Japan's Isamu Sakaguchi wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition Asia regional final

Japan's Isamu Sakaguchi took top honors at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026–27 Asia regional final, held in Bangkok. South Korean chef Lee Ji-woo placed third, while fellow Korean chef Kwon So-yun received a special award.

The regional final took place Oct. 20 at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary Arts School in Bangkok, bringing together 10 young chefs from across Asia. Beyond the competition itself, participants exchanged culinary philosophies and experiences with mentors, judges and past academy alumni.

Sakaguchi, of Auberge eaufeu in Japan, claimed the top prize with his signature dish "Matsuri: Celebrating Nature, Community and Abundance," inspired by Japan's satoyama culture — a philosophy centered on the coexistence of humans and nature.

As the regional winner, Sakaguchi will represent Asia at the global grand final in Italy in 2027. Leong Chan of Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic in Hong Kong finished second with "Eight Treasures Pigeon, the Beauty of Dried Seafood," while Lee Ji-woo of Zén in Singapore placed third with "Between Two Homes: One Hairtail Fish."

Three special awards recognizing the culinary philosophies and values of the competitors were also presented. The S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award went to Kwon So-yun of L'amant Secret in Seoul. Leong Chan of Hong Kong received the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award. The Fine Dining Lovers Award went to Ai Ichinose of SOLUNA in Tokyo.

Korean chefs made a particularly strong showing at this year's Asia regional final, with four of the 10 finalists representing South Korea.

Chudaree "Tam" Debhakam of Baan Tepa, who served as a judge, said bringing together chefs from across Asia "creates an opportunity to exchange different perspectives, learn from one another and take those experiences back to each chef's own kitchen."

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is run by S.Pellegrino to support the development of next-generation culinary talent, offering education, mentoring, networking and career development opportunities.