The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and the Rise of Thai Gastronomy

On 19th June (Turin Time), the highly esteemed list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants unveiled its eagerly awaited rankings, heralding Maido, a culinary jewel nestled in the heart of Lima, Peru, as this year's number one restaurant. The year 2025 isn't just the pinnacle year for Maido; it also heralds a remarkable resurgence for Thailand's culinary scene.

Maido has proudly claimed its spot on this illustrious list since 2014, and it was first ranked at number 44. The mastermind behind this gastronomic treasure is Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, affectionately known as Chef Micha. His family's rich heritage took root in 1889 when his Japanese ancestors made their way to Peru, which subsequently became the vibrant backdrop for Chef Micha's own culinary journey in Lima. His ardour for the culinary arts led him to complete a rigorous culinary program in the United States before embarking on a transformative experience in Osaka, where he refined his expertise in the intricate nuances of Japanese cuisine.

In 2009, Chef Micha opened Maido, a restaurant that beautifully marries the intricate techniques of Japanese cooking with the vibrant, diverse ingredients that Peru has to offer. This innovative fusion creates a unique culinary style known as Nikkei cuisine. Over the past 15 years, the menu at Maido has been a dynamic reflection of seasonal changes, yet its core philosophy has remained unwavering: an unrelenting commitment to showcasing the finest local ingredients, meticulously sourced to curate an unforgettable dining experience that honours the rich essence of both cultures.

Receiving the prestigious title of best restaurant this year is a testament to Chef Micha's relentless dedication, artistic flair, and innovative flavours that define each meticulously crafted dish. This accolade not only acknowledges the tremendous effort that goes into creating an exceptional dining atmosphere but also celebrates the passion and creativity that Chef Micha infuses into his culinary creations, ensuring that each guest embarks on a memorable gastronomic journey.

While Asia consistently showcases its culinary prowess, with numerous entries making waves on the global stage, Thailand—renowned for its exuberant food culture and complex flavours—has historically seen fewer establishments recognised in such esteemed circles. However, 2025 marked a watershed moment, as six extraordinary Thai restaurants transcended previous boundaries to earn their rightful place among the world's gastronomic elite. Among them, Chef Pam—Pichaya Soontornyanakij of Potong Restaurant was celebrated as The World's Best Female Chef for 2025. These recognitions highlight Thailand's remarkable contributions to the culinary landscape and firmly place Thai gastronomy in the global spotlight.

In 2012, Thailand made a significant mark on the global culinary scene when Nahm Bangkok, a distinguished Thai restaurant, debuted its place on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, securing the 50th position. This remarkable establishment is helmed by the acclaimed Australian-born Chef David Thompson, who is celebrated for his deep understanding and passion for traditional Thai cuisine. Nahm Bangkok has become renowned not just for its exquisite dishes but also for showcasing the rich and vibrant flavours that define Thailand's culinary heritage.

Since then, The World's 50 Best Restaurants has consistently featured between one to three exceptional dining establishments from Thailand on its esteemed list. The announcement for 2025 highlights a significant evolution in Thailand's culinary scene, showcasing the country's remarkable growth and innovation in gastronomy. This development reflects a vibrant tapestry of flavours, techniques, and cultural influences, marking Thailand as a formidable player in the global culinary landscape.

At the helm of Team Thailand is Chef Gaggan Anan, whose restaurant has been crowned the number one establishment on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list this year. Gaggan, the restaurant, with its innovative and vibrant culinary creations, has secured the impressive sixth spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. This recognition makes it the highest-ranked restaurant in Asia for this year. Chef Gaggan's approach is a vivid reflection of his personality, filled with colours, flavours and music that gives diners a one-of-a-kind experience. His fearless and unapologetic nature drives him to continually push the boundaries of gastronomic artistry, making dining an exhilarating experience that captivates the senses.

Following Gaggan, the esteemed restaurant ranked number 13 on the list, and this year's highest new entry, Restaurant Potong, emerges as a culinary gem, illuminated by the exceptional talents of Chef Pam. Honoured with an individual award as this year's best female chef, Chef Pam artfully blends her Thai, Chinese, and Australian heritage, crafting an exquisite tapestry of flavours that pays homage to her diverse cultural roots. Each dish is not just a meal but a narrative, intricately composed to showcase the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering passion that have become the defining hallmarks of her kitchen. Diners are invited on a gastronomic journey where every bite reveals a story, bursting with vibrant colours and enchanting aromas that linger in the memory long after the last course.

Chef Ice—Supaksorn Jongsiri has propelled Sorn to the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list multiple times. This year, the culinary treasure has achieved an impressive ranking of 17, highlighting its remarkable cuisine and innovative take on southern Thai dining. Under Chef Ice's skilled leadership, Sorn continues to enchant food lovers with its complex flavours, drawing inspiration from his rich experiences with diverse southern Thai cultures to create a truly unique culinary experience.

Sühring, a distinguished entrant on this year's prestigious World's list at position 22, is another regular of The World's 50 Best. Twin brothers Mathias and Thomas Sühring artfully blend a rich tapestry of flavours, techniques, and culinary experiences drawn from their roots in Germany, alongside influences from the Netherlands, Italy, and Thailand, all within a stylish and contemporary setting. The outcome is a refined yet occasionally whimsical seasonal haute cuisine menu that proudly showcases a robust German identity, inviting diners to embark on a remarkable gastronomic journey.

One of the most accomplished chefs in the culinary world, Chef Ton—Thitid Tassanakajohn has achieved remarkable recognition with his two outstanding restaurants, Le Du and Nusara, which proudly hold the prestigious 30th and 35th positions on the esteemed list. His innovative approach to Thai cuisine and commitment to quality have earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.

The increasing number of restaurants featured on this list highlights the remarkable emergence of talented Thai chefs and the vibrant culinary landscape of Thailand. This surge not only showcases the nation's rich flavours and innovative dishes but also reflects a deep appreciation for diverse cuisines and cooking techniques blended with contemporary twists.

The full list and other individual awards are available here.

This year promises to be exciting for cocktail enthusiasts as two highly anticipated lists will be unveiled. On 15 July 2025, the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list will be revealed during a glamorous event at the stunning Wynn Palace in Macau, showcasing the region's vibrant cocktail culture and innovative mixologists. Following closely, The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 list will be announced in the vibrant city of Hong Kong on 8 October 2025. Both events are set to celebrate the finest establishments in the global bar scene, showcasing innovation and creativity in mixology.