The Chairman Claims Top Spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
The 14th edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards has officially crowned Hong Kong’s Cantonese powerhouse, The Chairman, as the best restaurant in Asia. The ceremony, held on March 25, 2026, at the Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong, highlighted a significant shift in regional dominance, with Hong Kong and mainland China securing several of the highest honors.
Chef-owner Danny Yip attributed the success to the loyalty and dedication of his team, noting that 60 to 70 percent of the staff have been with the 17-year-old establishment for at least a decade. The victory cements The Chairman’s position as a leader in Cantonese fine dining on the global stage.
Top 5 Rankings: A Diverse Culinary Landscape
The top of the list reflects a blend of traditional influences and progressive techniques across Asia’s major culinary hubs. Hong Kong secured a dominant lead by taking both the first and second positions.
- 1. The Chairman (Hong Kong): The top-ranked restaurant, celebrated for its commitment to Cantonese excellence.
- 2. Wing (Hong Kong): A modern Cantonese fine-dining destination that takes the runner-up spot.
- 3. Gaggan (Bangkok): The progressive Indian venue continues its streak of excellence at number three.
- 4. Mingles (Seoul): Representing South Korea, this modern Korean restaurant claims the fourth position.
- 5. Nusara (Bangkok): Completing the top five, this Thai establishment showcases the strength of Bangkok’s dining scene.
Regional Trends and Standout Performers
The 2026 list reveals a powerful surge from mainland China and Macau, which together account for six of the top 10 restaurants. Notable entries include Shanghai’s Meet the Bund (No 6), Macau’s Chef Tam’s Seasons (No 7), and Shanghai’s Ling Long (No 9).
Singapore continues to be a major player with six restaurants making the list. Odette remains Singapore’s top-ranked establishment, placing at number 19. Other Singaporean venues appearing in the rankings include Seroja (No 20), Born (No 23), Les Amis (No 38), Labyrinth (No 40), and Nae:Um (No 45).
Special Awards and Individual Honors
Beyond the rankings, the awards recognized individuals and venues that have pushed the boundaries of hospitality and sustainability:
- Asia Champions of Change: Peggy Chan, executive director of the Hong Kong-based non-profit Zero Foodprint Asia, won this inaugural award for her commitment to sustainable food systems.
- Asia’s Best Sommelier: Lesley Liu of Odette in Singapore received this honor for her expertise in wine pairing and service.
- Highest New Entry: Hangzhou’s Ru Yuan debuted on the list at number 10, marking the most successful entry for a new venue this year.
- Highest Climber: Beijing’s Lamdre jumped 33 spots from the previous year to land at number 17.
- The Art of Hospitality Award: This honor was awarded to Den in Tokyo.
Key Takeaways: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
| Category | Winner/Detail |
|---|---|
| Asia’s Best Restaurant | The Chairman (Hong Kong) |
| Top Singapore Restaurant | Odette (No 19) |
| Highest New Entry | Ru Yuan (Hangzhou) |
| Highest Climber | Lamdre (Beijing) |
| Best Sommelier | Lesley Liu (Odette) |
| Champions of Change | Peggy Chan (Zero Foodprint Asia) |
As the culinary landscape in Asia evolves, the 2026 rankings underscore a growing preference for regional authenticity blended with modern innovation. With mainland China’s rising influence and Hong Kong’s continued leadership, the region’s gastronomic profile is becoming increasingly diverse and competitive.
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