3 Indian restaurants secure top spots in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List. This is what to expect if you visit them

Foodies rejoice! Three Indian restaurants have secured coveted spots on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Mumbai’s fine dining restaurant Masque ranked at #23, becoming the Best Restaurant in India. New Delhi’s Indian Accent stood at #26. Meanwhile, Avartana at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai secured the #44 position, which was a new entrant to the list in 2023 — even winning the Highest New Entry Award.

While all three Indian restaurants saw a slight dip in their rankings compared to last year, their inclusion on this prestigious list highlights the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape of India. Notably, Indian Chef Gaggan Anand’s restaurant Bangkok continues to impress, securing the coveted #3 spot.

For those planning to visit the entrants from India on the list, here’s a closer look at these culinary gems and what awaits you on your plate:

Masque, Mumbai

 

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Leading the Indian contingent is Masque, a progressive fine-dining establishment helmed by Chef Varun Totlani. Ranked at #23 and now holding the title of Best Restaurant in India, Masque offers a ten-course tasting menu showcasing Chef Totlani’s innovative take on Indian cuisine. Diners can expect playful reinventions of classics like his reimagined “makkai mathri” (corn and hemp seed crisps) served with a medley of chutneys and charred corn.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, creative Ayurvedic-inspired cocktails, and even the option for guests to personalise their gin. Be prepared for a luxurious experience, with tasting menus starting from INR 4,583.

Indian Accent, New Delhi

 

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A mainstay on Asia’s 50 Best list, Indian Accent in New Delhi takes the #26 spot this year. Established in 2009 by the celebrated Chef Manish Mehrotra, Indian Accent is known for its inventive and modern interpretations of Indian flavours.

Housed within The Lodhi Hotel’s elegant setting, the restaurant offers a tasting menu (starting from INR 4,167) as the best way to experience Chef Mehrotra’s culinary prowess.

Expect a symphony of textures and tastes, from unusual breads alongside traditional options to artfully crafted cornets filled with unique spiced fillings and showstopping mains like tamarind crab with coconut curry. Food enthusiasts in New York can also experience Chef Mehrotra’s artistry at the restaurant’s outpost there.

Avartana, Chennai

 

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Making its second appearance on the list is Avartana, a restaurant nestled within the opulent ITC Grand Chola Hotel in Chennai. Chef Ajit Bangera leads the culinary team at Avartana, crafting a modern homage to South Indian cuisine.

Diners can choose from a variety of set tasting menus (starting from INR 2,916) featuring an array of vegetarian options and ranging from seven to thirteen courses. Each tasting menu presents a delightful procession of small bites, showcasing innovative techniques like molecular gastronomy alongside playful touches – think a miniature hammer to crack open a panna cotta “egg” nestled in a bird’s nest!

The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is a unique platform where over 300 anonymous industry experts across the region cast their votes. There’s no single definition of “best,” allowing establishments like street food stalls or fine-dining restaurants to compete on equal footing. The list, published by the UK-based William Reed Ltd in 2013, serves as a valuable guide for adventurous gourmands seeking exceptional culinary experiences across Asia.

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