The brainchild of chef-owner Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, the restaurant showcases refined modern Thai cuisine based on the country’s extraordinary agricultural heritage and centuries-old culinary techniques – and its unique style of food has wowed critics and diners from across the continent.

While it may sound French, Le Du comes from a Thai word that means ‘season’, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on seasonal produce.

Developing a passion for cooking after growing up on his mother’s and grandmother’s delicious home meals, Chef Ton completed an economics degree in Thailand before studying at the Culinary Institute of America. While in New York City, he worked at top spots including former World’s Best Restaurant Eleven Madison Park. He is also qualified as a sommelier, which has helped influence the global wine list at Le Du.

After returning to Bangkok, Ton decided to open Le Du in 2013 and quickly won the hearts of many customers. After being included in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017, the restaurant was always in the Top 50 and then in 2023, it finally reached the top of the list.

It is the first time that a venue run by a Thai chef receives the crown for the top place to eat in Asia, as voted for by over 300 restaurant experts across the region. Bangkok’s Nahm won the top honour in 2014, later followed by restaurant Gaggan which was No.1 from 2015-2018 –  but neither was helmed by a Thai national.

In addition to Le Du, Chef Ton also and his brother, Tam, run another high-end restaurant, Nusara, which ranked 3rd in the Top 50 Best Restaurants in Asia in 2023.

According to theworlds50best.com, theworlds50best.com