The Cuisine Festival: Shanghai's first foodie gathering

As Shanghai’s first true foodie-oriented event, The Cuisine Festival aims to attract 20,000 visitors. But is it worth of your yuan?

Festival project leader Aurelian Souci thinks so.

“The Cuisine Festival was organized to entertain foodies and embark them on a journey," says Souci. "Visitors can find the most acclaimed restaurants in town under one roof.”

Exhibitors and attendees

Scheduled for November 7 and 8 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, the festival will feature 102 exhibitors, inclduing 53 local and 22 international brands. Presumed attendees have been optimistically described by the festival as people with “high disposable income, seduced by the most refined food, finest drinks and palates eager to discover delicious dishes.”

At RMB 2,500 per square-meter, setting up a booth to attract the expected elite doesn’t come cheap in the VIP area. A more affordable option is available in the Turnkey area, with a reduced rate of RMB 1,500 per square-meter to set up shop.

One of two hotels with a presence at the Cuisine Festival, the Grand Hyatt is hoping to “increase public awareness of the hotel’s restaurant ON56.” Explains Jennifer Sun of the Grand Hyatt: “We would like to showcase our cuisine and restaurant to more people, especially the ones who do not often dine in a five-star hotel.”

What to expect

The Cuisine Festival promises an “oasis” for foodies with a two-hour cocktail event, cooking lessons, kids’ activities and a "Chocolate Factory."

International chefs expected to attend include Robert Fontana, Emmanuel Souliere, William Mahi, Frank Salati, Fabrice Giraud, Bertrand Ducouroy, Massimiliano Massi, Francesco Sanna and Matteo Moretti.

Many of the chefs will teach hands-on classes featuring dishes such as “marinated beef tenderloin” (chef Fabrice Giraud, Nov. 8, 4pm) and “Truffes au chocolat” (chef Bertrand Ducauroy, Nov. 7 and 8, noon).