-KH News Desk(cbedit@imaws.org)
Le Du, a restaurant in Bangkok, was awarded the title of “best restaurant” in Asia at Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants ceremony held in Singapore. Singapore and Thailand both had nine restaurants on the list, while Hong Kong had five. Singapore’s Odette moved up to the sixth place, and Labyrinth won the highest climber award for jumping to No.11. Meanwhile, only five Hong Kong restaurants made the cut, including Caprice, which came in at No.49.
Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, owner and chef of Le Du, expressed his gratitude and disbelief at receiving the award. Tassanakajohn aims to elevate Thai street food with French finesse and uses locally-sourced Thai ingredients. Nusara, his second Bangkok-based restaurant, came in at a third place.
Tokyo’s Sezanne was ranked second, and it led the Japanese capital with seven entries, including Den, last year’s winner, at No.4. In a new category, Della Tang of Shenzen’s Ensue restaurant won the Beronia Asia’s Best Sommelier Award 2023, becoming the first female to do so.
Singapore also had several winners, including Odette, Meta, Zen, and Burnt Ends. Burnt Ends has maintained a constant presence on the list since its debut in 2016 and champions quality Australian produce with an Australia-centric wine list. Labyrinth aims to be more creative with wine pairings for its Asian cuisine.
The ceremony recognized the integral sommelier team for the first time, and Della Tang won the prestigious Best Sommelier award. Tang said winning the award was a recognition for all passionate women striving to excel in the wine industry.
