Credit: 50 Best
Penang’s fine dining scene has reached a new milestone as Au Jardin makes its debut on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. Ranking at No.39, it also earns the title of Best Restaurant in Malaysia. The French-inspired restaurant, led by chef-proprietor Kim Hock Su, also marks Penang’s first-ever entry into the prestigious 1-50 ranking — a significant moment for the country’s culinary landscape.
Set within the tropical surrounds of Penang, Au Jardin has gained acclaim for its refined yet locally rooted approach to modern European cuisine. Its entry into the list signals growing international recognition for Malaysia’s fine dining scene, particularly beyond the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Culinary Accolades
Kim Hock Su.
At the top of this year’s rankings, Hong Kong’s The Chairman reclaims the No.1 spot as The Best Restaurant in Asia, rising from No.2 in 2025. Known for its dedication to preserving rare Cantonese ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, the restaurant previously held the शीर्ष position in 2021. Hong Kong continues its strong showing with five additional restaurants on the list, including Wing (No.2) and Neighborhood (No.24).
Au Jardin’s Hay Aged Duck.
Across the region, Bangkok leads with nine restaurants on the list, followed by Tokyo with seven entries. Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore each secure six spots, underscoring their continued dominance as Asia’s key culinary capitals. Notable highlights include Bangkok’s Gaggan (No.3), which retains its title as The Best Restaurant in Thailand, and Seoul’s Mingles (No.4), once again named The Best Restaurant in South Korea.
Regional Recognition
Au Jardin’s Magnum Sorbet.
This year’s ranking spans 17 cities, with Penang, Ubud and Kasauli appearing in the 1-50 list for the first time. The inclusion of these destinations reflects a broader shift towards more diverse and regionally expressive dining experiences across Asia.
Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo also maintain strong representation, with standout restaurants such as Odette (No.19), Meet the Bund (No.6) and Sézanne (No.16) continuing to impress voters. The list features eight new entries and four re-entries, highlighting the dynamism of Asia’s evolving restaurant scene.
The restaurant has put Penang on the culinary map.
Voted by a panel of more than 350 industry experts, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list remains one of the region’s most influential culinary benchmarks. For Malaysia, Au Jardin’s debut not only places Penang firmly on the fine dining map, but also signals a new chapter of global recognition for the country’s top-tier restaurants.
Credit: 50 Best
“This year’s ranking brings together a remarkable collection of much-loved restaurants across 17 cities in the region,” said Rikki Tidball, Managing Director – Events, 50 Best. “The commitment to culinary excellence and boundary-pushing gastronomy demonstrated by all of the restaurants on the list is a tribute to the exceptional talent and innovative spirit that define Asia’s vibrant restaurant scene.”
(Photos: Au Jardin)
