Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail: Celebrating Culinary Excellence at the 2025 Chefs and Restaurants Awards

Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail: Celebrating Culinary Excellence at the 2025 Chefs and Restaurants Awards

Announced on 20th November 2024 at Gaysorn Urban Resort, Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail Chefs and Restaurants Awards 2025 celebrates the chefs and restaurants shaping Thailand’s food scene.

BANGKOK, 20th November 2024 – The 2025 edition of Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail Chefs and Restaurants Awards took place at Gaysorn Urban Resort, where the kingdom’s top chefs and restaurants were honoured for their outstanding contributions to Thailand’s thriving culinary scene.

The event, held at Gaysorn Urban Resort, was hosted by MediaMagination, the publisher behind Koktail Magazine and Time Out Thailand.

Chefs of the Year: Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam and Davide Garavaglia

The prestigious Chefs of the Year awards were presented to two culinary leaders: Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam of Baan Tepa, Bangkok, and Davide Garavaglia of Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Bangkok. Both chefs have demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation and consistency. Their work reflects the dedication needed to elevate dining experiences and push the boundaries of modern cuisine.

Baan Tepa, led by Chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam, is known for its sophisticated approach to traditional Thai flavours, while Côte by Mauro Colagreco continues to impress with its contemporary take on French-Italian fine dining. The selection process involved a review panel that visited more than 300 restaurants nationwide, ensuring these chefs were recognised for their ability to combine creative techniques with a deep respect for culinary tradition.

Chef Tam shared her thoughts on receiving the award, expressing gratitude and pride in her team’s hard work.

“I’m at a loss for words still, but I’m incredibly appreciative and grateful. I want to thank the Baan Tepa restaurant team for their hard work and dedication. Thank you.”

Chef Tam

Chef Davide echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving this award.

“I’m beyond excited. While I wasn’t expecting this, I’m thrilled and deeply thankful for the incredible effort our team has put in.”

Chef Davide

Restaurants of the Year: INDDEE and Mezzaluna

The awards for Restaurants of the Year went to INDDEE and Mezzaluna, both located in Bangkok. These two restaurants stood out for their exceptional dining experiences, which offer a perfect combination of creative dishes, impeccable service and thoughtful beverage pairings.

INDDEE, an Indian fine dining restaurant, has rapidly gained recognition for offering modern, Indian-inspired gastronomy, while Mezzaluna, a fine dining establishment perched high in the Lebua State Tower, continues to impress with its French cuisine infused with Asian flavours. These restaurants offer both remarkable food and an unforgettable atmosphere that elevates the dining experience to new heights.

“I’m so happy—not just for myself but for the entire team who has worked tirelessly to make this happen. This win isn’t just mine; it’s for all of us and the chef community as a whole,”

shared Sachin Poojary of INDDEE, beaming with pride after receiving the award.

INDDEE’s chef

Ryuki Kawasaki of Mezzaluna expressed similar joy:

“I’m incredibly excited and deeply appreciative. This moment means so much to me and everyone who made it possible.”

Ryuki Kawasaki of Mezzaluna

The event was officially opened by Nigel Oakins, director of MediaMagination, who welcomed more than 700 guests from the culinary world. His remarks were followed by speeches from Patrick Martens, Director of Food & Beverage at Ratchaprasong Food Services, and Pimnapat Ponglertpokin, Head of Card Usage at United Overseas Bank (Thai) PCL, who both underscored the importance of supporting and celebrating the hospitality industry.

As part of the ongoing effort to support Thailand’s vibrant food culture, the results of the awards will be featured in the Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail 2025 guidebook. Set for release in January 2025, the guide will feature more than 300 restaurant reviews and rankings, helping food lovers discover both established icons and hidden gems across the country.

Charitable Contributions

This year’s awards were about celebrating culinary excellence and also giving back. A significant charitable donation will be made to Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), a foundation dedicated to combating hunger and food waste across Southeast Asia. The donations were made possible through two auctions featuring items donated by participating chefs, restaurants and event guests, showcasing the generous spirit of the culinary community.

Gaysorn Urban Resort: A Perfect Venue for this Culinary Excellence

The event took place at the Gaysorn Urban Resort, a fitting venue for such an important occasion. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district, Gaysorn Urban Resort provided the ideal setting for this celebration of culinary talent. The resort’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert event management team ensured that the evening was a success.

A Toast to Partners and Media Collaborators

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsoring partners: Charity, UOB, Gaysorn Village, Riedel Restaurant & Wine Cellar, TPN Group (Thailand), Jagota, Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS), Vegivore26 Kombucha, VIE Hotel Bangkok – Mgallery, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, The Landmark Bangkok Hotel, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Festilia, Heineken, Greenery Water, Aoijai, Lamoon Group, Wine Connection, Jack Bain’s Bar at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, and Inspirador Indian Spirits.

Our media partners—CNN, Gastrofilm, and Time Out Thailand—played an important role in amplifying the event’s reach, bringing its celebration of culinary excellence celebrated on this night to a wider audience.

The Full List of Winners

In total, 102 awards were presented, highlighting the best of Thailand’s diverse culinary scene. The Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants team have been presenting awards for more than two decades, helping to promote the country as a fine dining destination. The impressive turnout from the hospitality and restaurant industry demonstrates that these awards remain the most established of all.

