Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce Gastronomic Awards 2026
The Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC), joined by the Embassy of Spain in Thailand, turned the rooftop of UNO MÁS at Centara Grand at CentralWorld into a hub of Mediterranean excellence for the first-ever Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce Gastronomic Awards.
As the first dedicated initiative recognising excellence in Spanish cuisine in Thailand, the event was a celebration of the chefs, restaurateurs, importers, and visionaries, honouring both established names and rising talents for their outstanding contributions across four categories. The 2026 award recipients were:
- Innovation Award – Chef Álvaro “Palanca” Ramos (Vaso)
- Professional Career Award – Chef Kannika (Taburete)
- Gastronomic Ambassador Award – El Willy
- New Project Award – Chef Ricardo “Ricky” Laferia (Bar Sociedad Laferia)

The evening was gracefully guided by MC and current Mrs. World, Mrs. Chanita Craythorne, and opened with welcoming remarks from H.E. Mr. Felipe de la Morena Casado, Ambassador of Spain to Thailand, setting the tone with an inspiring opening address. “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,” noted H.E. Felipe de la Morena Casado, Ambassador of Spain to Thailand.

The highlight of the evening was the exclusive “18-Hand Dinner,” a rare gastronomic collaboration that brought together leading talented Spanish chefs based in Thailand alongside the Michelin-starred guest chef Manuel Alonso. Guests enjoyed a multi-course journey that paired inventive dishes with premium Spanish wines. The collaborative effort showcased the collective brilliance of chefs representing renowned establishments such as Luma, Cento, Willy, Vaso, Fuego, Luz, Uno Más, and Bar Sociedad Laferia.


The awards ceremony acted as the anchor for the broader “Flavours of Spain” campaign, an initiative between the STCC and the Spanish Embassy, along with partner restaurants and bars across Bangkok. Designed to prime the scene for the upcoming Eat Spain Drink Spain campaign, the Gastronomic Awards is set to become an annual platform, continuing to bring together the culinary community and reinforcing the cultural and gastronomic ties between Spain and Thailand to be stronger—and more delicious—than ever.