STCC Launches Inaugural Gastronomic Awards
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in Thailand, recently hosted the inaugural Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce Gastronomic Awards 2026 at UNO MÁS, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, marking a milestone moment for Spanish gastronomy in Thailand.
As the first dedicated initiative of its kind recognising excellence in Spanish cuisine in the country, the event brought together chefs, restaurateurs, importers and key industry figures for an evening of recognition, connection and culinary creativity.
The awards honoured outstanding contributions across four categories, recognising both established names and rising talents shaping the Spanish culinary landscape in Thailand. The 2026 award recipients were Chef Álvaro “Palanca” Ramos (Innovation), Chef Kannika (Professional Career), El Willy (Gastronomic Ambassador) and Ricardo “Ricky” Laferia (New ProChef).
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from HE Ambassador Felipe de la Morena Casado. “This inaugural Gastronomic Awards marks an important milestone in strengthening the cultural and culinary ties between Spain and Thailand. It is inspiring to see the passion, creativity and dedication of the chefs and professionals who continue to elevate Spanish cuisine and bring it closer to audiences in Thailand.”
The highlight of the evening was the exclusive “18-Hand Dinner”, a one-night-only collaboration that brought together leading Spanish chefs based in Thailand alongside the Michelin-starred guest chef, Manuel Alonso. Guests enjoyed a curated multi-course dining journey, paired with premium Spanish wines, showcasing diverse interpretations of Spanish culinary traditions through a contemporary lens. This major culinary event featured, alongside Manuel Alonso, renowned Spanish chefs from Luma, Cento, Willy, Vaso, Fuego, Luz, Uno Más and Bar Sociedad Laferia.
The awards ceremony formed part of the broader “Flavours of Spain” campaign, a culinary initiative led by the Embassy of Spain in Thailand and the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with partner restaurants and bars across Bangkok. Designed as a lead-in celebration of the broader “Eat Spain Drink Spain” initiative, the Gastronomic Awards is set to become an annual platform, continuing to bring together the culinary community and elevate Spanish cuisine in Thailand.
The Spanish–Thai Chamber of Commerce Gastronomic Awards 2026 reflected the growing appreciation for Spanish cuisine in Thailand and reinforces the cultural and gastronomic ties between Spain and Thailand, positioning Bangkok as an increasingly dynamic destination for international culinary exchange.
