Food lovers, rejoice! From gastronomic feasts in bustling metropolises to intimate regional gatherings of the finest in the industry, the world’s most vibrant food festivals are making their return, serving up everything from local delicacies to international gourmet cuisine.
Whether you are a globetrotting foodie or someone looking to explore new flavours closer to home, these upcoming food festivals around the globe will satisfy your culinary wanderlust. Here are five must-visit food festivals happening soon, each offering a unique sensory journey of culture, tradition, and innovation.
Singapore Food Festival (SFF)
When: 1 to 31 October 2024
Where: Various locations across Singapore
Celebrating its 31st edition this year, the Singapore Food Festival 2024 is themed ‘A Celebration of Old and New’, spotlighting time-honoured culinary traditions and contemporary innovations in the island nation’s exciting food scene. Over 20 events have been scheduled to take place throughout the month of October, ranging from tasty tipples and unique dining experiences hosted at acclaimed restaurants, to pop-up events open for the public to visit.
Several highlights include The Long Table dining experience featuring a four-course lunch and six-course dinner menus crafted by a panel of chefs including MasterChef Singapore judge and owner of Rempapa, Damian D’Silva (October 17 and 18); a gallery-style exhibition entitled Food is Art designed by teamLab (October 19); unique events such as the Botanical Symphony taking place at The Halia that celebrates the significance of the Singapore Botanical Gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and pop-ups offering bite-sized samples from top chefs across Singapore to the public.
For more details on Singapore Food Festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.singaporefoodfestival.com or follow SFF on Instagram.
NYC Wine & Food Festival
When: 17 to 20 October 2024
Where: Various venues across New York City, USA
Happening in one of the world’s most iconic cities, the NYC Food & Wine Festival is where celebrity chefs, food critics, and enthusiastic gourmands converge for a weekend of indulgence. Hosted by the Food Network, this festival comprises numerous events scattered across the city, from rooftop tastings to intimate dinners with star chefs like Bobby Flay, offering something for every food lover.
Highlights at the 2024 iteration of the festival include the Grand Tasting, where attendees can sample hundreds of dishes and beverages from the city’s hottest restaurants; Dinner with a Chef, where ticket holders can enjoy exclusive multi-course meals prepared by some of the world’s finest culinary talents; and FoodieCon®, a one-of-a-kind celebration featuring the most influential content creators in the food and beverage community. The festival also raises funds to provide life-sustaining meals and nutrition counselling for individuals living with severe illness through God’s Love We Deliver, so you can feast for a good cause – it is simply a win-win!
Find out more regarding the full schedule of events happening for the NYC Wine & Food Festival here.
Kita Food Festival
When: November 8 to 10 2024
Where: The Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu and other restaurants and hotels around Sabah, Malaysia
Celebrating Southeast Asia’s burgeoning culinary culture, Malaysia’s renowned Kita Food Festival will be taking place in Kota Kinabalu for the first time ever, bringing its dynamic showcase of the region’s finest culinary talent and local producers to Sabah in Borneo for a weekend. This Weekender event promises a gastronomic journey that celebrates Sabah’s rich culinary heritage while advancing sustainability and innovation in the food industry.
The Kita Food Festival in Kota Kinabalu will include a Big Sunday Barbecue; Kita Conversations (a mini symposium focusing on trends, obstacles, and opportunities in the food and beverage industry); and a selection of four-hands dining events, featuring celebrated chefs like Ray Adriansyah of Locavore NXT (Bali), Darren Teoh of Dewakan (Kuala Lumpur), Aidan Low of Akâr Dining (Kuala Lumpur), Oliver Truesdale Jutras of Re:Growth (Singapore), Johnson Wong of Gēn (Penang), and more.
For more information on Kita Food Festival, visit www.kitafoodfestival.com, and follow Kita Food Festival on Facebook and Instagram.
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
When: 23 to 27 October 2024
Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, Hong Kong
Set against the stunning skyline of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is a dazzling five-day event that pairs fine wines from around the world with exquisite cuisine. East and West will come together for a festival that draws in top international chefs, including those from Michelin-starred restaurants, wine experts, and food enthusiasts, featuring over 300 wine and food booths with innovative elements, night music performances, a Halloween dress-up contest and more to excite visitors.
From premium wines and craft beers to gourmet delicacies like dim sum, roasted goose, and French cheeses, this festival is a paradise for gourmands. The highlight? The festival’s immersive wine-tasting experience, where you can sip and savour bottles from premier vineyards while enjoying the city’s iconic waterfront views. Food pairing workshops and interactive culinary demonstrations also make this festival a must-attend event for those looking to elevate their food and wine knowledge.
Find out more about the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival or buy your tickets here.
Salon Du Chocolat
When: 30 October to 3 November 2024
Where: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, France
For those with a sweet tooth, the Salon Du Chocolat in Paris is the ultimate indulgence. This world-renowned festival is dedicated to all things chocolate and cocoa, featuring exhibitors from around the globe. Chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners, and cocoa experts gather under one roof to showcase their finest creations, from artisanal bonbons and truffles to intricately sculpted chocolate masterpieces that look too good to eat.
The event offers live demonstrations, chocolate fashion shows, and workshops where you can learn how to create your own chocolate confections. Whether you are a chocolate purist or an adventurous taster seeking unusual flavor combinations like wasabi-infused chocolate, this festival will satisfy every chocolate craving imaginable.
Learn more the Paris Chocolate Fair from Salon Du Chocolat and get your tickets here.
Featured image: Singapore Food Festival
