Lee Kum Kee, the iconic Asian sauce and condiment brand with more than 100 years of culinary tradition, proudly reflects on its role as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards, recently held in Seoul, Korea.
The prestigious event took place on 25 March at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, where the region’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary leaders gathered to honour the finest in Asian gastronomy. Lee Kum Kee’s involvement underscores its commitment to supporting culinary excellence and innovation across the region.
The awards ceremony celebrated the pinnacle of culinary talent, and Lee Kum Kee was delighted to showcase its commitment to elevating Asian cuisine globally. A highlight of the evening was Lee Kum Kee’s presentation of the Highest Climber Award, an award that recognises the restaurant that made the most significant leap in rankings, to Chef Tam Kwok Fung of Chef Tam’s Seasons, which also won The Best Restaurant in Macau.
“We are thrilled to present the Highest Climber Award to Chef Tam and the team at Chef Tam’s Seasons. Their impressive rise in the list is reflective of the growing influence of Asian cuisines on the global stage and synchronises with our commitment to be a global gateway to Asian culinary culture and to foster a community with a shared passion for culinary excellence.” says Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee.
Memorable Experiences and Positive Sentiment
The atmosphere during the event was filled with excitement and camaraderie as guests shared their admiration for the vibrant culinary scene in Asia. The Lee Kum Kee team echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from attendees. “It’s been very special to be celebrating close to home, where Chefs have expressed a sense of pride to see our brand, a household name of their childhoods, up on this global stage,” said Simon Cao, Vice President – Global Brand Development and Communications, Global Marketing.
As part of the celebrations, Lee Kum Kee hosted engaging brand activations throughout the week. On 23 March, the brand collaborated with Head Mixologist Mark Lloyd from Wing Lei Bar at Wynn Palace Macau for a unique sauce-inspired guest shift at Pine & Co., No.50 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Guests indulged in innovative culinary cocktails featuring products, showcasing the endless possibilities of flavour combinations. A favourite of the night was Soy Sauce inspired cocktail.
During the awards ceremony, Lee Kum Kee also featured a booth that highlighted its celebrated range of sauces and condiments, renowned for their authentic Asian flavours. Attendees enjoyed exquisite canapés of Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce seasoned abalone and Lee Kum Kee Plum Sauce poached tomato, created by Chef Park Gun-Young and Chef Oh Se Wook, further illustrating the versatility and quality of Lee Kum Kee’s offerings.
Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to Empowering Asian Culinary Greatness
Following the success of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, Lee Kum Kee is excited to announce its ongoing partnership in the upcoming The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, set to be held in Turin on 19 June, 2025. Additionally, the brand will support the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, while remaining committed to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.
“Building on the success of this year’s awards, we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with 50 Best, further solidifying our dedication to promoting the richness of Asian culinary culture on a global scale,” said Simon Cao.
