Bangkok / Pattaya – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising the ‘Thai Food Festival 2014’ to be held at CentralFestival Beach Pattaya from 4-6 July, to enhance the reputation of Thai cuisine, already acknowledged as among the world’s best.
Mrs. Vilaiwan Twichasri, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business of TAT said,“Thanks to its unique tastes and unbeaten quality, Thailand’s food has gained international acclaim and is loved by anyone who enjoys eating well, wherever they are in the world. Pattaya, with its ever-present blend of international visitors, has been chosen as the venue for this annual Thai food festival. The city is known for being a great place for tourists to come and have fun as well as for its range of fine dining and great Thai food options.”
Now in its fifth year, the three-day festival will be an epicurean extravaganza. Specialty dishes from 40 leading Thai restaurants will be lovingly prepared by chefs on-site. This means that all visitors, local and international, can enjoy the best dishes that Thailand’s best chefs can offer. The aim is to create a real taste of Thailand and allow people to experience authentic Thai cuisine at its peak cooked by the masters.
This year’s theme is ‘Herbs and Spices …Thai Taste’ to reflect Thailand’s unique blends of fragrant herbs and spices that ensure favourite Thai dishes stand out. At the show, there will be spicy treats; such as, the spicy soup Tom Yam and the much-loved papaya salads Somtam to try. Other zesty delights on offer are the rich coconut curry, Tom Kha Kai, the ever-popular Phat Thai, and the local favourite, Khanom Chin.
To spice up the festival, there will be cooking demonstrations by three celebrity chefs: Chef Oak – Christian Johann from Johann Bistro restaurant; Chef Can – Thanaporn Makornwat from The Local by Oam Thong Thai Cuisine; and Chef Book – Boonsamith Pukkanasut, the owner of the Book: Rad Na KhunThep restaurant and the MC of the Foodwork TV programme. A host of entertainment shows will be available throughout the three days including stage performances by a famous group from the Thailand’s Got Talent reality television series as well as other leading Thai performers.
Visitors will also be able to take part in many fun competitions; such as, onion and garlic peeling competitions and blindfolded food guessing challenges. In addition, everyone who attends the Food Fest will be eligible to receive a free Thai cook book: an introduction to cooking Thai curries and soups, as well as an extra book about herbs and Thai spices. TAT has prepared 3,000 free copies for any budding chefs or visitors who want to know more about Thailand’s vibrant and tasty cuisine.