THE AMERICAN EXPRESS ICON AWARD

Acclaimed Japanese chef Seiji Yamamoto is the inaugural winner of the prestigious American Express Icon Award. A new addition to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 awards programme, the American Express Icon Award celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the restaurant industry worthy of international recognition, whether over their career to date or in recent years, leading them to reach the status of culinary icons.

Widely regarded as one of Japan’s finest chefs, Nihonryori RyuGin’s owner and chef Seiji Yamamoto is known for his attention to detail and mastery of seasonal Japanese ingredients. While respectful of culinary traditions, Yamamoto innovates Japanese cuisine through modern cooking techniques and creative execution, and has become a reference in Asia and beyond for kaiseki cuisine.

The recipient of multiple honours, including three Michelin stars, Nihonryori RyuGin placed No.41 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018 list and has ranked within the top 10 of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for six consecutive years.

Chef Yamamoto will receive the American Express Icon Award at the seventh annual ceremony to celebrate Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, on Tuesday 26th March 2019 at Wynn Palace in Macao.

The award is voted for by the 300-plus members of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 Academy. Each voter’s choice can be based on specific projects and achievements, or on an individual’s overall influence and cumulative success.