Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list is out, with India's Ma

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list has officially dropped, and it's bringing some big news for India's culinary scene. Two Indian restaurants have earned a spot on the prestigious list, and what makes it even more exciting is that both have landed comfortably within the top 30.

If you're a true foodie, someone who's always chasing new flavours, bookmarking restaurants, and planning your next meal around a cuisine you've never tried, this one's for you.

Mumbai's Masque shines bright in Asia's top 15

Led by Varun Totlani, Masque is widely regarded as one of India's most innovative restaurants. Known for celebrating the richness of local produce, it crafts a 15-course tasting menu that brings out bold, unexpected flavours using ingredients sourced from across the country, all served in a chic, repurposed textile mill in Mumbai.

Varun Totlani Masque

Since opening in 2016, Masque has steadily built a strong reputation, earning accolades like the One To Watch Award in 2020, a place on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, and the title of Best Restaurant in India year after year.

The menu here offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with a seasonal degustation that features dishes like prickly pear with nagphani and coconut malai, sunchoke with ghassi (a type of curry), and smoked pork with Kashmiri chilli and poha. Standout creations also include a dosa with koji and burnt ghee with saffron and pear toast.

Kasauli's Naar makes it to number 30

NAAR by Chef Prateek Sadhu is set in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh and is deeply rooted in its surroundings. The restaurant focuses on wild ingredients, seasonal produce, and age-old techniques, bringing the essence of the Himalayas to the table through its food, people, and stories.

Chef Prateek Sadhu

This restaurant has seen an impressive rise, moving from the 66th spot last year to breaking into the top 30 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list this year.

The name "NAAR," which means fire in Kashmiri, reflects Chef Sadhu's passion for showcasing Himalayan cuisine. His approach is both playful and respectful, highlighting the region's rich culinary heritage while telling the stories of its land and communities.

The menu here is inspired by six distinct seasons and features the finest ingredients from the region.

Best Restaurants

Who took the top spot this year?

Hong Kong's The Chairman has taken the top spot this year, standing out for keeping its focus firmly on food rather than trends. The restaurant is known for reimagining traditional Cantonese cuisine, creating dishes that feel fresh and modern while still staying true to their roots.

Owned by Danny Yip, The Chairman is also loved for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It draws a diverse crowd, from locals to travellers, who come together to enjoy thoughtfully crafted meals in a space that feels both relaxed and refined.

Danny Yip the Chairman

The top 10 also includes Hong Kong's Wing, Bangkok's Gaggan, Seoul's Mingles, Bangkok's Nusara, Shanghai's Meet the Bund, Macau's Chef Tam's Seasons, Bangkok's Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, Shanghai's Ling Long, and Hangzhou's Ru Yuan.

Since opening in 2016, Masque has steadily built a strong reputation, earning accolades like the One To Watch Award in 2020, a place on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, and the title of Best Restaurant in India year after year.

Putting it in context

For diners, the question that matters is rarely whether somewhere is new, but whether it will still be worth the trip a year from now.

Key takeaways

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list has officially dropped, and it's bringing some big news for India's culinary scene
Led by Varun Totlani, Masque is widely regarded as one of India's most innovative restaurants
Since opening in 2016, Masque has steadily built a strong reputation, earning accolades like the One To Watch Award in 2020, a place on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list
The menu here offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with a seasonal degustation that features dishes like prickly pear with nagphani and coconut malai, sunchoke with ghassi (a type of curry)
NAAR by Chef Prateek Sadhu is set in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh and is deeply rooted in its surroundings

Common questions

What should you know about Best Restaurants?

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list has officially dropped, and it's bringing some big news for India's culinary scene.

Why does it matter?

The name "NAAR," which means fire in Kashmiri, reflects Chef Sadhu's passion for showcasing Himalayan cuisine.

What happens next?