As Hong Kong prepares to take center stage as the host city for the 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, the culinary world received an appetizer this week with the unveiling of the extended 51-100 ranking. Released on March 12, the list showcases a record-breaking geographic reach, featuring 27 cities and several debut appearances from emerging food destinations. The announcement serves as a precursor to the live awards gala occurring in the heart of Hong Kong on March 25, where the region’s top 50 eateries will be crowned.
Local Excellence: Hong Kong’s Extended Standouts
While the city awaits the final top 50 results, four illustrious Hong Kong establishments have already secured their positions in the secondary tier. These rankings reflect the territory’s unique ability to blend global techniques with local sensibilities:
- Ta Vie (No. 68): Led by Chef Hideaki Sato, this venue continues to garner acclaim for its sophisticated fusion of Japanese ingredients and French culinary discipline.
- VEA (No. 70): Chef Vicky Cheng’s signature “Chinese x French” philosophy remains a cornerstone of the city’s high-end dining scene.
- Andō (No. 88): Chef Agustin Balbi’s innovative narrative, which bridges his Argentine heritage with Spanish and Japanese influences, remains a critic favorite.
- Amber (No. 90): Making a celebrated return to the list, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s flagship restaurant was recognized for its ingredient-driven contemporary French cuisine.
Richard Ekkebus, Culinary Director at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, expressed that the recognition serves as a vital affirmation of his team’s commitment to culinary excellence.
A Growing Regional Footprint
The 2026 extended list is the most diverse in the organization’s history, welcoming four cities to the rankings for the first time: Busan, Chengdu, Kanazawa, and Nishikawa. South Korea’s capital, Seoul, emerged as a dominant force with seven total entries, including the recipient of the “One To Watch” award, San (No. 54).
Mainland China continues its upward trajectory with Beijing’s Chef 1996 debuting at No. 52, while Chengdu made its inaugural appearance via Co- at No. 69. Notably, the biggest mover on the list was Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan, which surged 22 spots to land at No. 62, signaling a strengthening fine-dining circuit in Southeast Asia.
Anticipation for the Top 50
With the host city status comes heightened expectations for Hong Kong’s heavyweights. Following the success of previous years, the industry is closely watching local icons like The Chairman and Wing. Having secured the No. 2 and No. 3 spots respectively in the 2025 rankings, the question remains whether these powerhouses can maintain their momentum or perhaps clinch the coveted top spot on home soil.
The reveal of the 51-100 list underscores the intensifying competition across Asia, highlighting that the gap between established culinary hubs and emerging markets is narrowing. As international chefs and critics descend upon Hong Kong for the March 25 ceremony, the city confirms its status as an indispensable pillar of the global gastronomic landscape.
