The seasonality-driven, farm-to-table establishment situated within a 37-acre farm is declared a rising star in the region’s gastronomic landscape 

Farmlore in Bengaluru has been honoured as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious American Express One To Watch Award. Selected by the 50 Best team based on the votes of its Academy and specific editorial criteria, this award highlights dining establishments that showcase exceptional culinary talent, creativity, and the potential to secure a spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list over the coming years.

Farmlore, an 18-seater dining experience on a 37-acre farm near Bengaluru, India, is the brainchild of chef Johnson Ebenezer and entrepreneur Kaushik Raju. The restaurant embodies a farm-to-table ethos, driven by seasonality, sustainability, and local produce. Its name cleverly combines ‘folklore’ and ‘locavore,’ reflecting its dedication to celebrating regional ingredients and cultural narratives. The menus, shaped by the freshest harvests from its farm, consistently highlight core themes, including a strong South Indian influence. The dishes seamlessly incorporate these flavours and ingredients while maintaining a cuisine-agnostic approach.

William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, says: “Amid the restaurants with a ‘farm-to-table’ philosophy, Farmlore stands apart with its immersive experience, nestled within an actual working farm. The journey begins with a stroll through lush mango and coconut groves, offering guests an education in the natural farming principles they uphold. It’s an experience that fosters a profound connection to cuisine and gastronomy. We congratulate chef Johnson and the teams behind the kitchens and farms at Farmlore, on this very well-earned accolade.”

The restaurant’s evolving menu is dictated by the on-site farm. Here, they prioritise ethical, organic farming principles passed down through generations that also preserve soil health while creating nutrient-rich produce. A meal at Farmlore comprises farm-fresh harvests and locally sourced heritage ingredients, from mangos, carrots, beets, foraged ants, and organic herbs to coastal oysters, local lamb, and the freshest sea catch – prepared in their gas-free kitchens over a giant wood-fired oven and pit stove.

Meals begin with intriguing bites that feature ants – a nod to the food of the Western Ghats’ Indigenous tribes – sourced from their mango and citrus trees, offering distinctly astringent and tangy flavour profiles. Other highlights include Rameswaram-caught charred octopus with dark chocolate from cocoa farmed in West Godavari, goat milk and beet chips with fried rice, as well as dried Tamil Nadu-grown persimmons.

Farmlore will be further celebrated at the in-person awards ceremony held on 25 March 2025 in Seoul, South Korea, in collaboration with the host destination partner, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The awards ceremony will also be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel via the link here. The announcement of the list and individual awards can be followed via the 50 Best social media channels, with the livestream beginning at 20:00 Korea time.

About the host destination partner: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) is a government organisation of the Republic of Korea in charge of agriculture and rural affairs as well as promotion of the food industry. Its objective is to enhance the quality of people’s lives and strengthen national competitiveness through innovative and developing agriculture, healthy and safe food for all, and pleasant and attractive rural areas. For more information, please visit http://mafra.go.kr/english

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is the local government of Seoul, responsible for administrative affairs as the capital city of the Republic of Korea. SMG aims to be a coexistent city ensuring a fair competitive environment and opportunities, a global leading city, a safe city guaranteeing a healthy and secure life, and a world-class smart city. For more information, please visit https://english.seoul.go.kr 

About the main sponsor: S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna are the main sponsors of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna are the leading natural mineral waters in the fine dining world. Together, they interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of excellence, pleasure, and well-being.