Singapore takes nine spots on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 list

The local gastronomy scene was abuzz with excitement last night, as the winners for the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017 award ceremony were announced. Topping the annual list for the third time was Gaggan, a progressive Indian restaurant in Bangkok. Singapore’s Restaurant André came in second, moving up one spot from third place last year. It was also declared the best restaurant in Singapore.

Two other homegrown eateries also impressed with their rankings: French restaurant Odette — which debuted on the list at ninth place and received the Highest New Entry Award — and barbecue joint Burnt Ends in 10th place. The latter climbed four spots from last year’s ranking, and its chef Dave Pynt was accorded the Chefs’ Choice Award.

The other local winners were Les Amis (16), Waku Ghin (20), Corner House (23), Tippling Club (27), Jaan (42) and Shinji by Kanesaka (44). Fine dining establishment Iggy’s and modern Singaporean eatery Wild Rocket, which placed 36 and 38 respectively last year, were unfortunately not included in the 2017 list.

During the award ceremony, which was held at Bangkok’s W Hotel, Kazutoshi Narita of Esquisse in Tokyo was named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, while Umberto Bombana of Italian restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong took home the The Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award. The title of Asia’s Best Female Chef went to May Chow of Little Bao, a modern Chinese diner in Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Singapore ties with Thailand, Japan and China with nine winners. The full list of restaurants can be viewed here. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is an annual guide that recognises exceptional eateries around Asia, and is decided based on the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a group of “over 300 leaders in the restaurant industry across Asia, each selected for their expert opinion of Asia’s restaurant scene”.

(All photos: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2017, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.)