Next March, South Korea’s capital city of Seoul will become the hotspot of its continent’s culinary scene as it welcomes the event programme surrounding Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Here’s why it’s the perfect destination, plus what you can look forward to
On Tuesday 26th March 2024, the latest edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and awards will be revealed from a new host destination, marking the first time that the event programme will be hosted in South Korea. A partnership between 50 Best, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Seoul Metropolitan Government will see the city welcome the cream of the Asian culinary crop. Have we gochu-r attention?
Riding a wave of global recognition for Korean gastronomy, with the wonders of hansik (Korean cuisine) spreading to cities as far as New York, the 2024 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will offer an opportunity for the continent’s culinary community to come together and explore Seoul’s delights. From historic palaces and awe-inspiring temples to bustling markets; and from exciting street bites to modern interpretations of the country’s storied food heritage, the city is set to make a splash as a dynamic gastronomic destination.
Bibimbap and kimchi are two of the most popular Korean dishes globally
Seoul’s restaurants and bars have been on the rise in 2023, with chef Anh Sung’s inspired eatery Mosu clinching the No.15 spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 – the highest ranking of any Seoul-based venue in Asia since the iconic Mingles reached No.11 in 2018. Its cocktail scene has also attracted considerable attention, with sustainability-focused bar Zest breaking into the top five of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023.
The city’s – and country’s – culinary influence, however, reaches even further. From São Paulo to Sydney and Hong Kong, increasing numbers of chefs around the globe are finding fresh ways to refocus Korea’s incredible ingredients and traditions through a modern lens. And in 2023, the top-ranked venue in North America at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is quintessentially Korean: New York’s Atomix has been collecting rave reviews and is expanding its concepts in the city, which now include Naro and Seoul Salon.
The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 events programme in Seoul will unfold over several days in late March, kicking off with 50 Best’s gastronomic thought-leadership event, #50BestTalks. Don’t forget to follow and bookmark the 50 Best social channels for the latest announcements about the series of international culinary collaborations branded 50 Best Signature Sessions, which will see talent from across Asia team up with local restaurants for once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic experiences open to the public.
Seoul in South Korea will receive the Asian culinary community in 2024
The awards ceremony on Tuesday 26th March 2024 will also be preceded by the Chefs’ Feast, the biggest gathering of Asia-based culinary talent in one location, when all venues voted into Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 and its associated 51-100 list will be invited to attend an evening of camaraderie and celebration. The awards ceremony itself will provide a glamorous backdrop for the reveal of the 12th annual edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, including the countdown of the best dining experiences in the region as well as the announcement of several special awards.
In 2023, modern Thai restaurant Le Du – based in Bangkok – topped the list for the first time, prompting chef-owner Thitid 'Ton' Tassanakajohn to state that “Asian chefs can stand among the best in the world”. Restaurants from Tokyo (Den, Narisawa), Hong Kong (The Chairman), Singapore (Odette) and Bangkok (the now-closed Gaggan and Nahm) have all previously earned the No.1 spot in the list, but who will win the culinary crown in 2024?
Le Du in Bangkok was crowned The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023
Keep your eyes on the 50 Best social channels for the latest news and announcements surrounding Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 – including the reveal of the 51-100 list in the weeks before the ceremony – and join us in Seoul (virtually or in person) for this celebration of the continent’s rich and diverse culinary cultures.
The 12th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will be announced on 26th March 2024 from Seoul. To stay up to date with the latest news and announcements ahead of the ceremony, browse the website, join the community on Instagram, find us on Facebook, visit us on X, subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for the 50 Best newsletter.
