June 03, 2025
Who better to dish out your Taste must-eats than the culinary pros themselves? We asked a few of your favourite chefs to spill the beans on which restaurants they’re itching to try at the festival this summer.
ICYMI, we recently dropped a first look at our menus – and our Taste cravings are through the roof. The countdown is officially on; keep your eyes peeled for the rest of your handy dandy festival info including Timetables and the Festival Map to be revealed soon.
On John Chantarasak’s Taste must-eat list: Akira Back
AngloThai’s John Chantarasak is heading straight for Akira Back; with its award-winning food and adventurous cutting-edge dishes, including exclusive Crispy Chicken Karagee making an appearance only at Taste, we can see why.
Akira Back
Glazed miso aubergine with buffalo mozzarella and sesame seeds
CONTAINS: Milk, Sesame, Soya, Sulphites
Pan fried duck gyoza with pumpkin purée and teriyaki ponzu
CONTAINS: Fish, Celery, Gluten, Egg, Sesame, Soya, Sulphites
Crispy beef bulgogi tacos with roasted tomato ponzu and umami mayo
CONTAINS: Gluten, Sesame, Soya, Sulphites
Crispy slow cooked pork belly, spicy ssamjang, spring onion and Kimchi butterhead lettuce
CONTAINS: Gluten, Sesame, Soya, Garlic
On James Cochran’s Taste must-eat list: Roti King
Fire Pit master James Cochran is getting fired up for Roti King’s authentic Malaysian flavours. Don’t miss the Roti Canai Dhal, Beef Rendang and Grilled Lamb Chops, all bringing the heat to the festival.
Roti King
Flaky handmade roti served with an authentic dhal curry
CONTAINS: Gluten, Milk, Mustard
Flaky handmade roti served with an authentic chicken curry
CONTAINS: Gluten, Milk, Sulphites
Beef slow-cooked in aromatic spices, served with steamed coconut rice and cucumber
CONTAINS: Sulphites
Penang Shiitake mushrooms cooked in aromatic spices, served with steamed coconut rice and cucumber
CONTAINS: Soya, Sulphites
Grilled lamb chops marinated in a herb and spice mix, served with peanut satay sauce and cucumber
CONTAINS: Peanut
On Judy Joo’s Taste must-eat list: Los Mochis
Seoul Bird’s founder and fusion expert Judy Joo is all about Los Mochis, as she loves their “innovative twists on Japanese cuisine.” Grab some Trailer Park Chicken Tacos or Truffle Guacamole on Crispy Rice and experience it for yourself.
Los Mochis
Spicy salmon tartare and jalapeños, served on crispy rice
CONTAINS: Fish, Sesame, Soya
Fried chicken served with guacamole, jalapeño BBQ sauce, habanero gochujang, toasted sesame and parsnip crisp
CONTAINS: Egg, Sesame, Sulphites, Mustard
Tiger prawn tempura served with dynamite aioli, guacamole, cabbage, radish, jalapeño and mint cress
CONTAINS: Egg, Crustaceans
Guacamole with coriander cress and fresh truffle, served on crispy rice
CONTAINS: Soya
On Hanhee Lee’s Taste must-eat list: Afghan Caravan
Korean cooking expert Hanhee Lee is hot-footing it to Afghan Caravan, who will be serving up traditional Central Asian street food dishes like Zereshk Pilau and Mantu Dumplings on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 only; you won’t want to miss them.
Afghan Caravan
Freshly pan-fried flat bread with your choice of filling and served with Silk Road sauce, dry mint, sumac and chilli flakes
– Lamb & Caramelised Onions (Halal)
– Potato & Caramelised Onion (V)
– Fresh Leek & Paprika (V)
– Feta Cheese & Spinach (V)
CONTAINS: Gluten, Milk
Saffron rice with a rich chicken korma topped with sauteed sour barberries and slivered almonds
CONTAINS: Mustard, Tree Nuts
A delightful blend of Afghani pilau and tender lamb, infused with sweet warming spices, topped with caramelised raisins, carrots and slivered almonds
CONTAINS: Tree Nuts
On Francisco Martinez’s Taste must-eat list: Lore of the Land
Fazenda’s Francisco Martinez will be quickly making his way to Lore of the Land. Skip the infamous year-long queue and try their Leg of Lamb-Stuffed Yorkshire Pudding to see what the hype is about.
Lore of the Land
Cured chalk stream trout spiced with pastrami, served with puffed wild rice and pickled cucumber
CONTAINS: Fish, Sulphites, Tree Nuts
Cauliflower skewers spiced with madras, served with a lime pickle mayo, poppadoms and coriander
CONTAINS: Soya, Sulphites, Mustard
Chickpea panisse fries loaded with truffle mayo and herbs
CONTAINS: Soya, Sulphites, Mustard
Yorkshire pudding stuffed with slow-cooked lamb leg, served with crispy potato, glazed carrot, braised red cabbage, mint sauce and redcurrant jelly
CONTAINS: Gluten, Milk, Egg, Sulphites
On Kate Austen’s Taste must-eat list: Chai Wu
Great British Menu Winner Kate Austen is excited for Chai Wu’s modern Chinese creations. From Popcorn Shrimp, Duck Mantou Bao and Wagyu and Taro Croquettes, there’s plenty to savour.
Chai Wu
Deep-fried sea bass coated in spicy Szechuan sauce, mixed with pomelo, dried chilli and garlic, garnished with fresh basil cress
CONTAINS: Fish, Gluten, Egg
Popcorn shrimp served with spicy mayo
CONTAINS: Gluten, Egg, Sesame, Crustaceans, Sulphites
Seared duck with truffle garlic oil, cucumber and hoisin sauce served in a mantou bao
CONTAINS: Gluten, Milk, Egg, Sesame, Soya, Sulphites
Crispy croquettes filled with wagyu and taro, topped with caviar
CONTAINS: Fish, Mollusc, Gluten, Milk, Egg, Sesame, Soya, Mustard