The Chairman in Hong Kong Reclaims Top Spot in Asia's Best Restaurants List 2026

In an exciting turn of events within the culinary world, The Chairman, a premier Cantonese restaurant located in Hong Kong, has been awarded the prestigious title of The Best Restaurant in Asia for the year 2026. This recognition, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, marks a significant achievement for the restaurant, which had previously held the top spot in 2021. The announcement was made during a live award ceremony organized by the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a notable body comprising over 350 industry experts dedicated to celebrating outstanding dining experiences across Asia.

The Chairman is renowned for its commitment to preserving traditional Cantonese cooking and ingredients, rooted deeply in South China's rich culinary heritage. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around utilizing seasonal produce to create sophisticated regional dishes that honor both the past and contemporary tastes. This philosophy sets The Chairman apart as a trailblazer in the gastronomic scene, making it a favorite among locals and international guests alike.

The 2026 list featured restaurants from 17 different cities across the region, a testament to Asia's vibrant and diverse culinary landscape. Bangkok emerged as the leader with nine entries, while Tokyo followed closely with seven. Notably, the list welcomed three cities for the first time and included eight new restaurants, reflecting the dynamic evolution of dining in Asia. Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore each secured a place for six restaurants on the list.

In addition to The Chairman’s triumph, the awards ceremony highlighted several other talented individuals and establishments within the dining community. For instance, Ru Yuan in Hangzhou was recognized as the Highest New Entry for ranking at No.10, while Lamdre in Beijing received accolades as the Highest Climber, appreciating its remarkable rise to No.17 with a jump of 33 places. Furthermore, Cho Eun-hee from Onjium in Seoul was honored as Asia's Best Female Chef, while Ardika Dwitama from Jakarta's August won the Asia's Best Pastry Chef Award.

Further awards were presented during the evening, including the SevenRooms Icon Award bestowed upon the distinguished chef Zhang Yong, and the Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award given to Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn for his establishments in Bangkok. Lesley Liu from Odette in Singapore took home the Asia's Best Sommelier Award, supported by Vik. Among other noteworthy recognitions, the restaurant Baan Tepa in Bangkok was awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Award, showcasing a commitment to ecological and sustainable practices in the food industry.

Rikki Tidball, Executive Director of Events at 50 Best, congratulated all the establishments featured in this year's list, particularly emphasizing the innovative culinary talents reflected in the rankings. She stated, “The commitment to crossing culinary borders is evident throughout the rankings and is a tribute to the extraordinary skills and creativity that shape Asia's vibrant restaurant scene.”

As the buzz around The Chairman's achievement continues, food enthusiasts and critics alike are eager to witness how this recognition will impact the restaurant’s future and culinary landscape, both in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. The Chairman remains a beacon of exemplary Cantonese cuisine, standing as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the ever-evolving world of gastronomy.