Culinary tourism is booming across Asia Pacific, with the region accounting for 37.8% of global food tourism revenue in 2023, according to The Future of Luxury Food Travel 2025 report by the Luxury Group by Marriott International.
As travellers grow more adventurous with their palates, three rising destinations are catching the attention of gourmet globetrotters: Manila, Mumbai and Jeju Island.
In the Philippines, Manila is undergoing a gastronomic renaissance. Leading the charge is celebrated chef-restaurateur Margarita Forés, who recently launched her eponymous fine-dining restaurant, Margarita. The venue offers an elegant reimagining of traditional Filipino dishes with global finesse – perfect for discerning diners seeking local soul with international flair.
Mumbai’s culinary scene continues to evolve with bold concepts and regionally inspired menus. Masque, often credited with elevating Indian tasting menus, showcases wild, foraged ingredients from across the subcontinent. Nearby, Ekaa takes a Nordic approach to Indian cooking, stripping dishes down to their elemental flavours for a refreshingly modern interpretation.
South Korea’s Jeju Island is also gaining momentum, especially among nature-driven epicureans. Known for its volcanic terroir and pristine seafood, the island now plays host to farm-to-table experiences that highlight Jeju black pork, sea urchin and tangerines. The focus on local provenance and