Local Going Global

There's no better time to support chefs as more and more of them go back to their roots to give traditional recipes a new spin, casting their countries' cuisines in the international spotlight.

- Priyanka Elhence

As a food writer, it fascinates me how much the world of dining has changed over the past decade. Serious-minded restaurants have gone from being just beautiful venues for diners to dress up and gather for a great meal with their friends; the chef's kitchen has become a platform for reinvention and to push culinary boundaries.

It's not enough to serve a delicious meal anymore. Diners want a background story to every menu, one that should strike a chord – be it the chef's personal inspirations or culinary heritage. And they'd readily pledge allegiance to what their favourite restaurants stand for in terms of food philosophy and ethics.