The relationship between food and wine continues to evolve in Southeast Asia, with a growing number of restaurants investing in thoughtful cellar programmes and curated pairing experiences. In Kuala Lumpur, one of the latest venues to gain international recognition is Hokkaido Table at The Exchange TRX, which has received Wine Spectator’s 2026 Award of Excellence.
Presented annually by the influential wine publication, the Restaurant Awards recognise establishments around the world that demonstrate a strong commitment to wine service and curation.
This year, more than 4,000 restaurants were recognised globally across three award categories. For Hokkaido Table, the accolade places the restaurant among an international group of destinations noted for pairing quality wine selections with a cohesive dining concept.
A Wine-Led Approach to Dining
Located within The Exchange TRX, Hokkaido Table brings together Japanese and Italian culinary influences across its restaurant, omakase counter and bar.
The Award of Excellence category recognises restaurants whose wine lists offer a carefully considered selection of producers that complement both the style and pricing of the menu. Rather than rewarding scale alone, the award places emphasis on how effectively a wine programme enhances the overall dining experience.
This has become an increasingly important distinction as diners seek more personalised and educational food and wine experiences, particularly in major Asian cities where interest in wine culture continues to expand.
Beyond The Traditional Wine List
Over the past year, Hokkaido Table has placed greater emphasis on wine-focused events and pairing dinners, reflecting a wider shift within the hospitality industry towards experiential dining.
Among its ongoing initiatives is the Chef’s Table series, which pairs multi-course menus with curated beverage selections. The format allows guests to explore different producers, regions and styles through guided tasting experiences rather than traditional à la carte dining.
The restaurant’s upcoming Scarpa Wine Pairing Dinner continues that approach, spotlighting wines from the historic Piedmont producer alongside a specially developed Japanese-Italian menu.
Kuala Lumpur’s Growing Wine Culture
The recognition also highlights the increasing sophistication of Kuala Lumpur’s dining scene, where restaurants are placing greater importance on wine programmes as part of a broader hospitality offering.
While destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo have traditionally dominated conversations around wine-focused dining in Asia, a growing number of Malaysian venues are earning international attention for their approach to food, wine and service.
For diners, that means greater access to thoughtfully curated experiences that place as much emphasis on what is poured into the glass as what arrives on the plate.
