Indulge in menus from the world’s best restaurants, pocket some cooking tips while watching famous chefs showcase their talents, and mingle with foodies from all over the world at these top 5 food festivals:
Taste of London, United Kingdom
Taste festivals have popped up in Cape Town, Hong Kong, and many places around the world, but the London version always stands out as the most impressive opening event. Held twice a year (so visitors can sample seasonal menus), this festival sets up stalls in Regent’s Park to showcase masterpieces from the world’s most talented chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. Attendees can enjoy their favorite dishes from Michelin-starred mini kitchens, while lively entertainment programs, cooking classes, and award ceremonies keep the atmosphere buzzing. Try staying at Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany hotel-restaurant, just a 2-minute walk from Regent’s Park.
Napoli Pizza Village, Italy
Every year, the birthplace of pizza hosts a 2-week festival to celebrate the world’s most beloved food. Pizza chefs from all over the world are welcomed to experiment with their own recipes and compete in the “World Pizza-Making Championship,” with categories including wood-fired, gluten-free, and free-style. The competition is judged by a panel of Michelin-starred chefs. You’ll see plenty of dough tossing, pizza-making classes, and get to taste one of the best pizzas of your life. Stay around the center of Naples or at the charming Ovo – Slow Travel B&B, but don’t forget to leave room for pizza during your indulgent breakfast.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Australia
More than 300 events to attend, including record-breaking pop-up stalls and meals in Melbourne.
Melbourne is a hub for international cuisine, from Asian dishes to Mediterranean fusion. The 10-day food festival in Melbourne is one of the most reputable and worth attending. Every March, the city’s most famous restaurants open their doors to welcome visitors, with over 300 events to choose from. You can attend workshops led by world-renowned chefs, as well as culinary tours, cheese tastings, and the famous “Longest Lunch” event (a three-course meal – consisting of an appetizer, main course, and dessert – served on a table 500 meters long). Stay at the Art Series – The Cullen, a luxurious hotel near the Prahran Market (a must-visit in the city where you’ll find the best seasonal produce in Victoria, and sometimes even in all of Australia).
Mad Symposium, Denmark
“Mad” in Danish means food, and this event is a pilgrimage for true foodies.
Every summer, this symposium is organized by MAD Food Organization – a non-profit community founded by René Redzepi, the chef of Noma (winner of the “World’s Best Restaurant” award four times). “Mad” in Danish means food, and this event is a pilgrimage for true foodies, with discussions and presentations on food. To get a ticket, you must submit an application (specifically for chefs, servers, sommeliers, farmers, and teachers) to show your curiosity and desire to learn about food. You can stay at Sankt Annæ 10, a guesthouse in the center of Copenhagen with a beautiful flower-filled courtyard.
Savour Festival, Singapore
Tasting premium dishes, cooking classes, culinary skill demonstrations, competitions, and a premium food market at Savour.
Singapore is one of the most important culinary destinations in Asia, and Savour is one of the city’s most anticipated food events. The festival has a winter edition, a wine edition in September, and the main edition of premium cuisine in May, lasting four days and attracting thousands of food enthusiasts. The event includes tasting premium dishes, cooking classes, culinary skill demonstrations, competitions, and a premium food market where you can choose from many high-quality souvenirs. Book a room at the Capsule Pod Boutique Hostel and experience delicious food near the Chinatown area during the time you’re not attending Savour.