The rating of each restaurant will be featured in Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail 2025 guidebook. Thailand’s best-selling restaurant guide will feature more than 300 restaurant reviews by expert food writers and rated for food, setting, drinks and service. The release date for the guidebook is set for January next year.

Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail continues to highlight the nation’s best dining experiences, from top-tier fine dining to beloved neighbourhood spots. This year’s awards show the strength of Thailand’s culinary industry, where innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service remain at front. As the dining scene continues to evolve, the chefs and restaurants celebrated at this event will undoubtedly keep setting new standards for excellence in the years to come.

Here is the full list of ‘Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail Chefs and Restaurants Awards 2025’

Thailand’s Best

  • Acqua, Bangkok
  • Acqua, Phuket
  • Adhoc, Bangkok
  • Aulis, Phang Nga
  • Baan Tepa, Bangkok
  • Bisou, Bangkok
  • Blackitch Artisan Kitchen, Chiang Mai
  • Blue by Alain Ducasse, Bangkok
  • Cadence by Dan Bark, Bangkok
  • Canes, Bangkok
  • Canvas, Bangkok
  • Casa Lenzi, Bangkok
  • Chai Jia Chai, Bangkok
  • Chef’s Table, Bangkok
  • Clara, Bangkok
  • Coda, Bangkok
  • COTE by Mauro Colagreco
  • Denkushiflori, Bangkok
  • Elements, Bangkok
  • GAA, Bangkok
  • GOAT, Bangkok
  • Haoma, Bangkok
  • Hom, Phuket
  • Hybrid, Bangkok
  • Igniv Bangkok by Andreas Caminada, Bangkok
  • Inddee, Bangkok
  • INT, Bangkok
  • Jaras, Phuket
  • Juksunchae, Bangkok
  • Keller, Bangkok
  • Khaan, Bangkok
  • L’Arome by the Sea, Phuket
  • Locus Native Food Lab, Chiang Rai
  • Maison Dunand
  • Mezzaluna, Bangkok
  • Mia, Bangkok
  • Nawa, Bangkok
  • Nusara, Bangkok
  • Palmier by Guillaume Galliot
  • Potong, Bangkok
  • PRU, Phuket
  • R-Haan, Bangkok
  • Redbox, Chiang Mai
  • Rern, Bangkok
  • Riva del Fiume, Bangkok
  • Signature, Bangkok
  • Small Dinner Club, Bangkok
  • Suhring, Bangkok
  • Sushi Kuuya, Bangkok
  • Sushi Saryu, Bangkok
  • Su Va Na, Phuket
  • Tambu, Phuket
  • Terroir, Bangkok
  • The Smokaccia Laboratory, Phuket
  • Villa Frantzen, Bangkok
  • Wana Yook, Bangkok
  • Yu Ting Yuan, Bangkok

Neighbourhood Favourites

  • Aja, Phuket
  • Appia, Bangkok
  • Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie, Bangkok
  • Bucha, Phuket
  • Cento, Bangkok
  • Cielo, Phuket
  • Pan Burger, Phuket
  • Salvia, Bangkok
  • Something Journey, Chiang Rai
  • Via Emilia, Bangkok

The Classics

  • Baan Rim Pa, Phuket
  • Blue Elephant, Bangkok
  • Coca, Bangkok 
  • Erawan Tea Room, Bangkok
  • Fireplace Grill and Bar, Bangkok
  • Indus, Bangkok 
  • Mei Jiang, Bangkok
  • New York Steakhouse, Bangkok 
  • Philippe, Bangkok 
  • Rib Room & Bar, Bangkok
  • Uno Mas, Bangkok

Chefs of the Year

Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam, Baan Tepa, Bangkok

Davide Garavaglia, Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Bangkok

Restaurants of the Year

INDDEE, Bangkok

Mezzaluna, Bangkok

Contribution to Thailand’s Hospitality Industry

Bjorn Courage, General Manager, InterContinental Phuket Resort, Phuket

Excellence in Service

Felice Tavolario, General Manager, INDDEE, Bangkok

Openings of the Year

Aulis, Phang Nga

Owl Brasserie, Chiang Mai

Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, Bangkok

Pioneers in Sustainability & Community Care

Catch and Co., Phang Nga

GOAT, Bangkok

JARAS, Phuket

Sommelier of the Year

Lea Puyelo, Chef’s Table, Bangkok

Wine Pairing of the Year

POTONG, Bangkok by Phuengthum Khathipphathee, Sommelier

Wine List of the Year

Acqua, Bangkok by Alessandro Frau

Soft Pairing of the Year

GOAT, Bangkok by Kiattisak “Gus” Kraichan

Trendsetter in Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine

Luca Mascolo, The Smokaccia Laboratory, Phuket

Exceptional Culinary Contribution

Henk Savelberg, Savelberg, Bangkok

Breaking Culinary Boundaries

Eakpol “Eak” Pichchawong, Ekachan, Chiang Mai

Culinary Innovator

Geravich “Mew” Mesaengnilverakul, Choen, Bangkok

Culinary Trailblazer

Sittikorn Chantop, Akkee, Nonthaburi

Pioneers in Thai Cuisine

Songpol Barameeanan and Kavee Champanakorn, RARK, Bangkok

Thai Cuisine Ambassador

Pom Phatchara, Baan Phraya, Bangkok

Artisan Wine Bar of the Year

Riedel Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Bangkok

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