• SJM represented Macau at the “East Meets West @ Phetchaburi” food festival in Thailand’s Phetchaburi Province.
• The event brought together representatives from five countries and seven UNESCO “Creative Cities of Gastronomy”.

With the strong support of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), SJM Resorts, S.A. sent Head Chef Federico Pucci of “Don Alfonso 1890” at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau to represent Macau at the international gastronomy event “East Meets West @ Phetchaburi,” held in Thailand’s Phetchaburi Province on 21 and 22 August 2025.

The event brought together representatives from five countries and seven UNESCO “Creative Cities of Gastronomy” to spotlight the role of cuisine in fostering cultural exchange and sustainable development through forums, live demonstrations, a young chefs’ competition and city-wide tastings.

To bring the festival’s East-meets-West theme to life, Chef Pucci crafted Risotto ai gamberi di fiume during a live cooking demonstration. Using traditional Italian techniques, he gently toasted Carnaroli rice and infused it with the vibrant flavors of Phetchaburi’s signature manao lime, toddy palm sugar and local sea salt. These Thai ingredients were seamlessly blended with premium Italian staples, including Parmigiano Reggiano, colatura di alici and homemade virgin olive oil from Don Alfonso 1890. The resulting risotto was a harmonious fusion of cultures, earning enthusiastic praise from international guests and showcasing the art of culinary innovation.

The event also featured a culinary forum with experts, including representatives from Tucson, Arizona – a UNESCO “Creative City of Gastronomy” – who engaged in discussions on innovative cooking concepts and sustainable dining practices. Meanwhile, young chefs displayed their creativity and skills in a competition that enriched the heritage of culinary arts.

SJM’s participation in international food festivals highlights its dedication to enhancing Macau’s tourism by leveraging the synergy of “Gastronomy + Tourism.” By showcasing Macau’s allure as a UNESCO “Creative City of Gastronomy,” SJM has fostered exchanges and collaborations with other creative cities, raising global awareness of Macau’s unique culinary culture. This has attracted visitors seeking immersive experiences and further solidified Macau’s reputation as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”