Bangkok ranked top Asian culinary city
Bangkok was named Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination at the 2026 World Culinary Awards, marking its second consecutive win.Bangkok has now won three of the past four editions, with the Vietnamese capital Hanoi interrupting its run in 2024. Bangkok’s food scene extends from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, offering both traditional Thai cooking and contemporary … Read more
Meliá White House Liquid Stories – at ’35 Bar
This autumn, Meliá White House is launching a series of tasting and masterclass experiences headed up by the expert team at ‘35 Bar & Lounge, located inside the iconic Central London hotel. Open to both hotel guests and the public, the series will invite attendees to discover a different spirit each month, with gin taking … Read more
Vietnam scoops best food festival at World Culinary Awards
The Saigontourist Group Culinary Culture, Delicacies Festival was named the World’s Best Culinary Festival at the 2026 World Culinary Awards.This marks its fourth consecutive global title since 2023 and fifth straight Asian title since 2022. Held at the Van Thanh Tourist Area in Ho Chi Minh City, this year’s festival attracted nearly 80,000 visitors, 10,000 … Read more
Belgian chocolatier’s new home boasts museum and ‘experience centre’
By Martin Banks Think Belgium and things like Manneken Pis, trappist beer and les frites may spring to mind. Then there is, of course, also chocolate, probably the most iconic of Belgian products. One of the country’s finest and best-known chocolate makers is Leonidas (which ironically has Greek connections) and it has just marked a … Read more
London’s oldest restaurant donated to heritage charity
Rules restaurant in London’s Covent Garden has been donated to the National Trust to protect it from the threat of developers – news that was reported this week as far away as the New York Times. Founded by Thomas Rule as an oyster bar in 1798, Rules is widely recognised as the oldest restaurant in Britain … Read more
Taste the Nordics
From New Nordic cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants to foraging in ancient forests, oysters on the coast, dining under the sea, farm-to-table dining and food cooked over an open fire, Denmark, Finland and Norway offer travellers a delicious way to discover the Nordic region through its landscapes, seasons and local communities. Each country has its own … Read more
Calgary Restaurant Reservations “Worth the Flight”
As dining increasingly drives travellers’ destination decisions, Calgary in Canada is offering food-focused travellers a reason to secure a seat at the table before booking their flights. Hidden inside Calgary’s ALT Hotel, EIGHT is accessed through an unassuming phone in the lobby. With just eight seats, one service four nights a week and reservations released … Read more
Aston Martin Brussels appoints Viki Geunes
30 September, 2026 Aston Martin Brussels has appointed Viki Geunes, of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Zilte, as its new Belgian Ambassador. The collaboration unites two partners “driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, precision, and world-class craftsmanship.” Viki opened Zilte, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, as a self-taught chef. With no formal training … Read more
Zest Quest Asia open for entries
30 September, 2026 By George Shaw The Zest Quest Asia 2027 cooking competition is now open for entries, with a prize of a culinary trip to Asia on offer for the college team that can best demonstrate their knowledge and skill in Asian cuisine. The contest, founded by Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, is now in … Read more
Italy Harvest Notes
By George Shaw With the 2026 Italian grape harvest is now under, as picking progresses across the country’s wine-growing regions, the first assessments of the vintage are beginning to emerge. While the picture is still evolving and marked by differences related to climate conditions, grape varieties and ripening timelines, the initial outlook highlights particularly encouraging … Read more