National Geographic Traveller Food Festival returns in July with Monica Galetti and José Pizarro

The National Geographic Traveller Food Festival is back this summer with a stellar line-up of chefs and TV personalities, bringing the flavours of the world to London’s Business Design Centre. Running from Saturday 17^th to Sunday 18^th July, the event will see a group of globally renowned culinary minds transport guests to the very roots of their home country by cooking up an enticing array of delicacies in the British capital. 

A selection of immersive masterclasses and exclusive menus have been designed to awaken one’s sense of travel for those who yearn to explore and sample the flavours of the globe. With culinary experiences from the UK, Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond, the festival is set to bring the very best flavours we have all missed this past year.

It has just been announced that celebrity TV chef Monica Galetti will be joining the all-star lineup. Known to many for her appearance on BBC’s MasterChef since 2009, Galetti is the proud owner of famed Mere restaurant in London, where she blends timeless French cuisine with her South Pacific influences. Galetti will be hosting a live cooking demo on the mainstage on Saturday 17^th July.

Further headliners include José Pizarro who will be exploring his Spanish influences, followed by author and food writer Fuschia Dunlop, who will bring the heat of her Sichuan cooking centre stage. Some other impressive names include Michelin-Guide listed Peruvian chef Martin Morales (Ceviche), British chef Jack Stein, celebrity chef Aldo Zilli and Ukrainian chef and author Olia Hercules.

Alongside live demonstrations, a brilliant selection of hosts including BBC television presenter and fresh produce importer Chris Bavin, Heart Radio presenter Katrina Ridley and food podcaster and stand-up comedian Ollie Horn will all be on hand to ensure the weekend runs smoothly. Head to Speakers’ Corner to catch your favourite food writers and celebrated cookbook authors discuss their latest work. The line-up features Burmese food writer MiMi Aye, Hackney Road Morito Head chef Marianna Leivaditaki and Irish chef JP McMahon.

For those wishing to get away for the summer, the food festival grants you a one-way ticket to global cultures and cuisines, without requiring you to bring your passport.

The editorial unit
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina and Alessia Caramello

National Geographic Traveller Food Festival takes place at Business Design Centre on 17^th and 18^th July 2021. Tickets are available to purchase from the festival’s website from £13.