Aside from chefs from Singapore and other Asian countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, the 21^st edition of the foodie festival from March 20^th to April 16^th will have countries participating for the first time such as Ukraine, Hungary and Mexico.

A Thai night market and a cocktail and dim sum pairing dinner are among the international offerings that will be featured at the 21^st World Gourmet Summit (WGS) on Mar. 20^th to Apr. 16^th this year.

Salt souffle with white chocolate and chia seeds, marinated in blue cabbage, by Ukrainian chef Iurii Kovryzhenko. (Photo: World Gourmet Summit)

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board since 1997, WGS is one of Singapore's largest dining events.

Every year, a constellation of stars from the international and local culinary arena showcase a delectable spread of gastronomic experiences for a community of fine dining enthusiasts. Encompassing a series of dazzling events, including the gourmet golf experience, vintner dinners and special themed and celebrity dinners, the WGS is a spectacular annual gourmet expedition specially crafted for discerning inpiduals who appreciate fine wines and cuisines.

The highlight of this year’s festival is a party at Chijmes on April 2^nd, where there will be food and cocktail stations from all over the world and visitors can purchase gourmet dishes at S$10 each.

Liquor connoisseurs will also have plenty to choose from, with a world whiskey tour pairing regional dishes with whiskeys from countries like Taiwan and Italy, as well as events dedicated to Mexico's mezcal (the lesser-known sibling of tequila) and artisanal gin.

Beef cheek by Hungarian "daredevil" chef Biro Lajos. (Photo: World Gourmet Summit)

Aside from chefs from Singapore and other Asian countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, this year's edition of the festival - which is themed "United Nations of Gastronomic Assembly" - will have countries participating for the first time such as Ukraine, Hungary and Mexico, WGS organiser Peter Knipp told Channel NewsAsia.

He added that this would also serve as a "valuable experience" for local chefs to learn from well-established counterparts from different countries.

Mr. Knipp emphasised that the festival's focus on Southeast Asian chefs was strong. "We reached for the long distance but we also respect our Asian roots."

Phad Thai Talay (seafood fried noodles) will be among the dishes served at the "Thai night market". (Photo: Tamarind Hill / Facebook)

Chefs Chookiat Kantha from Laos, Luu Meng from Cambodia, Bunchu Nittayao from Vietnam and PaTA from Thailand will lead events at the festival.

Local Thai restaurant Tamarind Hill will also be transformed into a bustling Thai night market on April 8^th, with outdoor grills and street food stalls serving 25 street food classics./.

VNF/CNA