Prepare your taste buds for a sensational culinary experience as Bangkok’s highly anticipated World Gourmet Festival arrives at the opulent Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from September 19-24. This delectable event is poised to deliver an exquisite celebration of global gastronomy, boasting a constellation of illustrious chefs who have earned international acclaim.
The upcoming World Gourmet Festival 2023 promises an awe-inspiring week of gastronomic delights, with 12 esteemed chefs hailing from Spain, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Bahrain, and Thailand. These culinary virtuosos collectively boast an impressive constellation of 17 Michelin stars and a host of prestigious accolades.
Throughout the festival, these celebrated chefs will curate memorable dining experiences at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel’s acclaimed eateries, including Biscotti, Café Wolseley, Spice Market, Shintaro, and Guilty restaurants. Moreover, patrons will have the chance to indulge in exquisite afternoon tea sessions hosted by local favourites Arne Riehn and Phol Tantasathien in the elegant Lobby Lounge.
The grandeur commences on September 19 with the “Constellation of the Stars Gala Dinner.” This splendid evening will showcase five luminary chefs – Enrico Marmo, Theodor Falser, Barry Quek, Jimmy Lim, and Arne Riehn – each crafting a course for an opulent five-course menu within the opulent confines of Anantara Siam’s ballroom. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural gala dinner, this event promises to set the tone for the festival’s exceptional offerings.
AYUTTHYA: GOING FOR GOLD
From paper-thin gold sheets of the Buddha to gold swords, head decorations and a crown, the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya province, central Thailand, has filled its new Gold Treasure Exhibition Building with 2,244 pieces of gold artefacts and ornaments made around the fifteenth century.
Guilty restaurant, on September 20-21, pays homage to Singaporean heritage through the culinary artistry of Barry Quek. He masterfully blends modern European cuisine with Singaporean influences, spotlighting local and seasonal ingredients. Jordi Artal from Barcelona’s Cinc Sentits takes centre stage on September 22-23, unveiling his two Michelin-starred mastery in tantalising taste sensations that explore sweetness, bitterness, sourness, saltiness, and umami.
Café Wolseley, on September 20-21, beckons gourmands with Theodor Falser’s gourmet Italian creations, emphasising wild herbs and vegetables to evoke the authentic flavours of Italy. The 22nd and 23rd of September witness Kiko Moya Redrado, a trailblazer of Spain’s southeast coast culinary scene, weaving delicate, skilful, and traditionally Mediterranean flavours into his masterpieces.
Singaporean chef Jimmy Lim takes the reins at Spice Market on September 20-21, crafting dishes that elegantly balance complexity, sophistication, and subtle surprises, a tribute to his roots. On September 22-23, Tala Bashmi, the Middle East and North Africa’s Best Female Chef Award recipient in 2022, reimagines her Bahraini heritage through her innovative culinary prowess.
Shintaro restaurant’s spotlight shines on September 22-23 as Toshiharu Sunayama presents Japan’s most refined French dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. Meanwhile, Biscotti boasts an enchanting duo: Enrico Marmo, recipient of Gambero Rosso 2023 Restaurant Guide’s Tradizione Futura award, tantalises taste buds with a contemporary twist on traditional Italian fare on September 20-21. On September 22-23, Daniele Lippi enchants diners with an entrancing “party game” of surrealism, inviting patrons to see beyond appearances. The festival culminates on 24 September with Thomas Bühner, the trailblazer of modern German gastronomy, wowing guests with his three-dimensional aromatic creations.
As a fitting finale, the World Gourmet Brunch, scheduled for September 24, showcases the talents of two Michelin-starred chefs, Jordi Artal, Kiko Moya Redrado, Toshiharu Sunayama, and Daniele Lippi. Their delectable dishes, drawing from their festival repertoires, promise an unforgettable culmination.
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival also offers an opportunity to explore mixology mastery at Aqua Bar, where celebrated mixologists from the World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars, including luminaries like Andrew Ho, Saan Dhakal, and Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn, will take centre stage from 19-24 September.
For those seeking hands-on experiences, the Lobby Lounge plays host to engaging cooking classes led by Arne Riehn on September 20-21, and Phol Tantasathien on September 22-23. These sessions provide a unique chance to learn new techniques and savour specially prepared dishes crafted by these culinary maestros.
Breaking new ground, Enrico Marmo will elevate the festival to greater heights by hosting a dinner at Age, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, on September 23. Likewise, Theodor Falser will cast his culinary spell at Tree Tops Signature Dining, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, offering an unprecedented opportunity to experience their culinary artistry beyond Bangkok’s borders.
The World Gourmet Festival 2023 is more than just a feast for the senses; it also embodies a spirit of generosity. A portion of each dinner ticket and auction proceeds will be donated to the Foundation for the Welfare of Rajavithi-Girls’ Home under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali.
With anticipation mounting, reservations are essential for this extraordinary culinary journey. Secure your spot at the World Gourmet 2023 through www.worldgourmetfestival.asia, by emailing wgf.asia@anantara.com, or by calling Tel. +66 (0) 2126 8866. Embark on a week-long odyssey of flavours, innovation, and culture, celebrating the finest in global cuisine and culinary artistry.