National Cocktail Day: Where to Find the Best Cocktails in Asia

On Mar. 25, 2025, S.Pellegrino brought the future of gastronomy to the table with an exclusive luncheon at the Michelin-starred Jungsik Seoul, ahead of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy (SPYCA) 2024-25 Grand Finale. 

The event gathered top culinary talent — including young chefs, mentors, and judges — for a multi-course dining experience created by ten renowned chefs, and a lively panel discussion on how Asia is transforming into a global culinary powerhouse.

Now in its sixth edition, SPYCA’s journey began with 15 regional finals held between September 2024 and January 2025. The winners will head to Milan this October to compete for the title of the World’s Best Young Chef.

The luncheon celebrated not only their talent but also the collaborative spirit of the academy. The meal kicked off with multiple rounds of amuse-bouche by six senior chefs who previously served as SPYCA mentors and judges. 

Singapore’s Junior Sous Chef William Yee of Labyrinth, winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, followed with a refined first course. Korea’s Jaeho Kim of Andaz Seoul Gangnam presented a soulful hot starter inspired by his family’s heritage. 

The spotlight then turned to Hong Kong’s Ardy Ferguson, who won the title Asia regional winner for his twist on the Indonesian dishes ‘Nasi Tumpeng’ and ‘Sate Padang,’ with Hong Kong-style duck. Guests at the luncheon were treated to an adaptation of this winning dish, Archipelago Celebration — which pays homage to his Indonesian roots while highlighting Hong Kong’s rich culinary landscape. 

The meal ended on a sweet note with a dessert by host chef and SPYCA Juror alumnus Jungsik Yim.

Reflecting on the young chefs’ creativity, SPYCA Asia Regional Judge Chef Richie Lin noted, “It won’t be long before they rise as global ambassadors of Asian cuisine.”

For more information on the grand finale, visit SPYCA on their official website, or Instagram and Facebook. 

All is fair in love and fine dining. Asia’s Top 50 Best Restaurants 2025 has finally been revealed, and Bangkok’s Gaggan reigns supreme in the region. 

Sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, the prestigious ceremony was held in collaboration with host destination partners Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government for the second consecutive year. The esteemed ranking showcases remarkable dining establishments from 16 cities across the region and is curated from votes by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy made up of food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and regional culinary experts.  

Chef Gaggan Anand’s eponymous restaurant in Bangkok rose two spots from last year, now claiming the top position as The Best Restaurant in Asia. 

After multiple iterations of his Bangkok restaurant, the celebrated chef unveiled a reimagined version of his culinary concept in a new location in late 2019. Four years later, the restaurant returned to the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and has steadily risen to the top, reaffirming Chef Gaggan’s reputation for creative excellence and boundary-pushing gastronomy. 

Gaggan features a blend of progressive Indian cuisine with influences from Japan, France, and Thailand. It’s signature 20+ course menu is a masterful interplay of taste, texture and technique, and are presented with immersive, interactive elements that unfold like a theatrical performance enhanced by natural and biodynamic wine pairings, pyrotechnics, and even a playlist. Chef Gaggan’s 14-seat counter overlooks an open kitchen, which places guests at the heart of the creative process, ultimately transforming communal dining into an unforgettable experience.

Bangkok and Tokyo lead the list with nine entries. Gaggan (No.1) is followed by Nusura, which retains its position at No. 6 as Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn pays homage to his heritage by putting a creative spin on ancient family recipes. Meanwhile, Potong ranks at No. 13 with its progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine from Chef-Owner Pichaya ‘Pam’ Soontornyanakij — winner of Asia’s Best Female Chef Award in 2024. 

Other notable entries from Bangkok are Sorn (No.16), Le Du (No. 20), and newbie Gaggan at Louis Vuitton (No. 31), which is a collaboration between Chef Gaggan’s creativity and the luxury high fashion brand. The restaurant’s Pastry Chef Dej Kewkacha was also awarded Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by Valrhona, for his exquisite modern twist on classic desserts. There’s also Baan Tepa at No. 44 with Chef Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam earning the title Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025. Lastly, educational restaurant Samrub Samrub Thai rounds up the list at No. 47.

Hong Kong takes seven spots this year, led by The Chairman at No. 2, which continues to redefine contemporary Cantonese cuisine. It’s followed by Wing at No. 3, with Chef-Owner Vicky Cheng securing the peer-voted Inedit Damm Chefs' Choice Award. 

