Dej Kewkacha Named World's Best Pastry Chef 2026
Thai pastry chef Dej Kewkacha makes history as the first Asian to receive the award, as Thailand's Gaggan ranks as the world's No.2 best restaurant
Dej Kewkacha has been awarded the World's Best Pastry Chef 2026, becoming the first Asian chef to receive the honor. This prestigious award was announced at the 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list revelation in Lima, Peru on November 4.
Dej Kewkacha's achievement is a significant milestone, as he is the first Asian chef to be recognized as the World's Best Pastry Chef. He was previously named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef 2025, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the craft.
Thailand's culinary scene has also been recognized, with Gaggan ranking as the world's No.2 best restaurant. Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, Spain, was named The World’s Best Restaurant 2026, followed by Gaggan and Alchemist in Copenhagen.
The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list features a total of 11 new entries, including Tuju in São Paulo, which secured No.16 and was recognized with the Highest New Entry Award and the Art of Hospitality Award. Quintonil in Mexico City was named The Best Restaurant in Latin America at No.4, while Lima dominated the list for South America with three restaurants.
## Why it matters The recognition of Dej Kewkacha and Gaggan highlights the growing influence of Asian cuisine on the global culinary scene. Dej Kewkacha's win is a testament to the richness and diversity of Thai desserts, which have a long history and could be a significant soft power for Thailand. As the culinary world becomes increasingly globalized, awards like the World's Best Pastry Chef and the 50 Best Restaurants list play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and recognizing exceptional talent.
The awards ceremony, hosted at Teatro Municipal de Lima, honored global culinary talent across 28 territories and six continents. The list features restaurants from around the world, including new entries from cities like São Paulo and Lima. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how these recognitions impact the global food scene.
## What happens next As Dej Kewkacha looks to take his desserts abroad, he aims to modernize traditional Thai desserts and showcase their inventiveness to the world. With Gaggan ranking as the world's No.2 best restaurant, Thailand's culinary scene is poised to attract even more attention from food enthusiasts around the globe. As the culinary world continues to celebrate exceptional talent, it will be interesting to see how these recognitions shape the future of the industry.
