SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – Singapore’s culinary scene shone brightly as two of its restaurants made their debut on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, unveiled in Seoul, South Korea.
Lolla, situated in Ann Siang Hill and helmed by 42-year-old chef Johanne Siy, claimed the 43rd spot, adding to its accolades after Siy was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2023.
Meanwhile, the fine-dining establishment Seroja, located on Fraser Street and led by 29-year-old chef Kevin Wong, made a remarkable entry at No 31, earning the title of the highest new entry.
These additions bring Singapore’s total to nine restaurants on the prestigious list, further solidifying its status as a culinary powerhouse. Joining Lolla and Seroja are Les Amis (No 38), Labyrinth (No 30), Meta (No 28), Born (which debuted in 2023 at No 36 and climbed to No 25 in 2024), Euphoria (No 20), Burnt Ends (No 15), and Odette, the highest-ranking Singaporean restaurant at No 10.
While Zen and Cloudstreet, both featured on the 2023 Top 50 list, moved to the No 51 to 100 range, Singapore retained its leading position with the most entries on the list.
Bangkok followed closely behind with eight restaurants, while Hong Kong secured six spots, showcasing the diverse and vibrant culinary landscapes across Asia.
Singaporean chef Jimmy Lim of JL Studio in Taichung, Taiwan, did the Republic proud. His three-Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant re-entered the list at No 33. It was No 45 in 2022, but did not make the list in 2023.
Asia’s Best Restaurant was Sezanne in Tokyo, serving French food by British chef Daniel Calvert. Florilege, also in Tokyo, was No 2. In third place was Gaggan Anand in Bangkok.
The ceremony, attended by chefs, restaurateurs and others in the industry, was held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam.
The annual awards is organised by British media company William Reed. The list tabulates votes from 318 food writers and critics, chefs and restaurateurs.
In 2024, panellists could vote for a total of 10 restaurants, including up to seven from their home country, with no obligation to fill in the international votes.
Seroja’s chef Wong, whose restaurant serves food inspired by the Malay Archipelago, says of his debut on the list: “I am extremely grateful for the support and so happy that our humble young restaurant, serving Malay Archipelago cuisine, is recognised to be among the top restaurants in Asia.
“It gives us the motivation to continue cooking our hearts out.”
The restaurant, which opened in 2022, garnered one Michelin star in 2023 and was awarded Singapore’s first green star, given to restaurants that practise sustainability seriously.
On one-Michelin-starred Born’s leap from No 36 to No 25, chef Zor Tan, 36, says: “We are beyond delighted to have achieved outstanding results this year, surpassing our performance the previous year. Our team’s hard work and dedication have truly paid off and we look forward to continuing this upward trajectory.”
Chef Julien Royer, 42, of three-Michelin-starred Odette at National Gallery Singapore, marks the restaurant’s eighth year on the list. It opened in 2015.
He says: “We’re immensely grateful to be recognised by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for the eighth consecutive year, alongside some of the finest restaurants in Asia.
“This would not have been possible without my amazing team, who inspires me daily; and our community, which has continuously supported us from Day 1. At Odette, our dedication drives us to continuously push our boundaries, always striving to improve each day, all in pursuit of delivering the highest level of hospitality.”
The No 51 to 100 list, released on March 13, included two new Singapore entries – Peach Blossoms at No 74 and Mustard Seed at No 81.
They join six other Singapore restaurants – Cloudstreet (No 82), Summer Pavilion (No 75), Nae:um (No 73), Thevar (No 72), Zen (No 57) and Jaan by Kirk Westaway (No 53).
