Thailand Unveils "Thailand Best Local Food" Mark for Local Cuisine

Thailand's Ministry of Culture has launched the "Thailand Best Local Food" (TBLF) mark and the "Thai Local Food to World Food" initiative to elevate the country's local culinary heritage to a global stage. The project documents and showcases unique food traditions and over 231 local dishes from all 77 provinces of Thailand.

The initiative aims to enhance the international profile of Thai local cuisine by linking the country's rich cultural heritage with tourism and the creative economy. The criteria for the mark include Heritage Value, Culinary Interpretation, and Restaurant Excellence. Five Thai restaurants have been selected as model establishments and awarded the TBLF mark.

The mark is awarded in two categories: "Classic Selection" honors the preservation of traditional recipes, and "Creative & Innovative Selection" recognizes contemporary interpretations that retain the essence of the original dishes. A "The Lost Taste Restaurant Month" will be held in September as part of the initiative, featuring rare Thai recipes and special promotions.

Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised stated that the initiative transforms cultural capital into economic value, creating new opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs. The project promotes the preservation of Thailand's culinary heritage and its growth in the global market.