Latest news with #Gaggan
News18
13-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Heritage Hijacked: When Luxury Labels Overlook Our Origins, India Should Walk Away
Step into any global luxury store today—from Paris to Las Vegas to Hawaii—and you are likely to find a quiet but unmistakable presence shaping its future: the discerning Indian consumer. No longer on the periphery, Indians are now at the heart of the luxury equation, driving demand not just with spending power, but with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and prestige. India's influence in the luxury market is more visible than ever—whether it's at the world's only open-air designer shopping mall in Hawaii or the ultra-fine dining experience at Louis Vuitton's Gaggan in Bangkok. The era of the Indian window shopper is a thing of the past. In 2023, India's domestic luxury market stood at roughly $17 billion, with projections to triple by 2030. Yet, when international brands borrow from India's cultural treasure troves without acknowledging their source, the admiration of Indian buyers can turn to indignation—and even boycott.
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi: Why Bangkok is the world's food capital
Which city do you think has the largest number of the world's best restaurants? If you answered London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong or New York, you would be completely wrong. Gaggan Anand's eponymous restaurant came in sixth on the World's 50 Best list of restaurants. The correct answer is Bangkok, which has six of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World according to the organisation that makes these lists every year. The same organisation does a list of the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia, and there too, the number one restaurant was in Bangkok: Our very own Gaggan Anand. Michelin has not been very far behind. Bangkok now has the world's first Thai restaurant with three Michelin stars and a clutch of two-star restaurants, including the excellent Côte by Mauro Colagreco. Michelin has yet to come to India, but the 50 Best Restaurants in the World list does claim to cover India. And last week, when they announced the list, it was a little odd to find that not one restaurant in all of India made it to the list. So Bangkok: 6 vs India: 0. Not fair, is it? Chef Ton runs Nusara and Le Du in Bangkok. Both made it to The World's 50 Best Restaurants list. But that's not the only distinction Bangkok has won in the last few months. The World's 50 Best, the organisation that rates restaurants, also rates the best hotels. And on the current list, the number one, and therefore the best hotel in the world, is the Capella on the Chao Phraya River, another triumph for Bangkok. So, has Bangkok, which most of us know well and regard a reasonably priced holiday destination that is not too far away, suddenly become much more: The food and hospitality capital of the world? It sure as hell looks like it. Let's start with the World's 50 Best Restaurants, because that announcement was the most recent. Though Gaggan Anand has the reigning number one restaurant in Asia, I wondered how he would fare on the more significant international list. The announcement ceremony was in Torino, and just before he left for Italy, Gaggan came over to the brand new Aman where I was staying (I will do a separate piece on how the Aman group created niche super-luxury hospitality later). We spent three hours chatting and I was surprised by his quiet confidence. He knew he would be in the Top Ten, but what intrigued me was how confident he was about Bangkok's prospects. Capella, along the Chao Phraya River, topped the global hotel list. At first, I was a little disbelieving, because all the restaurants he was sure would make it were owned by his friends: Chef Ton who runs Nusara and Le Du, Chef Pam of Potong, and the Suhring twins who shine at their eponymous restaurant where Gaggan is a partner. As Sorn is the only Thai restaurant with three Michelin stars, Gaggan was sure it would also be high up on the list. (He was sort of right: Sorn came in at 17, but was way behind Gaggan and behind Pam's Potong as well.) Six restaurants? I told Gaggan he was nuts until I woke up two days later and saw the list. Gaggan had been absolutely right. Ton got both his restaurants on the list, and 50 Best rated Nusara higher than Le Du. That's the opposite of how Michelin sees it, but I think 50 Best got it right. The 50 Best Restaurants list can be controversial because it can be gamed by restaurants willing to spend money on agents and agencies that handle the so-called influencers who constitute many of the 1,100 voters who are the electorate for the list. As the New York Times noted sneeringly: 'Unlike lists that are reported by publications including The New York Times and Le Monde, or inspected anonymously by an independent entity like the Michelin Guide, the World's 50 Best list allows its 1,100 voters to accept free meals and other perks. The voters are supposed to remain anonymous, but many of the 'gastronomic experts' are chefs, food writers and public-relations professionals who are well known in the food world.' Côte, located at the Capella hotel, has two Michelin stars, and is gunning for a third. Yet, what nobody can deny is that the list makes a huge difference to the commercial performance of restaurants