Chef’s choice at IMEX
Where delicious destinations draw you in
“There’s something deliciously satisfying about planning your travels around food.”
We couldn’t agree with Roadbook more. From a curiosity to try out new cuisines to a longing to recreate magical food memories, food is often the impetus behind a destination choice.
For their
best food destinations 2025 list, Roadbook asked some of the world’s top chefs, from Melbourne’s Lorcán Kan to London’s Ravinder Bhogal, for their favorites. And (of course) most of these delicious destinations are represented at IMEX 2025.
Plan your show floor travels around San Sebastián, Spain for sea and mountain-sourced local produce from grilled kinmedai to sweet and salty teardrop peas; or Kyoto for perfectly crafted coffee, Kaiseiki—and a whole new take on pizza—omakase pizza. Or Kuala Lumpur for its vibrant food culture and unique blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay flavors, from simple-yet-sublime roadside rotis to luscious laksas.
Basil, lemon and berries footnote (or should that be foodnote?) the food of Campania, Italy, known for fantastic raw ingredients, abundant seafood and long-held traditions of cheese, pasta (and of course) pizza making.
Explore the “essence of Guadalajara” which according to Nine Lives head chef, Ramon Ramos, is birria, mariachi and tequila. Plus, sourdough, salsa and a fresh and fluid food scene. Collabs, supper clubs and pop-ups have taken hold in Istanbul with recommendations including butter-braised borlotti beans, salt-cured bonito and rich mullet-roe taramasalata.
Lisbon’s tabernas typify the city’s social scene, serving traditional food from prawns to pregos, to a loyal local crowd. Further south, the vineyards, cork trees and orchards of the Alentejo provide the backdrop for moonlit barbecues and estate wine tastings. On the Alentejo coast, the simple pleasures of perfectly cooked seafood rice served at beach front restaurants rule. (And we’d just like to add that although we’re delighted that Portuguese pasteis de nata seem to be everywhere now, there’s nothing quite like a Lisbon pastel de nata.)
Delicious destinations at IMEX 2025 include Guadalajara,
Booth A120; Istanbul,
Booth E410; Italy,
Booth D400; Kyoto,
Booth B455; Portugal,
Booth D100 and San Sebastian,
Booth D320
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