Hong Kong has swept the top of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 as The Chairman was crowned No. 1, followed closely by Wing at No. 2, during the awards ceremony held at the Kerry Hotel last night, Mar. 25, 2026.
The annual ranking, voted by more than 350 industry experts across the region, celebrated standout culinary achievements from 17 cities, with Hong Kong emerging as one of the strongest performers on the list.
Hong Kong Claims No. 1 and No. 2 Spots
Accepting the top honor, "The Chairman" highlighted the people behind its long-running success.
“The average age of my team in The Chairman is 52. We’re very vintage. This is my vintage team. Many of them joined The Chairman 17 years ago, and they’re still here. Thank you,” said Chef-Owner Danny Yip, underscoring the restaurant’s emphasis on longevity and loyalty.
The Cantonese institution reclaimed the title it last held in 2021, rising from No. 2 in the previous ranking.
At the post-ceremony press conference, Chef Yip underscored that respect and team stability are central to his cooking philosophy. “Respect your industry, respect the skill, and respect the ingredients,”he said, reflecting on the lessons he learned while studying in Australia in the 1980s.
He added that consistency in cooking is impossible without loyalty and continuity, noting that frequent staff turnover makes long-term excellence difficult. “Only when we have a very stable team and consistently can we cook every day.” Chef Yip said. "Be good to your team. If you keep changing [your] team, I don't think you can be consistent with your food."
Hong Kong’s strong showing extended well beyond the top two. Also making the Top 50 were ingredient-driven Neighborhood (No. 24), Neapolitan restaurant Estro (No. 32), Four Seasons flagship Caprice (No. 35), and Latin American-inspired Mono (No. 46), bringing the city’s total representation to six restaurants.
Additionally, Chef Peggy Chan, the Founder of Zero Foodprint Asia and Grassroots Pantry, was the first recipient in the history of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants to accept the Champions of Change Award.
Thailand Dominates with Nine Top Ranking Restaurants
Meanwhile, Gaggan in Bangkok, which topped the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, placed No. 3 this year, consequently scoring the Best Restaurant in Thailand title, underlining the continued strength of last year’s winner alongside Hong Kong’s rise to the top.
Thai restaurants dominated the ranking with 9 entries in the 1-50 list and two special award recipients. Renowned Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn's Nusara and Le Du ranked No. 5 and No. 27, whilst Chef Gaggan Anand's Gaggan at Louis Vuitton ranked at No. 8. Sorn (No. 12), Three MICHELIN-starred Sühring (No. 18), Potong (No. 25), Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh (No. 27), and new entry Wana Yook rounded out the list at No. 47.
Joining the celebrations was the announcement of the Chefs' Choice award, based wholly on votes from industry peers, where Chef Ton was crowned the 2026 winner. This year's Sustainable Restaurant Award, named Baan Tepa in Bangkok, ranked No. 53 this year, for its continued leadership in environmentally responsible gastronomy.
A Celebration of Culinary Excellence Across Asia
Six restaurants from Singapore ranked on the list. Chef Julien Royer's Odette grabbed the No. 19 spot and Best Restaurant in Singapore title. Odette's Lesley Liu was also awarded Asia's Best Sommelier. Adding to the list are Seroja (No. 20), Born (No. 23), Les Amis (No. 38), Labyrinth (No. 40), and Nae:Um (No. 45).
Representing Macau, Chef Tam Kwok Fung of the eponymous Chef Tam's Seasons at Wynn Palace Macau accepted the No. 7 ranking and Best Restaurant in Macau title.
Au Jardin in Pengang was the sole Malaysian restaurant to rank in the 1-50 list at No. 39, simultaneously claiming the Best Restaurant in Malaysia title.
The 2026 awards marked the culmination of a week-long program of chef collaborations, industry forums, and dining events held across Hong Kong, reinforcing the city's position as a leading stage for culinary talent. As Asia’s dining scene continues to evolve, this year’s rankings reflect both the endurance of long-established kitchens and the momentum of new culinary voices shaping the region’s future.
Visit the awarding body's official website for both the Top 50 list and the extended list of Best 51-100 restaurants in Asia this year, as well as the Individual Awards. For more updates, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).
