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Food enthusiasts and globe trotting gourmands always look forward to the most anticipated culinary announcements of the year. Ahead of its spectacular live awards ceremony in Hong Kong, Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, has just unveiled its prestigious 51 to 100 extended list for this year. This elite ranking is meticulously curated and voted on by the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an esteemed panel comprising over 350 influential industry leaders from across the region, including top tier restaurateurs, celebrated chefs, expert culinary professionals, and discerning food writers and critics. The results are incredibly exciting for anyone who loves Indian cuisine. India is experiencing a massive culinary renaissance, with chefs boldly reimagining traditional flavours, embracing sustainability, and introducing global techniques to local ingredients. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on four exceptional establishments located across Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
Farmlore: A Masterclass In Sustainable Dining (No. 83)
Nestled in the bustling tech hub of Bengaluru, Farmlore secures the 83rd spot on the list, and it is easy to see why it has captured the attention of culinary experts. There are a lot of farm-to-table restaurants in the world, but Farmlore stands apart with its truly immersive experience on an actual working farm. The brainchild of chef Johnson Ebenezer and entrepreneur Kaushik Raju is passionately driven by seasonality, sustainability, and the finest local produce. This highly exclusive restaurant only seats 18 people at a time, ensuring a deeply personal dining journey. Guests are treated to an architectural delight, as the dining room features large floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views of lush greenery: banana and bay trees, and swathes of lemongrass, which was planted to ward off mosquitos. The commitment to fresh produce is unmatched, with the menu proudly showcasing hyper-local ingredients like jackfruit, mulberry, and coconut, as well as an impressive five varieties of mango.
Image credit: Farmlore
Inja: Where Two Culinary Worlds Collide (No. 75)
Moving to the vibrant capital, New Delhi, we find Inja sitting proudly at number 75. Inja is a masterclass in culinary innovation, brilliantly blending the rich traditions of India and Japan in its whole concept. This cultural synthesis is evident everywhere, from the food to the restaurant interior, where minimalist design sits effortlessly alongside vibrant pieces. The unique concept marries the delicate, technique-driven approach of Japanese cooking with the rich, complex flavours of Indian cuisine. The result is an experience that is both refined and approachable. Chef Adwait Anantwar leads the kitchen with incredible vision, presenting standout dishes that perfectly encapsulate this dual heritage, including the shiso leaf tuna and pomelo chaat, and lobster rasam chawanmushi, alongside a meticulously curated tasting menu.
Image credit: Inja
The Table: Mumbai’s Global Flavour Hub (No. 73)
Securing the 73rd position is a beloved Mumbai institution, The Table. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant has long been a favourite for its vibrant energy and consistently outstanding cuisine. With culinary inspiration drawn from all over Asia, the Americas, and Europe, The Table offers an eclectic and extensive selection of global food that caters to a wide variety of tastes. The restaurant presents a dynamic menu of small and large sharing plates, encouraging a convivial and interactive dining atmosphere. Highlights include the famously addictive sweet and sour fried brussels sprouts, yellowfin tuna tataki, pork belly buns, and shrimp dumplings served with a spicy ginger broth. Beyond the exceptional food, the low lighting, cosy seating, and a menu of excellent cocktails make it the ideal spot for celebrating a special occasion, but it is equally suitable for a casual lunch or brunch.
Image credit: The Table
Papa’s: Fine Dining Without the Fuss (No. 66)
Rounding out the Indian representation as a thrilling new entry at number 66 is Papa’s, another brilliant addition to the dynamic food landscape of Mumbai. Dining at Papa’s is an entirely unique proposition; it feels like going to an intimate dinner party at chef Hussain Shahzad’s home. The restaurant perfectly embodies the spirit of fine dining without the fuss, turning traditional fine dining on its head. It delivers an experience that is personal, playful, and rule-breaking. Chef Shahzad puts a new-age stamp on Indian cuisine and traditions, reimagining familiar flavours that he grew up with on a tasting menu that surprises and delights. A prime example is the mawa khaja, reimagined as a delicate cronut filled with burnt honey custard and brunost, finished with caviar or a seasonal fruit jam. Papa’s is a celebration of nostalgia filtered through a lens of modern culinary brilliance.
Image credit: Papa's
The 51-100 list is just the beginning of the celebrations as the region prepares for the main event in Hong Kong. If you are curious to see which other incredible establishments across the continent were honoured this year, you can view the whole list by clicking here.
