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.
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.
Flaky handmade roti with authentic dhal curry.
CONTAINS: Mustard, Milk, Gluten
Flaky handmade roti with authentic chicken curry.
CONTAINS: Sulphites, Milk, Gluten
Flame-grilled chicken thighs in a lemongrass and spice marinade, served with peanut sauce.
CONTAINS: Tree Nuts, Peanut, Soya, Gluten
Lamb chops glazed with an aromatic spice mix and served with peanut sauce.
CONTAINS: Tree Nuts, 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.
Guacamole on crispy rice with coriander cress and fresh truffles.
CONTAINS: Soya, Sesame
Teriyaki duck with crispy rice, avocado crema, cucumber, spring onion, chilli-soy, habanero and hoisin.
CONTAINS: Soya, Sesame
Fried chicken with guacamole, jalapeño BBQ sauce, habanero gochujang, toasted sesame and parsnip crisps.
CONTAINS: Mustard, Sulphites, Soya, Sesame
Black cod with citrus ume miso and pickled red onion.
CONTAINS: Soya, Sesame, Fish
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.
Handmade dumplings, garlic yoghurt, chickpea sauce, sumac and dried mint.
CONTAINS: Milk, Gluten
Handmade dumplings, garlic yoghurt, chickpea sauce, sumac and dried mint.
CONTAINS: Milk, Gluten
Braised chicken with saffron rice, topped with sautéed barberries and almonds.
Almond and semolina sponge soaked in Afghan saffron syrup, rose petals and almonds.
CONTAINS: Tree Nuts, Egg, Milk, Gluten
Lamb with fragrant pilau rice, topped with caramelised sultanas, carrots and 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.
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.
Popcorn shrimp with spicy mayonnaise.
CONTAINS: Crustaceans, Sesame, Egg, Gluten
Exotic tempura mushrooms with truffle mayonnaise.
CONTAINS: Egg, Gluten
Miso and barley black cod topped with a honey and champagne foam.
CONTAINS: Soya, Egg, Gluten
Slow cooked short ribs with sweet caramel sauce.
CONTAINS: Soya, Egg, Milk, Gluten, Fish
