The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced in a press conference at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday that the “2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” will run for 10 days from next Friday to March 29, bringing together nearly 40 Creative Cities of Gastronomy from around the world.
Details of the event were unveiled in the press conference attended by MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Directors Cheng Wai Tong and Jennifer Si Tou, and representatives of partner government entities.
The festival will feature five main highlights, namely the “International Gastronomy Promenade”, “City of Gastronomy Showcase” and “International Gastronomy Forum, Macao”, alongside two new additions – the “World Wines Lounge” and the “Global Goodies Market”.
According to Senna Fernandes, Macau’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 recognised the city’s culinary culture shaped by the convergence of Eastern and Western influences. She said that the festival aims to promote the preservation and innovation of Macau’s culinary traditions while fostering international exchange.
This year’s edition will feature participation from nearly 40 cities across six continents, including eight newly designated Creative Cities of Gastronomy in 2025, marking the largest lineup since the annual event was launched. The main venue will once again be Macau Fisherman’s Wharf in Nape, specifically the Roman Amphitheatre Square and Legend Boulevard.
Additionally, a new community venue will be set up near Rua de Cantão and Rua de Xangai in Zape to help stimulate the district’s economy.
The International Gastronomy Promenade will feature around 100 food booths offering dishes from different regions of the world, including cities such as Fujian Province’s Quanzhou, Guangdong Province’s Chaozhou and Shunde, Jiangsu Province’s Huai’an and Yangzhou, and Sichuan Province’s Chengdu, as well as cities from the Americas, Africa and Asia.
About 800 dining seats will be available at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf venue, alongside stage performances and interactive games. The City of Gastronomy Showcase will present 53 culinary sessions by chefs from 25 Creative Cities of Gastronomy, allowing participants to demonstrate cooking techniques and share culinary cultures. Among them will be young chefs participating in the programme organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).
Moreover, the International Gastronomy Forum, slated for March 23 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre of Macau Fisherman’s Wharf will explore how culinary arts can collaborate with other sectors to promote sustainable urban development under the theme “Creative Fusion: Reimagining Gastronomy Beyond the Plate”.
Representatives of partner government entities including Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (front, centre), MGTO Deputy Directors Cheng Wai Tong (front, second from left) and Jennifer Si Tou (front, second from right), look on during yesterday’s “2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” press conference at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre in Nape.
Workers putting the final touches yesterday on the row of booths at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf in Nape for next Friday’s opening of the international culinary festival. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
