Vietnam’s Rising Presence on the Global Culinary Stage
The list of honorees stirred strong emotions among culinary professionals and food lovers in Vietnam, with seven chefs recognized for their creativity, innovation, and dedication. Among them were young culinary visionaries such as Hoàng Tùng (T.U.N.G Dining), Sam Trần (Gia), Quang Dũng (Chapter Dining), and Việt Hồng (CieL). Each of them brings a distinctive approach to modern cuisine, blending European techniques with a local soul to tell stories of Vietnam’s land, people, and culture through creative use of indigenous ingredients.
Joining them were Peter Cuong Franklin (Anan Saigon), Sam Aisbett (Akuna), and Hiroshi Yamaguchi (Hibana by Koki), all of whom have helped shape a new era of contemporary dining in Vietnam. Their work transcends traditional boundaries, transforming local street food and fine dining alike into modern culinary art forms that capture both authenticity and innovation, presenting a vibrant, forward-looking vision of Vietnamese gastronomy.
Ideas Shaping the Future of Global Gastronomy
The Best Chef Awards gathers the world’s most accomplished chefs to celebrate not only their technical mastery but also their creativity, integrity, and ability to tell stories through food. This year’s event once again served as a platform for global connection and inspiration, reaffirming that gastronomy is not merely about dining but also about culture and human experience.
The top honor of 2025 went to Rasmus Munk of Alchemist (Denmark), known for transforming dining into an immersive, multi-sensory journey that fuses science, art, and storytelling. Second place was awarded to Ana Roš of Hiša Franko (Slovenia), whose tasting menus express Slovenia’s rich terroir and heritage through bold, globally influenced creations. Third place went to Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio (UAE), celebrated for reimagining Indian cuisine with modern techniques while staying deeply rooted in tradition.
Each chef honored at The Best Chef Awards represents not only culinary excellence but also a mindset that drives innovation, sustainability, and meaningful change within the global food industry.
A Global Celebration of Culinary Mastery
Established in 2017 in Milan, The Best Chef Awards has become a leading international platform recognizing chefs who make outstanding contributions to the world of gastronomy. The 2025 awards were evaluated by a panel of 972 members, including 572 top chefs from 64 countries and 400 experts across the global culinary ecosystem.
This year’s edition introduced a new recognition format that replaces traditional ranking with three symbolic levels represented by the “Knife” - the timeless emblem of a chef. The three-tier system provides a more inclusive and comprehensive perspective on culinary excellence. The 3-Knife distinction honors chefs who have achieved the highest mastery, with 126 chefs reaching 80 percent or more of the maximum score. Meanwhile, 236 chefs earned the 2-Knife level for their world-class expertise, and 421 chefs received the 1-Knife honor for their significant contributions to the field.
Held in Milan, one of the world’s great culinary capitals that seamlessly blends gastronomy, art, and innovation, The Best Chef Awards 2025 offered two days of celebration, discovery, and inspiration. The recognition of multiple Vietnamese chefs this year reflects Vietnam’s growing influence in the international dining scene and affirms its place as an emerging star in global gastronomy.
