'Culinary Olympics' to host Asia-Pacific selection in Macao

The Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific 2026 will take place at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo on Nov. 1–2. File photo

The Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific 2026 will take place in Macao on Nov. 1–2, with eight top teams from across the region competing for a place in the global final.

As the fourth continental qualifying event on the road to the Bocuse d’Or World Final, which is dubbed the “Culinary Olympics,” the Asia-Pacific selection is a crucial stage for teams aiming to reach the highest level. The winning teams will join already-qualified nations and regions at the Bocuse d’Or World Final in January 2027, held during Sirha Lyon in France.

Macao was chosen as host for the first time, a reflection of the city’s unique cultural and culinary identity. The city has served as a key gateway between Asia and the West for centuries. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Macanese culinary arts are also listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in China.

Macao’s cuisine is deeply influenced by Cantonese cooking, blended with Portuguese culinary traditions over more than 400 years. From dim sum to Portuguese egg tarts, from wonton noodles to Iberian-inspired dishes, East and West meet on Macao’s plates. Macao is home to more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, including two-star Chef Tam’s Seasons and The Huaiyang Garden, one-star Five Foot Road, and the Bib Gourmand-listed UTM Educational Restaurant.

According to the organizers, the Asia-Pacific selection will take place at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. To watch the competition on site, follow the Bocuse d’Or official website (bocusedor.com) and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for announcements.

Dates: Nov. 1-2

Venue: Cotai Expo, The Venetian Macao