Also standing for Hong Kong is Caprice (No. 18) which rose fourteen spots, while the Neighborhood ranks at No. 21. Mono secures a spot at No. 24 and Estro debuts at No. 32 where Naples-born Chef Antimo Maria Merone breathes new life into classic Neapolitan cuisine with a diverse wine cellar stocked with Italian selections. Completing the city’s representation on the list is Ando (No. 41), which offers a Spanish-Japanese fusion cuisine. 

Singapore also boasts seven entries on the list this year with Odette (No .7) clinching the title as The Best Restaurant in Singapore. The French fine dining by Chef Julien Royer has consistently ranked in the top 10 since 2017. Following closely is Les Amis at No. 28, Labyrinth (No. 37) with its modernized classic Singaporean dishes, Burnt Ends (No. 38), Meta (No. 39), Seroja (No. 40), and Euphoria (No. 48).

A notable rising star on the list is Macau’s Chef Tam's Seasons, which rose a remarkable 40 spots to No. 9 this year, winning the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. The restaurant in Wynn Palace showcases refined Cantonese cuisine with the finest seasonal produce amid opulent surroundings. 

The ceremony also awarded the late Margarita Forés, a celebrated culinary figure from the Philippines, with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award 2025.

“This year’s ranking presents a remarkable tapestry of dining establishments across 16 cities, with seven new entries showcasing the exceptional talent and innovative spirit that define Asia’s culinary landscape,” said William Drew, Director of Content at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. 

“Heartfelt congratulations to all the featured restaurants, particularly Chef Gaggan Anand and his team at Gaggan, who have impressively secured the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia once again. Their commitment to culinary excellence and boundary-pushing gastronomy has firmly established them as a premier dining destination in the region.”

To see the complete list and individual awardees, click here.

Follow The World's 50 Best Restaurants on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates. 

Starbucks and Peanuts are joining hands for a feel-good collaboration that celebrates kindness, coffee, and community. Starting Mar. 27, 2025, Starbucks stores across the Asia-Pacific will roll out an exclusive collection, featuring Peanuts gang and a new Snoopy persona, Joe Kind Snoopy. These special-edition drinks and adorable merchandise are available exclusively at Starbucks.

On the menu are three Peanuts-inspired beverages, each topped with a Joe Kind Snoopy chocolate. Sip on the Joe Kind Snoopy Chocolate and Caramel Oatmilk Frappuccino® Blended Beverage, a soothing blend of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, or opt for the Joe Kind Snoopy Chocolate and Caramel Oatmilk Latte and Iced Chocolate and Caramel Latte, both drizzled with rich caramel and chocolate over a smooth espresso base — perfect for sharing with a friend.

The limited-edition merchandise line is just as charming, highlighting affectionate moments between the Peanuts gang and Joe Kind Snoopy in the form of reusable cups, tumblers, ceramic mugs, and tote bags adorned with Snoopy, Woodstock, and uplifting messages that inspire small acts of kindness. For a personal touch, customize your own clothing or bags with Starbucks' newly released Peanuts Joe Kind Snoopy Patch Collection.

Timed to coincide with Starbucks’ annual Global Month of Good in April, the collaboration encourages simple gestures that spark joy — whether it’s sharing a coffee or offering a smile. 

Throughout the month, Starbucks partners (employees) will volunteer with local nonprofits, with the company donating 100 meals to local beneficiaries for every volunteer hour spent on hunger relief efforts.

The Peanuts x Starbucks collab is a sweet reminder that kindness never goes out of style. To celebrate this, Starbucks has whipped up a delightful Spotify playlist packed with classic Peanuts tunes and feel-good songs that celebrate togetherness and community. You can dive into the playlist here. 

For more information, visit Starbucks on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

Looking for the best slice? The 50 Top Pizza list has just been revealed, ranking the best pizzerias in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, Tokyo takes the crown as it takes the top two spots on the list!

The ceremony was held last Mar. 10, 2025 at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Tokyo, where The Pizza Bar on 38th took first place for 50 Top Pizza Asia – Pacific 2025. Fun fact: It’s also the smallest pizzeria in the world, with only eight seats, and is led by Daniele Cason, executive chef of the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo. 

Second place was awarded to RistoPizza by Napoli sta ca by Giuseppe Errichiello in the Azabudai Hills Store in Tokyo, and closing the podium was Fiata by Salvatore Fiata from Hong Kong.

