The government builds on the charm of Thai cuisine after it ranked 7th globally in "foods the world loves," advancing "The Lost Taste" initiative to revive 231 local food heritages and generate cultural and tourism value.
On 12 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that under Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership, the government is advancing Thai cultural capital and culinary appeal as drivers of economic and tourism growth. This follows Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index 2026 ranking Thailand 7th worldwide for the attribute "foods the world loves," reflecting international appreciation and the potential of Thai cuisine.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Sabida Thaiset, is building on this strength through the "The Lost Taste" project under the Living Heritage concept. The Department of Cultural Promotion has collected knowledge and endangered local food heritages numbering over 231 dishes to preserve flavors, stories, and community wisdom. These are being developed into culinary and cultural tourism experiences to create economic opportunities for local businesses and communities.
"Thai food is a strong cultural asset recognized globally. The government aims to extend the existing popularity of Thai cuisine by encouraging both Thai people and tourists to explore the diversity of local dishes across regions. Behind each dish lie ingredients, wisdom, preparation methods, lifestyles, and community stories, which can be developed into travel experiences and add value to localities," she said.
The Department of Cultural Promotion has also developed criteria for Thailand Best Local Food to promote and certify the value of local dishes. Drawing on expertise from seven specialists and feedback from over 400 consumers, the criteria emphasize cultural roots, local ingredients, and preserving the essence of the dishes. Certification is divided into two categories: Classic, for dishes maintaining traditional recipes and identity, and Creative + Innovation, for contemporary adaptations that retain the core values of local cuisine.
Moreover, the project has selected five model restaurants to showcase local food heritage through menus and dining experiences. It plans to hold The Lost Taste Special Course event in September 2026, allowing the public and tourists to experience "the lost tastes" in new ways, accompanied by the "5 Series 5 Restaurants" storytelling to raise awareness and encourage culinary tourism.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that food’s potential extends to tourism. The Global Soft Power Index 2026 also ranks Thailand 12th worldwide as a "place worth visiting," improving two places from 2025. This highlights opportunities for Thailand to integrate food and culture into travel experiences, offering tourists more choices, dispersing spending across regions, and generating income for communities.
"The government aims for local food preservation to go beyond merely recording recipes. These heritages must have people to prepare, eat, and visit them, generating community income. When local flavors endure, entrepreneurs can build on them, and younger generations appreciate this wisdom. Thus, these food heritages will live on and be passed sustainably to future generations," she concluded.
Updates on activities and information can be followed on the Facebook group Thai Food Thailand Best Local Food andwww.thelosttaste.com