Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Reveals The 51-100 List

29 March 2021

In a historic first, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has announced the 2021 list of restaurants ranked from 51st - 100th. The move is designed to shine a light on a wider array of establishments across the region that will inspire food lovers as they consider their future dining and travel plans.

( The Best Restaurant in Asia - The Chairman - Danny Yip )

William Drew, Director of Content at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, says: “This year we have decided to publish the list of restaurants ranked from 51-100, created from the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process, in order to recognise a greater number of venues than ever before. The global pandemic has been devastating for hospitality and it is vital that we support restaurants across Asia in their recovery. By announcing the 51 - 100 list of restaurants, along with the unranked Essence of Asia collection, we can showcase more of the region’s diverse restaurants, cuisines and unique dining experiences.”

The much-anticipated 2021 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be revealed via an online awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th March, from 4.30pm HK/SG (5.30pm JPN).

The 51-100 list: A Snapshot

• Japan and Thailand each count nine restaurants on the list while Mainland China claims eight entries

• Meta in Singapore, the 2021 recipient of the American Express One To Watch Award, lands at No.60

• The list includes a first-time appearance from the Maldives. The archipelagic state is represented by Aragu, in the Velaa resort on the Noonu Atoll, landing at No.96

• The namesake restaurant of chef Supinya ‘Jay Fai’ Junsuta, the winner of the 2021 Icon Award, appears at No.62.

• South Korea claims four places on the list

• India and the Philippines are both represented by two restaurants

• Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Indonesia each count one restaurant on the list

Mainland China’s emergence

Among Mainland China’s eight entries, five are based in Shanghai. These include Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (No.52), Xin Rong Ji (Nanyang Road) (No.61), Taian Table (No.75), Da Vittorio (No.82) and Yong Fu (South Maoming Road) (No.93).

The remaining three restaurants are dotted throughout China. Award-winning chef Christopher Kostow’s Ensue (No.69) is in Shenzhen, while the flagship Xin Rong Ji (Linhai) (No.76) originated in Taizhou and Jin Sha (No.89) is part of the Four Seasons Hotel in Hangzhou.

Fresh faces, new destinations

Japan counts nine restaurants on the list, including familiar favourites Quintessence (No.53), Il Ristorante Luca Fantin (No.54), Sushi Saito (No.57) and Sugalabo (No.85). At No.51, Tokyo’s Sugita edges closest to the 50 Best list while the Italian-inspired Villa Aida in Wakayama lands at No.64. The iconic five-seater sushi restaurant Tenzushi Kyomachi joins the list at No.71 along with Eté (No.83) and Kyoto’s Cenci (No.91).

In Thailand, two titans of Thai cuisine appear on the list. Chef Prin Polsuk, Nahm’s former Head Chef, is recognised for his private kitchen Samrub for Thai (No.59) while chef Supinya ‘Jay Fai’ Junsuta, the winner of the 2021 Icon Award, has her eponymous Raan Jay Fai restaurant land at No.62. Thailand’s other up-andcomers include French fine-dining institution Le Normandie (No.74), newcomer Baan Tepa (No.79) and Quince (No.97).

( Chef Supinya ‘Jay Fai’ Junsuta, the winner of the 2021 Icon Award )

While followers of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants are familiar with Singapore’s Nouri (No.73), the Lion City welcomes two previously unlisted names. The modern Japanese restaurant Esora appears at No.77 while the Peranakan favourite Candlenut bows at No.94.

Malaysia claims three places on the list, including Kuala Lumpur favourites Dewakan (No.66) and Nadodi (No.99) as well as Gen in Penang (No.92).

Vietnam, a country last seen in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013 list, is represented by Tung Dining in Hanoi at No.98 while in the Philippines voters honour Antonio’s (No.84) and Gallery by Chele (No.90).

( Tung Dining in Hanoi )

( Chef Peter Cuong Franklin - Anan Saigon)

Seoul is home to four progressive restaurants, each one presenting creative versions of Korean cuisine:

TocToc (No.65), Mosu (No.67), Joo Ok (No.72) and Onjium (No.86). Along with Bukhara (No.58), India is represented by Avartana in Chennai at No.81.

The annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony will be broadcast on Thursday, 25th March, from 4.30pm (HK/SG; 5.30pm JPN), to a global audience via Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Facebook, the 50 Best Restaurants TV YouTube channel and Zoom.

How the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is compiled

The annual list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and the corresponding 51-100 list are created from the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of over 300 leaders made up of food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and regional culinary experts, with a 50/50 gender balance. The year’s vote was adjusted to account for restricted travel opportunities, placing a greater focus on local dining experiences.

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and 51-100 lists. For more details on the voting process, visit: https://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/voting/the-voting-system

( Deaille Tam - Best Female Chef )

Essence of Asia

2021 marks the launch of the Essence of Asia collection in parallel to this year’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Unveiled in advance of the awards ceremony, the Essence of Asia collection recognises establishments that represent the spirit of Asian gastronomy. This unranked collection turns the spotlight on restaurants that have had a positive impact on their communities and local cuisine, whether during the recent crisis or over a sustained period. Integral to Asia’s culinary ecosystem, these casual restaurants preserve culinary traditions, honour authentic flavours and provide a vital link to their communities.

( Ngoc Suong Seafood & Bar in Essence of Asia )

( Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan at 49 Bat Dan )

50 Best for Recovery 2021: Opportunity for Change

The 50 Best organisation will reinforce its commitment to supporting and promoting restaurants and bars across the world through its 50 Best for Recovery 2021 programme. This year also brings opportunities for positive change as the sector rebuilds and remodels itself with a greater focus on inclusivity and long-term sustainability. 50 Best will use its global platform to highlight even more great restaurants and bars worldwide – through its 50 Best lists, special awards, unranked collections and content series – as well as showcase individuals shaping the future of gastronomy through its new 50 Next list, which debuts later this year. 50 Best will take the opportunity in 2021 and beyond to amplify diverse voices and positive messages, foster progressive discussion and cross-border collaboration, and encourage greater gastronomic discovery and exploration.