abroad, which is why so many of the world's top chefs attend the ceremony and long to get on to the list. As for manipulation, it's not always as easy as is often suggested. I know Indian restaurants that have spent lakhs trying to get on with no success; they have to be content with the lesser Asia list. On the other hand, while a place on the list can improve profitability abroad (in Bangkok, for instance) it makes no commercial difference to restaurants in India and remains a photo-op and ego trip for our restaurateurs. Not all great Bangkok restaurants made it to the list. I had dinner at Côte, the restaurant run by Davide Garavaglia for his boss, Mauro Colagreco. Mauro is one of the world's greatest chefs and it is to his credit that he has given Davide a free hand. For instance, Mauro's signature pigeon dish is suitably tweaked, and Davide creates big flavours while preserving the delicate nature of each dish. There is no printed menu. Davide customises the meal for each guest depending on their preferences and what ingredients are available that day. Côte has two Michelin stars, and now that Michelin has done its duty and given three stars to a Thai restaurant, Côte is finally in the running for a third star (with Suhring as the other European contender.) Côte missed out on 50 Best, but the hotel it is located in, Capella, topped the global hotel list. Forget about the enormity of the global achievement, but just in Bangkok terms, this is a huge coup. When the hotel opened, it was seen as the little brother to its neighbour the new Four Seasons, and further down, along the river, was the legendary The Oriental. It has now swept past them, surprising everyone in Bangkok. Chef Pam's Potong ranked 13th on the World's 50 Best list. I spent three days there and could see why it was voted the world's best hotel. It's not huge (around 100 rooms) so service is warm, efficient and personalised. The food is very good (compared to both the Oriental and the Four Seasons, certainly) and includes the Côte experience as well as a casual Thai restaurant that does non-five-star-hotel food. The rooms are huge and elegant and every one of them has a view of the river. It more than deserves its success. As I guess does Bangkok. And here's the irony. Because Chinese tourists have stopped coming, Bangkok's hospitality scene has suffered. You can get amazing deals at hotels, restaurants are never full and even as it gets so much global acclaim, Bangkok has never been better value for luxury. From HT Brunch, June 28, 2025 Follow us on
Business Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Odette is No 25 on World's 50 Best Restaurants list; top spot goes to Maido in Peru
THREE-Michelin-starred Odette continues to be Singapore's only entrant in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, despite slipping one rung to 25th position. Announced in a star-studded ceremony in Turin, Italy on Jun 19, the annual ranking of top restaurants around the world saw Odette joining Asian counterparts such as Gaggan (Bangkok), Wing (Hong Kong) and Potong (Bangkok). Taking the top spot this year was Maido from Lima, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant run by Mitsuhara Tsumura, which jumped from No 5 last year. Following it was Asador Etxebarri at No 2, unchanged from 2024. Mexico's Quintonil, Madrid's Diverxo and Copenhagen's Alchemist rounded out the top five spots. Bangkok was the top performing city, beating the likes of Tokyo and Paris with six restaurants in the list. Gaggan clocked in at No 6, up from No 9 the previous year, followed by Potong (13), Sorn (17), Suhring (22), Le Du (30), and Nusara (35). All were promoted from their positions last year, with Potong named Highest New Entry after jumping from No 57 place in 2024. Gaggan was also crowned No 1 in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants ranking in March this year in Seoul. Seoul had only one representative in Mingles, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by veteran chef Kang Mingoo. Taking the No 29 spot, it rose from No 44. In Tokyo, Sezanne rose to No 7 followed by Narisawa at No 21 and Florilege at No 36. Osaka's La Cime stood at No 44. From Hong Kong, Wing took No 11 spot and The Chairman at No 19, with both rising several rungs from last year. Julien Royer, chef-owner of Odette which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, said: 'It is an honour to once again be recognised amongst some of the finest restaurants around the world.' He added: 'Regardless of the placing, the entire team at Odette is immensely proud of what they've accomplished over the years. Representing Singapore on the world's culinary stage is, and has always been, an absolute honour for everyone.' Despite Odette being the sole Singapore restaurant in the Best 50 list, the country also had a presence in the 51-100 ranking which was announced earlier in June. One Michelin-starred Burnt Ends was at No 93, having slipped from No.68 in 2024. Fellow one-starred Labyrinth also managed to stay on the list at No 97, down from No 92. The World's 50 Best Restaurants List is produced by UK media company William Reed, and has been a mainstay of the international restaurant industry since 2002. The rankings are decided in a voting process involving 1,120 industry professionals including restaurant owners and food journalists from around the world.
