CieL Dining, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City's Thao Dien area, has secured the third position in Food & Wine magazine's prestigious 2026 Tastemakers Awards. The annual awards, which recognize outstanding international restaurants, were announced on 22/4. This year, the focus shifted from traditional fine dining to establishments that celebrate cultural identity, memory-driven cuisine, and the fusion of culinary traditions.

The Ho Chi Minh City establishment, which earned a Michelin star in 2025, offers a tasting menu featuring about 10 meticulously crafted dishes. Its interior design blends Nordic minimalism with Japanese aesthetics, creating an intimate atmosphere. The restaurant's open kitchen caters to only about 15 diners per seating, ensuring a personalized experience. Head chef Le Viet Hong, previously honored as "Outstanding Young Chef 2025," leads the culinary team.

CieL Dining has garnered high praise, receiving a 5/5 star rating from Tripadvisor and 4.8/5 from Trip and Google Reviews, with many recommending it to diners. A standout dish on the menu is the fish maw with egg custard, considered the chef's signature creation. This dish exemplifies an East-meets-West fusion, preparing Asian ingredients with classic French techniques. It has remained on the menu since the restaurant's inception, symbolizing its unique culinary philosophy.

The restaurant's interior.

Fish maw with egg custard - the restaurant's signature dish.

Morel mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and honeycomb texture, are the soul of CieL's signature tart.

Food & Wine experts prioritized kitchens where dishes are crafted from memories and cultural fusion, combining seasonality and local ingredients. The awards also recognize restaurants with innovative menus, where each dish tells a story or reflects a regional style. This departure from solely honoring traditional fine dining establishments highlights a broader appreciation for culinary narratives and authenticity.

Topping the 2026 ranking is Ikoyi in London, England, celebrated for its innovative blend of West African, East Asian, and British cuisines. Food reporter Leonie Cooper of Time Out magazine commented that a meal at Ikoyi is an experience "beyond the everyday world." Coming in second is Maido in Lima, Peru, renowned for its exquisite Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese culinary traditions.

The top 10 best restaurants in the world according to Food & Wine are:

1. Ikoyi (London, England)

2. Maido (Lima, Peru)

3. CieL Dining (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

4. Arami (La Paz, Bolivia)

5. Potong (Bangkok, Thailand)

6. Naar (Darwa, India)

7. Botanico (Mexico City, Mexico)

8. Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (Rome, Italy)

9. Lunch Lady (Vancouver, Canada)

10. Saint Peter (Sydney, Australia)

Food & Wine (F&W), a part of People magazine (US), stands as a leading global culinary publication. It organizes several annual awards, including the Tastemakers Awards. Award-winning restaurants undergo a rigorous selection process, evaluated by over 400 experts, chefs, and travel and food writers. Following nominations, F&W's Global Advisory Board conducts the final ranking.

Tam Anh (according to Time Out)