SINGAPORE – Albert Adria of Tickets in Barcelona has been crowned The World’s Best Pastry Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 (a lauded annual list sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, and organised by William Reed Media).

The Spanish chef worked at world-renowned El Bulli — an institution made famous by his brother Ferran — from the age of 15 before heading Roses restaurant’s pastry section. Over the past two decades, Albert has also pioneered dozens of new techniques, many of which are detailed in two books he has published on desserts. The 44-year-old who won voters over with his “extraordinary contribution to the global pastry scene” has plans for a new restaurant in 2016.

In other buzz-worthy news, El Celler de Can Roca, also of Spain, regained its title as The S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant, after being named No 1 in 2013 and dropping to second place in 2014. Danish restaurant Noma, which took top honours in 2014, is ranked third this year.

Over in Singapore, Restaurant ANDRE stays in the top 50 with a place at No 46, while JAAN climbed 26 places to take a well-earned place at No 74 on the The World’s Best Restaurants 2015 list.

“It is a great privilege for us to be recognised by some of the most respected industry leaders as one of the best restaurants in the world. While last year’s ranking was a first step for us, this year’s results definitely reaffirms us of our position in the global culinary scene. This honourable achievement is something I share with the team at JAAN,” said JAAN’s chef de cuisine Julien Royer.

This is also Restaurant ANDRE’s fifth consecutive year on the prestigious list. “To our enjoyable guests, every time I am lost for words. How can I encapsulate the collective joy you and your loved ones bring to all of us,” commented Abdre Chiang in his thank you letter.

Waku Ghin, which is ranked No 70, make up the three representatives from Singapore on the list.