, a spot that flew under the radar before, is making waves with Naar (No. 66), an experimental, intimate 20-seat restaurant in the Himalayas. And New Delhi’s Inja (No. 87) offers a unique mix of Indian and Japanese flavors that’s worth checking out.
Hong Kong welcomes two exciting additions: Testina (No. 60), bringing the warmth of a Northern Milanese trattoria, and Feuille (No. 93), crafting nature-inspired French cuisine. Mainland China also boasts new entries, with Hangzhou’s Ru Yuan (No. 59) offering a reimagined take on Zhejiang cuisine and Shanghai’s La Bourriche 133 (No. 96) celebrating the bounty of the sea. Tokyo adds to its culinary reputation with Harutaka (No. 76), while Doi Ka Noi in Vientiane (No. 86), Locavore NXT in Ubud (No. 92), Gia in Hanoi (No. 97), and Au Jardin in Penang (No. 100) make their debut as dining destinations, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of their respective regions, prove that culinary excellence can be found in unexpected places.
This 51-100 list is a shoutout to the people who are changing the game in Asian food. It shows that you can find culinary brilliance in the most surprising spots and that some of the best dining experiences are the ones with a story behind them. As we get pumped for the announcement of the top 50, it’s clear that Asia’s food scene is a lively mix of tradition, innovation, and genuine passion. The 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 25 March 2025 in Seoul, thanks to a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. You can catch the announcement and get updates on individual awards through the 50 Best social media channels.
