SEOUL, March 25, 2025 — The culinary world turned its attention to the South Korean capital as the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony unfolded, revealing a glittering roster of gastronomic excellence. Hong Kong emerged as a standout performer, placing seven establishments on the prestigious list, with two restaurants claiming top-three honors.
The Chairman Rises to Second Place, Wing Takes Third
The Chairman, the celebrated Cantonese fine-dining destination, climbed two spots from last year to claim the No. 2 position, reaffirming its status as Hong Kong’s finest restaurant. The venue, known for its uncompromising commitment to sourcing from local fishermen and small-scale suppliers, continues to dazzle with signature dishes such as flower crab steamed in chicken oil and Shaoxing wine, charcoal-grilled thick-cut char siu, and camphor wood-smoked black-footed goose.
Close behind at No. 3 sits Wing, helmed by chef Vicky Cheng. The Michelin-starred restaurant not only earned a podium finish but also received the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, voted by fellow chefs across Asia. Cheng’s inventive approach to Chinese cuisine—blending tradition with modern techniques—has won acclaim for dishes like crispy chicken, smoked sugarcane squab, and spicy Alaskan king crab.
Bangkok’s Gaggan Reclaims the Crown
Topping the 2025 list is Gaggan in Bangkok, which returned to the No. 1 spot for the fourth time. The restaurant, which closed, relocated, and reopened in recent years, re-entered the Asia’s 50 Best ranking in 2023 and climbed steadily from third place last year to reclaim its throne.
Hong Kong’s Seven Restaurants on the 2025 List
Beyond the two podium finishers, five more Hong Kong eateries made the cut, showcasing the city’s remarkable culinary diversity:
- Caprice (No. 18) – The three-Michelin-starred French restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel, led by chef Guillaume Galliot, sources ingredients daily from France and offers sweeping harbor views alongside its tasting menus.
- Neighborhood (No. 21) – Tucked away in a SoHo lane, chef David Lai’s seafood-focused spot charms with its understated ambiance and daily-changing menus featuring fresh local catches.
- Mono (No. 24) – Chef Ricardo Chaneton’s Michelin-starred venue brings South American flair to Central, using premium ingredients and house-made sauces to showcase Venezuelan-Latin cuisine.
- Estro (No. 32) – Chef Antimo Maria Merone’s modern Neapolitan concept, a collaboration with the JIA Group, made a dramatic leap from 71st place last year, earning its first spot on the top 50.
- Ando (No. 41) – The one-Michelin-starred restaurant by Argentine chef Agustin Balbi blends Spanish and Japanese influences, with seasonal menus that surprise across multiple senses. Its signature dish, “Sin Lola,” is a homage to the chef’s grandmother.
The Selection Process and Broader Implications
The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of more than 350 influential figures including food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary experts from across the region. This year’s ceremony in Seoul underscored the growing competitiveness of the Asian dining scene, with Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul each contributing multiple entries.
For Hong Kong, the 2025 results reinforce its reputation as a global culinary capital. The city’s mix of traditional Cantonese excellence, creative fusion, and international fine dining continues to attract food lovers worldwide. With seven restaurants on the list—including two in the top three—Hong Kong’s dining scene remains a potent draw for travelers and locals alike.
What’s Next for Hong Kong’s Dining Scene
As the awards spotlight shifts to the next year, food enthusiasts can look forward to exploring these celebrated establishments. Reservations at The Chairman and Wing are notoriously difficult to secure, but the other five Hong Kong restaurants offer equally compelling experiences. For those planning a culinary tour of Asia, the 2025 list provides a definitive roadmap to the continent’s best tables.