NDTV
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025: This Indian Cuisine Restaurant Ranks 6th Best In The World
The list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 is out - featuring the 50 most iconic restaurants from 22 countries, chosen by 1,120 international restaurant industry experts. The 23rd edition list was revealed on June 19 in Turin, Italy. Two Indian cuisine restaurants are a part of this prestigious list, impressing the world with their gastronomical delights. Interestingly, the World's Best Restaurant is in Peru, offering a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Gaggan, in Bangkok, by famed Chef Gaggan Anand, has been named the 6th Best Restaurant in the World and the Best Restaurant in Asia 2025. This is the restaurant's third consecutive year on the list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants. Appreciating the restaurant, the World's 50 Best said, "Music, colours and creativity combine on the menu, which is anchored in progressive Indian, with French, Thai and Japanese influences. From using emojis to represent each of the courses to pushing diners to eat with their hands or even lick the plate, chef Gaggan Anand wants to disrupt and reinvent the traditional fine-dining experience." Tresind Studio in Dubai, helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini, became the 27th Best Restaurant in the World and The Best Restaurant in the Middle East 2025. Located on The Palm Jumeirah, dining at Tresind Studio can be a dramatic experience. About Tresind Studio, the World's 50 Best says, "As you progress through the tasting menu, expect to be relocated to different areas of the restaurant, each carefully curated to match the plates in front of you." Also Read: This Indian Restaurant In Dubai Was Just Awarded A 3rd Michelin Star The elegant restaurant Maido in Lima, Peru has reached the pinnacle and has been named The World's Best Restaurant 2025. The restaurant is led by chef Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura and the name 'Maido' refers to a Japanese phrase used to greet people. It's the first thing diners hear when stepping into the restaurant. "Maido increasingly references ingredients and traditions from the vast Peruvian Amazon, with courses like the miniature jaune parcel of pork jowl and palm heart that nods to a rainforest staple, snacks of 'ham' made from sustainable paiche fish, and yucca served with Amazonian beans," the World's 50 Best notes. Photo: Maido Full List Of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025: Maido (Lima) Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo) Quintonil (Mexico City) Diverxo (Madrid) Alchemist (Copenhagen) Gaggan (Bangkok) Sezanne (Tokyo) Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris) Kjolle (Lima) Don Julio (Buenos Aires) Wing (Hong Kong) Atomix (New York) Potong (Bangkok) Plenitude (Paris) Ikoyi (London) Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy) Sorn (Bangkok) Reale (Castel di Sangro) The Chairman (Hong Kong) Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler (Brunico) Narisawa (Tokyo) Suhring (Bangkok) Borago (Santiago) Elkano (Getaria) Odette (Singapore) Merito (Lima) Tresind Studio (Dubai) Lasai (Rio de Janeiro) Mingles (Seoul) Le Du (Bangkok) Le Calandre (Rubano) Piazza Duomo (Alba) Steirereck (Vienna) Enigma (Barcelona) Nusara (Bangkok) Florilege (Tokyo) Orfali Bros (Dubai) Frantzen (Stockholm) Mayta (Lima) Septime (Paris) Kadeau (Copenhagen) Belcanto (Lisbon) Uliassi (Senigallia) La Cime (Osaka) Arpege (Paris) Rosetta (Mexico City) Vyn (Skillinge) Celele (Cartagena) Kol (London) Restaurant Jan (Munich)
Time Out
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025: Here are the 14 Asian Entries
In March, we reported on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, which includes culinary giants like Gaggan (Bangkok), Wing (Hong Kong), and Odette (Singapore). But how do these restaurants stack up against other prestigious venues worldwide? Well, we now have an answer. On Thursday (Jun 19), the cream of the culinary crop gathered in Turin, Region of Piedmont, Italy for the unveiling of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Top honours went to Maido, a restaurant run by chef-owner Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumaru, which has been serving up some of the finest Nikkei cuisine in Peru (and the world) for 15 years now. Out of the 50 laureates, 14 restaurants from Asia were recognised – the region's top dog being (who else?), Gaggan from Bangkok, slotting in at No. 6 on the global list. Many of the entrants in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list are also represented, including Tokyo's Sézanne at No. 7, Hong Kong's Wing at No. 11, and Seoul's Mingles at No. 29. In a stunning debut on the global list, Bangkok's Potong slides in at No. 13, bagging it the Highest New Entry Award. Congratulations to its fellow Bangkokian, Nusara, for also making its debut, at No. 35. Having said that, we'd recommend a trip to the Thai capital if you'd like to try as many restaurants on the list as possible – the city has six entrants, the most of any Asian city. And talk about comebacks – two restaurants from Japan made a triumphant re-entry this year. They are Narisawa from Tokyo at No. 21 and La Cime from Osaka at No. 44. Check out the full World's 50 Best Restaurants list here. World's 50 Best Restaurants – the winners from Asia: Gaggan, Bangkok (#6) Sézanne, Tokyo (#7) Wing, Hong Kong (#11) Potong, Bangkok (#13) – Highest New Entry Award Sorn, Bangkok (#17) The Chairman, Hong Kong (#19) Narisawa, Tokyo (#21) – re-entry Sühring, Bangkok (#22) Odette, Singapore (#25) Mingles, Seoul (#29) Le Du, Bangkok (#30) Nusara, Bangkok (#35) – debut Florilège, Tokyo (#36) La Cime, Osaka (#44) – re-entry
