Bangkok’s World Gourmet Festival comes of age with culinary firsts, unique local flair
Palates will be put through their paces next month when Bangkok’s oldest international culinary spectacular returns to one of the capital’s most exclusive addresses for its 21-year anniversary.
From November 4-8, a star-studded line-up of Thailand-based chefs – some of whom count among the world’s best kitchen practitioners – will gather at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel for a celebration of outstanding cuisine and superb wines.
Diners can expect exciting culinary firsts, unique Thai and western collaborations, Bangkok’s longest Sunday Brunch, and an extraordinary gastronomic and cultural journey that will benefit less fortunate communities around the world.
Confirming their participation in the 21st World Gourmet Festival are:
• Gaggan Anand: Gaggan Anand Restaurant, Bangkok (formerly 2 Michelin stars)
• Amerigo Sesti: J'aime by Jean-Michel Lorain, Bangkok (1 Michelin star)
• Garima Arora: Gaa, Bangkok (1 Michelin star)
• Inoue Manabu: Ginza Sushi Ichi, Bangkok (1 Michelin star)
• Andy Ricker: Pok Pok, Portland, USA (formerly 1 Michelin star)
• Vichit Mukura and Kewalin Pitthayanukul: Royal Osha, Bangkok (Michelin Plate)
• Alessio Banchero: Biscotti, Bangkok (Michelin Plate)
• Choy Ped Yang: Street vendor, Bangkok (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
• Kawaguchi Daiki: Ginza Tenharu, Bangkok
• Pisit ‘Jino’ Jinopong and Rick Dingen: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Thailand
• Yaowarat Toasted Bread: Street vendor, Bangkok
• Ni-Ang Nam Kaeng Sai: Street vendor, Bangkok
• Sarinthip Thai Crispy Crepe: Street vendor, Bangkok
• Na Projects Group: Five families from Ethiopia; Pakistan; Palestine; Sri Lanka; and Vietnam
On Friday, November 6, Gaggan Anand will present a culinary first for the four-time Asia’s 50 Best topper when he prepares a unique 18-course Escoffier menu. “Till today no one knows how bad or good I am with French food, so I want to challenge myself to create what Gaggan Anand is famous for – to be a rebel, to provoke and disrupt,” said Anand.
Then, Saturday will see another culinary first for both chefs and their restaurants, when Michelin-starred chef Inoue Manabu from Ginza Sushi Ichi and Kawaguchi Daiki from Ginza Tenharu partner to present their signature dishes of sashimi, nigiri and tempura in one menu.
On Wednesday, November 4, five refugee families from Ethiopia, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka and Vietnam will prepare a feast of traditional dishes from their home countries. Refugees arrive to Thailand as a layover awaiting settlement to a new country that sometimes takes up to 10 years. At the Na Projects Group at Na Café at Bangkok 1899, legal refugees who are temporarily stuck here due to the pandemic are finding a platform for vocational training to become baristas and cooks. All proceeds from this dinner will be paid to the five families.
On Sunday, November 8, Bangkok’s popular street vendors will prepare their fare in food stalls strewn around the Parichart open-air garden courtyard during the hugely popular World Gourmet Festival Brunch. Expect Michelin Bib Gourmand Choy Ped Yang, Yaowarat Toasted Bread, Ni-Ang Nam Kaeng Sai, and Sarinthip Thai Crispy Crepe.
The World Gourmet Festival Brunch, Bangkok’s longest Sunday Brunch, will flow from 11.30am to 5pm and Anantara’s Kids’ Club will entertain the young ones while parents feast.
A portion of each dinner ticket sold will be donated to the HRH Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha HIV Prevention Fund.
Reservations for the 21st World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel are essential and can be made by contacting (02) 126 8866 ext 1201, email [email protected] or visiting www.worldgourmetfestival.asia.
