The fourth annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant awards will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2016 following three successful years in Singapore.
For the past two years, Bangkok restaurants have claimed the No.1 position on the prestigious list: Nahm by expat David Thompson claimed the top position in 2014 and Gaggan Anand’s Gaggan restaurant received top honours on the 2015 list.
Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, H.E. Kobkarn, said that Thailand was honoured to be named as the award’s host country for the 2016.
“The support of this event is consistent with the national agenda to promote Thainess, Thai culture, and, in particular, Thai cuisine to the world. It will also strengthen the country’s strong brand image and differentiate us from other countries,” says Kobkarn.
“Moreover, it will prominently feature and position Thailand as a multi- faceted fine dining destination where visitors are treated to an unimaginable array of cuisine options prepared by renowned chefs and backed by our warm Thai hospitality.”
William Drew, Group Editor of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, says that Thailand represents the “ideal country” to host the 2016 event.
“Thailand has long been recognised for its rich culinary history and traditional street food culture. In recent years, the country’s vibrant restaurant scene has matured, welcoming world-class establishments serving a variety of international cuisines. Thailand is fast establishing itself as one of Asia’s key gastronomic hubs, making it the ideal country to host the 2016 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.”
2015 saw a number of Australian chefs and restaurateurs star on the list.
While it didn’t retain its top position, David Thompson’s Nahm secured a place in the top ten by claiming the seventh position.
Australian chef Tetsuya Wakuda made the honours list by claiming the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award, and his Singapore restaurant Waku Ghin came in at number nine on this year’s list.
Other Australian chefs to make the list include Dave Pynt whose his restaurant Burnt Ends came in at number 30, Ryan Clift’s Singapore restaurant Tippling Club at 36, and Dylan Robert’s Bo.Lan which came in at 37.
