Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: The India Winners
The results were announced at a grand ceremony held at the Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong on March 25, 2026. While the top spot was reclaimed by Hong Kong’s The Chairman, the big story for India is the rise of regional Himalayan flavors and the continued dominance of Mumbai’s modern gastronomy.
1. NAAR (Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh) – Rank #30
Making a massive leap from the extended list (#66 in 2025) to the main Top 50, NAAR is the first restaurant from a hill station in India to achieve this global ranking.
- The Chef: Founded by Chef Prateek Sadhu, who previously led Masque.
- The Concept: Located in the serene hills of Kasauli, NAAR (meaning “fire” in Kashmiri) focuses exclusively on Himalayan cuisine.
- The Menu: The restaurant offers a 15-course tasting menu that changes six times a year to reflect the six distinct seasons of the Himalayas. It uses wild, foraged ingredients and traditional fire-cooking techniques.
- Why it’s special: It has turned Himachal Pradesh into a global destination for “culinary tourism,” proving that world-class dining can exist far outside major metro cities.
2. Masque (Mumbai) – Rank #15
Mumbai’s Masque continues its streak as the Best Restaurant in India, climbing from rank #19 last year to #15 in 2026.
- The Chef: Led by Chef Varun Totlani, Masque is housed in a repurposed textile mill in Mahalaxmi.
- Special Award: In addition to its high rank, Masque won the Art of Hospitality Award 2026, marking the first time an Indian brand has ever won this specific title for outstanding service.
- The Food: Known for its innovative 10-course farm-to-table menu that reimagines traditional Indian ingredients—like Kashmiri morels or Goan seaweed—in ultra-modern ways.
Quick Summary: India in Asia’s 50 Best 2026
| Restaurant | Location | 2026 Rank | Key Highlight |
| Masque | Mumbai | #15 | Winner: Art of Hospitality Award 2026 |
| NAAR | Kasauli, HP | #30 | First Himalayan restaurant in the Top 50 |
The “Gaggan” Factor
While they are based in Bangkok, Indian chef Gaggan Anand dominated the top 10 with two entries:
- Gaggan (Bangkok): Ranked #3 in Asia.
- Gaggan at Louis Vuitton (Bangkok): Ranked #8 in Asia.
Official Disclaimer
Disclaimer: bollywoodview.in brings you the latest in lifestyle and global news. These rankings are based on the official list released by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy on March 25, 2026. Reservations for these restaurants often require booking 1–2 months in advance.