New names, ahead of the Hong Kong ceremony
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has unveiled its 2026 extended 51–100 list, offering an early glimpse into the region’s most exciting dining destinations ahead of the main awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 25 March.
Voted by a panel of more than 350 industry experts – including chefs, restaurateurs and food writers – the list reflects the evolving tastes and trends shaping Asia’s culinary landscape.
New Cities, Fresh Talent
This year’s ranking spans 27 cities, marking a notable expansion and signalling the growing diversity of Asia’s food scene. Ten cities either debut or return to the list, with Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa and Nishikawa appearing for the very first time.
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Twelve restaurants make their debut, underlining a wave of rising talent. Leading the newcomers is Chef 1996 in Beijing at No.52, the highest new entry on the list.
Other notable additions include Co- in Chengdu (No.69), a small, travel-inspired tasting concept, and Papa’s in Mumbai (No.66), an intimate counter-style restaurant reimagining Indian flavours.
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The Specifics
Seoul emerges as the standout city this year, with seven restaurants featured – more than any other destination. Among them is San (No.54), a new entry that has already garnered significant attention after winning the One To Watch Award.
Elsewhere, Bangkok continues its strong showing with five entries, while Singapore and Hong Kong each secure four spots on the extended list.
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Japan maintains a strong presence, with Tokyo, Kanazawa and Nishikawa all represented. Highlights include Sushi Shunji in Tokyo (No.63), known for its refined Edomae-style sushi, and Kataori in Kanazawa (No.82), which is pushing the boundaries of modern kaiseki. Respiración (No.92) lives up to its name, leaving guests breathless with cuisine created by three life-long chef friends, inspired by Ferran Adrià’s El Bulli.
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Further afield, Dewaya (No.93) in Nishikawa brings renewed attention to traditional ryokan dining, focusing on seasonal mountain ingredients. Fumée in Shenzhen (No.65), is where chef Reina Chen integrates hybrid Chinese-French fusion cuisine around the new concept of ‘glocal’ cuisine, blending global and local influences.
Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan (No.62) records the highest climb, rising 22 places thanks to its continued exploration of indigenous Malaysian ingredients.
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Singapore’s Thevar (No.58) also makes a strong leap, while Bangkok’s Haoma (No.96) returns to the list, reaffirming the Thai capital’s status as a culinary powerhouse. Meanwhile, Taipei’s new entrant Silks House (No.64) is distinguished by Hong Kong chef Max Wo’s refined Cantonese cuisine paired with local produce at Regent Taipei.
Nudging into the (No.100) spot, new entry Celera in Makati City joins Toyo Eatery (No.71) in Manila, with a highly personal and intimate style of contemporary cooking shaped by the chef’s own ideas and influences from Asian flavours.
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What’s Next?
The extended list sets the stage for the highly anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards, set to take place in Hong Kong. The full top 50 ranking will be revealed live, spotlighting the very best of the region’s ever-evolving dining scene.
If this preview is anything to go by, Asia’s gastronomic landscape is not just thriving – it’s expanding in bold and unexpected directions.
Image credit: @restaurantcelera on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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