Two Southeast Asian cities took fourth and fifth place: Massilia in Bangkok, led by Luca Appino and Michele Fernando, and Crosta in Manila by Ingga S. Cabangon Chua, Thomas Woudwyk, and Yuichi Ito. The Philippine pizzeria shared the spot with Melbourne-based SHOP225 by Lorenzo Tro. 

Singapore and Hong Kong were deemed emerging destinations on the pizza map with ANTO by Master Pizzaiolo Antonio Brancato ranking 13th and was given the Monte Bussan Award, also known as “One to Watch 2025.” Meanwhile, Hong Kong has four pizzerias, making it one of the most represented cities on the list, followed by Bangkok and Manila with three.

Other notable special awards include the Best Fried Food (Il Fritturista – Oleificio Zucchi Award) which was given to Singapore’s Fortuna; the Pizza of the Year (Latteria Sorrentina Award) for Norma not Normal by Massilia in Bangkok; the Best Dessert List (Latteria San Salvatore Award) given to L’OLIVA in Bangkok; and the Best Cocktail List (Sei Bellissimi Award) which was awarded to Hong Kong’s Fiata by Salvatore Fiata. 

The top 13 pizzerias automatically earn a spot among the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World and will be attending the Teatro Mercadante event in Naples on Sept. 8, 2025. You can view the complete list here.

Awarded globally and regionally, the 50 Top Pizza list is like the Michelin Guide of pizzerias. It was founded by a group of Italian journalists in 2017 to celebrate the very best pizzas. In Italy, pizzas are an integral part of social gatherings and is a food beloved by many that requires excellent techniques and skills, as well as enduring patience and dedication to achieve the right consistency of dough and ingredients for the perfect bite. The guide is released annually based on “pizza inspectors’” assessment.

2025’s highly followed awards ceremony was broadcast live on the network’s social media channels and was presented by Imma Romano and welcomed by His Excellency Gianluigi Benedetti, Ambassador of Italy in Japan. The next ceremony will take place on Apr. 10, 2025 in Brazil, which will recognize the best pizzerias of the year in Latin America. 

For updates, stay tuned on their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

It’s the time of the year again. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2025, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will be unveiling the finest dining experiences in the region at the highly anticipated ceremony in Seoul on Mar. 25. 

Ahead of the official countdown and ceremony, a series of exclusive dining events hosted at Seoul’s top restaurants will take place from Mar. 22 to 26. The line-up for the 50 Best Signature Sessions features renowned chefs from across the globe, including both past award winners and rising stars, who will collaborate with some of the capital’s most exquisite restaurants to offer one-time-only dining experiences. 

Some participating restaurants currently ranked on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list include The Chairman (No. 4), Sorn (No. 11), Mingles (No. 13), Baan Tepa (No. 42), Chef Tam's Seasons (No. 49), Born & Bred (No. 64), and Alla Prima (No. 91). Additionally, Boragó which is currently ranked 29th on the World’s Best 50 Restaurants 2024 list is also included in the line-up.  

The exciting sessions will offer special menus that celebrate a dynamic exchange of culinary perspectives, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that define each partnership. 

Reservations for all the experiences will open at 3 PM (Seoul time) on Mar. 6 via Catch Table. This event is a rare opportunity to witness collaborations between international and local talent, so guests are highly encouraged to book early as there is limited seating available.

Here’s the complete line-up of experiences you can look forward to: 

Born & Bred x Chef Tam's Seasons

Date: Mar. 22 (Dinner)

Hosting Restaurant: Born & Bred

Host Chef: Kyung Hwan Min

Featured Restaurant: Chef Tam's Seasons

Featured Chef: Tam Kwok Fung

Evett x Boragó

Date: Mar. 23 (Dinner)

Hosting Restaurant: Evett

Host Chef: Joseph Lidgerwood

Featured Restaurant: Boragó

Featured Chef: Rodolfo Guzmán

Mingles x The Chairman x Sorn x Alla Prima

Date: Mar. 23 (Dinner) 

Hosting Restaurant: Mingles

Host Chef: Mingoo Kang

Featured Restaurant:  The Chairman x Sorn x Alla Prima

Featured Chef: Danny Yip, Kwok Keung Tung, Supaksorn ‘Ice’ Jongsiri, and Kim Jin-hyuk

Soul x Baan Tepa

Date: Mar. 24 (Lunch)

Hosting Restaurant: Soul

Host Chefs: Hee Eun Kim and Daehyun Yoon

Featured Restaurant: Baan Tepa

Featured Chef: Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam

For more information, click here. You can also follow along World’s 50 Best on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates.