Bangkok’s Le Du Crowned Best Restaurant in Asia

Rankings are subjective, but the 50 Best organisation’s latest list of premier establishments in Asia is sure to raise some eyebrows. With over 300 gourmands weighing in on the matter, the list features some old favourites alongside 15 new entrants.

Le Du: Bangkok’s newest star

Topping the list is Le Du, a modern Thai restaurant in Bangkok. With dishes such as marinated squid with fermented tofu and raspberry rice crackers and grilled river prawns with deep-fried egg and black organic rice, prepared by chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, it’s no wonder the restaurant has captured the hearts and taste buds of the judges. Le Du climbed up the ranks from number 4 last year to secure the top spot for 2021.

Bangkok Dominates The List

Bangkok dominated the list, with nine restaurants featured, including Nusara at number 3, Gaggan Anand at number 5, and two restaurants from Tassanakajohn himself. Speaking at a press conference, the chef acknowledged that some people may question having two restaurants on the list, but he stated that it was his way of showcasing Thai cuisine to the world.

Making a Mark

Sezanne

Tokyo also had a strong showing, with two restaurants in the top five: Sézanne at number 2 and Den at number 4. Den had held the top spot in 2020 but was displaced by Le Du this year.

A return to normalcy

William Drew, the director of content at 50 Best, noted that the 2021 list is almost a return to normal after pandemic-induced changes to the rankings in recent years. This year’s voting system, however, was slightly different compared to previous years. Judges were asked to rank six restaurants in their home country and two from the rest of Asia, instead of the previous format of ranking 10 spots in total with a minimum of four outside one’s own country.

Newcomers to the list

Additionally, the pandemic’s impact on the restaurant industry, 15 new restaurants made their way onto the list. Among them were Singapore’s Euphoria at number 25 and Chennai’s Avartana at number 30. It’s clear that even in the face of adversity, culinary creativity and excellence continue to thrive in Asia.

Here are the 50 best restaurants in Asia, according to 50 Best:

View the full list of Asia’s 50 Best