SINGAPORE - What set tongues wagging on Monday night at the S Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 awards wasn’t so much the fact that David Thompson’s Nahm in Bangkok claimed the top spot this year. Instead, it was the inclusion of some interesting names, such as Tippling Club, which made its debut on the list at No 23. The fact that Tippling Club pipped other Singaporean establishments such as Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck (No 40) and Shinji By Kanesaka (No 35) is testament to chef Ryan Clift’s brand of refined yet imaginative food.

Its inventive European cuisine served with a well-known sense of whimsy and technical finesse had some wondering why Tippling Club did not make the inaugural list last year. While the British-born chef was surprised at its inclusion, he was also thankful and proud of his team’s progress.

“I’m extremely happy to be listed in the guide. A lot of chefs last night mentioned to us that the biggest scandal of last year was (us) not making the guide,” said Clift. “At the end of night, it is the people’s votes that gets you into the guide and that’s what we have to adhere to. Last night, for us to make No 23 was probably one of the best things that has happened to us in many years. (It was) extremely exciting for us. The last two years since the guide launched it’s been a question but now we’re very happy with our first placement.”

He added: “It’s a fact in the industry, no matter how well-known or famous the chef is, it is also the team behind him that makes for part of the success. It has been such an honour to have my restaurant on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Singapore has turned into a gastronomical destination and to be able to represent Singapore alongside chefs and restaurateurs of such high calibre is phenomenal.

“Entering at No 23 and having the new space at Tanjong Pagar, we are really gaining speed for an even more phenomenal year ahead.”

Another big surprise — and perhaps, the biggest nod to Singapore’s home-grown achievements — was pastry chef Janice Wong of 2am:dessertbar being conferred the honour of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef for a second consecutive year.

“Completely speechless,” Wong said of her award. “This year’s award is an encouragement for the 2am team to continue to push the boundaries, think different, inspire and share with the rest of the world. I am touched as there are many well-respected pastry chefs in the region who are deserving of this recognition and I truly respect them all for their dedication in the industry.”

The other Singapore entries making the list included Andre, the eponymous 30-seat restaurant by Taiwanese-born chef Andre Chiang (who also picked up the respected Chefs’ Choice Award), dropping one spot to No 6. Moving up four places to No 7 was Tetsuya Wakuda’s Singapore outpost Waku Ghin at Marina Bay Sands; while last year’s Top 10 half finisher Iggy’s dropped three places to land at No 12.

Stalwart Les Amis, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, held on to its perch at No 14, while JAAN at Swissotel The Stamford, helmed by chef de cuisine Julien Royer - who said he was “nervous” about the restaurant meeting expectations since it was recognised as The One To Watch at last year’s awards - jumped up five places to No 17.

Visit http://www.theworlds50best.com/asia for the complete list of winners.