Thai Ministry Hosts Culinary Festival in New York City
The THAI SELECT Festival brought certified cuisine and interactive exhibits to Grand Central Terminal on July 30, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Food and Drink
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On July 30, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Commerce hosted the THAI SELECT Festival at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal. The event showcased authentic Thai cuisine and cultural exhibits to strengthen the global recognition of Thai culinary arts.
Why it matters
The festival serves to bolster the international reputation of Thai cuisine as a key soft power asset. By utilizing high-profile guest appearances, the event aims to increase consumer interest in certified authentic dining experiences.
The global THAI SELECT program currently includes 1,499 certified restaurants across 72 countries. Additionally, the initiative has verified 1,072 ready-to-eat Thai food products produced by 118 different companies.
The players
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi
She is a member of the Thai royal family who presided over the opening ceremony of the festival.
Mile Phakphum Romsaithong
He is a prominent Thai actor who attended the event to help generate public awareness for the culinary program.
Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat
He is a well-known Thai actor who participated in the festival activities to promote Thai cuisine.
The details
Fifteen THAI SELECT-certified restaurants participated in the event, which featured the theme THAI SELECT Playground - Play with Thai Flavors. The festival included interactive cultural activities and appearances by Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat.
Timeline
The THAI SELECT Festival took place at Grand Central Terminal on July 30, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival follows a pattern set by Thailand's national soft power strategy by leveraging its culinary heritage to expand the country's cultural influence. This initiative highlights how governments are increasingly using food and pop culture to capture share in the competitive global tourism market.
Residents and visitors in New York City were able to experience signature dishes from 15 certified restaurants during the one-day event at Grand Central. This showcase provided the public with direct access to authentic Thai flavors that meet international certification standards.
The takeaway
The THAI SELECT program provides a reliable benchmark for consumers seeking authentic Thai dining experiences worldwide. Diners can identify these certified establishments by looking for the program's official logo at local restaurants and on packaged food products.
Further reading
Explore more local culinary trends in our Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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