For three days in the dynamic host city of Seoul, the culinary giants of Asia came together to celebrate teamwork, community and connection through food. Japan dominated the top 10 with wins for Sezanne (1), Floriage (2), Den (8) and La Cime (9). Hong Kong followed close behind with wins for Wing at No. 5 and The Chairman at No. 4Thailand secured positions 3 (Gaggan), 6 (Nusara) and 7 (Suhring). Singapore’s Odette kept the city state in the top 10 by coming in at No. 10.
Last year’s American Express ‘One to Watch’, August from Jakarta, created history by becoming the first restaurant from Jakarta to break the top 50 (previous winners from Indonesia hailed from Bali) with a majestic climb of 49 places from No. 95 to No. 46. Seroja from Singapore continued its stellar run by entering the top 50 at No. 31 – becoming this year’s highest new entry. This year’s American Express ‘One to Watch’ award went to Lamdre of China.
50 Best Restaurants isn’t just about awards though. Multiple events under the Signature Series bring together chefs from the shortlisted restaurants and creates a platform for and encourages collaboration, and the creation and cultivation of friendships. The energy from the chefs and the cross teams in kitchens was exciting and memorable. With the 50 Best family including bars, there were collaborations between the trend setting bars of Seoul and restaurants too as seen with the Potong x Soko x Opium event.
Call it a family reunion – 3 days isn’t all that long a duration but considering the after parties, the shared laughter, camaraderie, and thought provoking conversations – the seeds for special friendships are planted. The opportunity to listen to top chefs as they shared their philosophies was eye-opening as was the welcome dinner with Seon Buddhist Nun Jeong Kwan and Korean Chef Jungsik. No one will forget the smiling and serene presence of the Nun Jeong Kwan announcing the start of the meal and her request to all to be mindful of what they would be consuming.
The 50 Best Talks this year centred on the theme ‘Food of the People’. Rural recipe collector Ha Mi-hyun, author and CEO of Spoken Company took the audience through her process of archiving foods from across Korea whilst Chefs Johanne Siy, Peter Cuong Franklin and Richie Lin demonstrated the fermentation process practised in their respective countries. Jishnu AJ and Niyati Rao presented fermentation in the form of a cocktail whilst Korean Chef Do-yun Kim gave all a sample of his delicious cold noodles.
50 Best also gives attendees the opportunity to explore Seoul – the 16th largest city in the world – Diverse, dynamic, sophisticated, and offering cuisine that is to be shared and explored. Until the next edition, thank you for your warm hospitality Seoul, capital city of the Land of the Morning Calm.