Bangkok, Thailand, September 14, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / With the expansion of TOP25 Restaurants' international presence in Asia, Thailand is benefiting from the growing regional platform that promotes gastronomy as a driver of tourism and destination development. Following the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, presented by the Prime Minister of Sarawak, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with several Asian partners, the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 will further enhance the international visibility of Thailand's exceptional culinary scene. The awards ceremony, taking place on October 26, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, will celebrate outstanding restaurants and culinary talent, while contributing to solidifying Thailand's position as a leading gastronomic destination in Asia.

TOP25 Restaurants, launched in Bangkok in 2017 as the world's first AI-powered restaurant guide with human expertise, has continuously evolved its approach to recognizing culinary excellence. What began as a pioneering restaurant guide has become an international platform for gastronomic tourism. The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 continue this evolution, celebrating the diversity and excellence of Thailand's culinary scene. Over the years, TOP25 Restaurants has recognized the diversity and excellence of Thailand's restaurants across various destinations and culinary communities.

The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 continue this development by shining a spotlight on Thailand's dynamic gastronomy scene and recognizing restaurants and culinary talents whose excellence, creativity, authenticity and commitment help shape the country's culinary identity.

The 2026 awards ceremony will take place at the legendary Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, bringing together leading chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, tourism representatives, food industry personalities and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating the people and businesses that make Thailand one of the world's most fascinating gastronomic destinations.

Years of recognition for Thailand's culinary excellence

Since the first TOP25 Restaurants Awards were presented in Thailand, the program has aimed to provide a platform for the recognition of restaurants that contribute to the diversity and development of the Thai gastronomic landscape.

From Bangkok's internationally acclaimed gastronomy scene to the distinctive culinary traditions of Phuket and southern Thailand, the program has highlighted the extraordinary range of experiences available to guests and travelers throughout the country.

The development of these awards reflects the growing importance of gastronomy in Thai tourism. Food is increasingly becoming a key factor in choosing a travel destination, while restaurants, chefs, and local culinary traditions have become important ambassadors of Thai culture and identity.

The 2026 edition builds on this established foundation while simultaneously focusing on the future of Thai gastronomy tourism.

Bernard Metzger, founder of TOP25 Restaurants International, said: “With TOP25 Restaurants, we want to raise international awareness of Thailand’s culinary excellence and connect outstanding restaurants and chefs with the growing opportunities of food tourism. The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 celebrate the people and businesses shaping Thailand’s culinary future, while inspiring travelers to discover the extraordinary flavors, stories, and hospitality that make Thailand so unique.”

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok will host the celebrations in 2026.

The renowned Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok will provide the setting for this year's awards ceremony, bringing together Thailand's gastronomy and hotel scene at one of Bangkok's most famous event venues.

Sascha Lenz, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. Thailand boasts an exceptional culinary heritage and a vibrant restaurant scene that continues to evolve and inspire. It is a great honor for us to host an evening dedicated to the people and restaurants behind this remarkable gastronomic culture. We look forward to being part of this special celebration of Thailand’s culinary excellence.”

With its central location, established reputation for hospitality and extensive event facilities, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok provides the perfect setting for an evening dedicated to the Thai culinary scene.

Where gastronomy meets tourism

The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 are taking place at a time when gastronomy is increasingly recognized as a strong engine for tourism and destination development.

For today's travelers, discovering a destination often also means discovering its cuisine – its ingredients, traditions, markets, restaurants, chefs and the stories behind them.

Thailand is uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend. Its culinary culture combines food, tradition, local communities, agriculture, creativity, hospitality, and tourism, creating experiences that resonate with both domestic and international visitors.

By awarding restaurants throughout Thailand, TOP25 Restaurants aims to contribute to the continuous development of the country's gastronomic ecosystem and to give greater global visibility to the people and businesses shaping its future.

A new chapter in the history of the TOP25 restaurants in Thailand

The 2026 awards represent the next chapter in the history of the TOP25 restaurants in Thailand – building on years of recognition while creating an increasingly visible platform to promote the country's rich culinary heritage and its position as a premier destination for gastronomic tourism.

The winners will be announced during the ceremony on October 26, 2026. Further announcements regarding the award categories, participating restaurants, guests of honor, and the program will follow prior to the event.

For Thailand's gastronomy industry, the evening offers an opportunity to celebrate successes and to honor the people behind some of the country's most unforgettable culinary experiences.

For the entire tourism industry, it will be a celebration of one of Thailand's greatest international assets: its exceptional culinary culture.

A culinary journey. A tribute to Thailand's exceptional gastronomy.

About TOP25 Restaurants International

TOP25 Restaurants is an international platform for recognizing gastronomy and promoting culinary tourism. The platform aims to discover, recognize, and promote outstanding restaurants and local culinary experiences.

With a growing presence across Asia, TOP25 Restaurants offers a platform that combines culinary excellence, gastronomy, tourism, culture and destination development, while honoring the distinctive culinary identity of each destination.

The program has a regional presence and is expanding internationally through new awards and initiatives focused on specific destinations to develop gastronomic tourism.

In 2026, TOP25 Restaurants held its first TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards in Kuching, Malaysia, where the awards were presented by the Prime Minister of Sarawak, the Honorable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, marking an important milestone in the international expansion of the organization.

With its growing international network, TOP25 Restaurants aims to give outstanding restaurants and culinary talents more recognition and visibility, while also highlighting the increasingly important role of gastronomy in tourism and destination development.

About the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is a legendary luxury hotel known for its exceptional hospitality, sophisticated culinary experiences and its distinctive location in the vibrant Ratchaprasong district.

The hotel combines modern luxury with warm Thai hospitality, offering a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, meeting rooms, and event spaces. Its culinary offerings reflect the diversity and sophistication of Bangkok's gastronomic scene, and its spacious event areas make it a well-established destination for prestigious celebrations, conferences, and social events.

As part of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok reflects the Grand Hyatt brand's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences through distinctive destinations, attentive service, and world-class hospitality.

For media inquiries, please contact Nicole Lim, Media Relations, TOP25 Restaurants International, email: [email protected]