Luxury rainforest resort The Datai Langkawi announces its 2026 Chef Series, bringing Michelin-starred chefs and a celebrated UK TV personality to one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic travel destinations.
The Datai Langkawi has revealed the 2026 line-up for The Chef Series: The Art of the Distinctive, its acclaimed annual gastronomic programme set deep within Langkawi’s ancient rainforest. Recognised as one of the best luxury resorts in Malaysia, The Datai continues to attract global travellers seeking exceptional dining experiences alongside immersive nature-led escapes.
A Global Culinary Line-Up in a World-Class Travel Destination
Running throughout 2026, The Chef Series will welcome an exceptional roster of award-winning chefs from Europe and Asia, including Michelin-starred names from the UK, Germany and Malaysia, as well as a special appearance by renowned chef and UK television personality Monica Galetti.
The series reinforces Langkawi’s growing reputation as a leading destination for luxury food-focused travel, offering intimate dining events that blend world-class cuisine with locally sourced ingredients from the resort’s zero-waste Permaculture Garden and the surrounding natural landscape.
The Chef Series 2026: Key Dates and Guest Chefs
- 13–17 January 2026: Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, UK (Three Michelin Stars)
- 27–28 February 2026: Seamus Sam, Evelyn’s Table, UK (One Michelin Star)
- 2 & 4 April 2026 (Easter Week): Mathew Leong, Norway (Bocuse d’Or Asia No.1, 2025)
- 19–20 June 2026: Wong Chin Hua, Restaurant Shu KL, Malaysia (Michelin Guide Young Chef 2026)
- 7–8 August 2026: Douce Steiner, Hotel Restaurant Hirschen, Germany (Two Michelin Stars)
- 6–7 November 2026: Monica Galetti, UK chef and television personality
Michelin-Starred Dining Meets Sustainable Luxury Travel
Each residency will offer bespoke dining experiences hosted at The Dining Room, the resort’s signature restaurant nestled within the rainforest canopy. Select events will also extend to alfresco beachside settings and private sunset cruises, creating unforgettable moments for travellers seeking unique luxury holidays in Southeast Asia.
From refined French classics and modern British gastronomy to Nordic-inspired cuisine and contemporary Asian heritage cooking, the 2026 programme showcases culinary diversity while remaining rooted in sustainability, creativity and a strong sense of place.
Monica Galetti Headlines an Unmissable Culinary Finale
The 2026 series concludes with an exclusive appearance by Monica Galetti, one of the UK’s most recognisable chefs and a beloved television figure. Her residency offers guests the rare opportunity to experience her cuisine in an intimate, off-screen setting, adding further appeal for UK travellers and food-focused holidaymakers.
For travellers planning luxury holidays to Malaysia, food-focused travel experiences, or unique long-haul escapes from the UK, The Chef Series 2026 positions The Datai Langkawi as a must-visit destination where world-class dining meets one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural settings.
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