Nepal has earned a prestigious global recognition in the field of culinary literature and food tourism as The Mystic Kitchen of Nepal has been awarded the World Best Tourism Cookbook at the 31st Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The award ceremony took place from November 27 to 30, 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the internationally acclaimed Gourmand Awards, widely known as the “Oscars of Gastronomy.”
The book, authored by Nepali-born chef and culinary researcher Bikram Vaidya, stood out among hundreds of global entries to secure the top honor in the Food Tourism Books (Category D06), a highly competitive category featuring only six shortlisted countries worldwide.
Shortlisted Among Six Nations
In the Food Tourism Books category, Nepal was shortlisted alongside Germany, India, the Netherlands, the Philippines, and Poland. The competition reflected a global gathering of some of the finest culinary publications, making Nepal’s top position a remarkable achievement on the world stage.
The announcement was made during the main award ceremony in Riyadh, where the winning diploma for “World Best Tourism Cookbook” was presented, officially placing Nepal at the pinnacle of food tourism publishing in 2025.
The award is more than a trophy, it is a celebration of Nepal’s living traditions and an invitation to the world to discover the stories hidden within its kitchens.
Global Platform of Culinary Excellence
Founded in 1995 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards have grown into the most prestigious international platform celebrating food, drink, and gastronomy-related publications. This year’s awards saw 848 participants from 180 countries and 15 international organizations, including UNESCO, FAO, UNWTO, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank.
More than 1,200 books from 212 countries and regions were invited to the Riyadh celebration, underscoring the scale and competitiveness of the event. Winning a top global category amid such international participation highlights the growing recognition of Nepal’s culinary heritage.
A Research-Based Culinary Heritage Work
The Mystic Kitchen of Nepal is the result of over 16 years of field research conducted across Nepal. The book documents regional cuisines, traditional rituals, indigenous food practices, and cultural narratives associated with Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities.
The publication places strong emphasis on food tourism, Ayurveda, sustainability, and cultural preservation, positioning Nepali cuisine not only as a culinary attraction but also as a form of living heritage. Through in-depth documentation, recipes, and ethnographic insights, the book presents Nepali food traditions as an integral part of the global culinary landscape.
Boost for Nepal’s Cultural and Tourism Identity
The international recognition of The Mystic Kitchen of Nepal is being viewed as a major boost for Nepal’s tourism branding and cultural diplomacy. Tourism experts believe the award strengthens Nepal’s image beyond adventure tourism, expanding its global appeal to include culinary tourism, wellness travel, and heritage exploration.
By securing a top position among elite global publications, Nepal’s food culture has gained renewed visibility, encouraging travelers to explore the country through its traditional cuisines, local ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.
Strengthening Nepal’s Global Culinary Presence
The achievement reflects a growing global interest in authentic, sustainable, and culturally rooted food experiences. Nepal’s victory in such a competitive international arena signals its readiness to emerge as a significant culinary tourism destination.
Industry observers note that this recognition may inspire more documentation, preservation, and promotion of indigenous Nepali cuisines while opening new opportunities for food tourism, hospitality development, and international collaborations.
As Nepal continues to diversify its tourism offerings, the global success of The Mystic Kitchen of Nepal stands as a landmark milestone, positioning the nation’s culinary heritage firmly on the world map and reinforcing Nepal’s identity as a destination of deep culture, wellness traditions, and authentic gastronomic experiences.
