An eatery in the Thai capital won the top spot at the 2023 “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants” awards, which were handed out at a ceremony in Singapore Tuesday night.
Winning restaurant Le Du, led by owner and Thai chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, is a modern Thai-inspired eatery that offers a four- or six-course tasting menu focused on seasonal Thai ingredients. Number four on last year’s list, it rose three spots to take the 2023 crown.
It was a great night for chef Thitid. Not only did his restaurant Le Du win the top spot, but his Bangkok restaurant Nusara, serving what he calls “colorful cuisine” that is “neither traditional nor modern” landed just two places behind it, earning the number three place on the list.
“I’m so honored that I’m standing among the (best) chefs in Asia in this room and this is more than a dream come true,” said Thitid from the stage while accepting his trophy.
“50 Best is something very special to my heart and not just because of the ranking but because of everyone in this room. That is the most important thing. I’m so lucky to be included in this family with you all, with all my chef friends, my brothers and sisters.”
Tokyo restaurant Sezanne, famed for its regionally inspired French cuisine, came in second on the 2023 list. Last year’s first place winner, fellow Tokyo eatery Den, fell to the number four spot this year.
Rounding out the top five was Bangkok-based Gaggan Anand, run by the legendary Kolkata-born chef of the same name.
