New York City's Pier 36 turned into a vibrant meeting point for food and soccer as Eater's World's Fare welcomed thousands of guests on the eve of the global finals. The event gathered more than 30 standout chefs and restaurants from New York and beyond, offering a wide tasting map of international cuisine.
Visitors moved between stations serving banh mi, burritos, New Haven-style pizza, ramen, and travel-inspired specialties from across Asia. Seattle chef Shota Nakajima drew attention with a ramen trio shaped by Japan, South Korea, and the United States, while guests joined in playful goal-scoring challenges and voted on their favorite dish.
Among the highlights, A Taste of NYC presented by Square showcased bites from Gourmega, the new restaurant launched by the founders of Ghetto Gastro. Sweet selections from Edible added cheesecake, brownies, and chocolate-covered fruit, creating a balanced mix of savory and dessert-driven experiences.
Cathay Pacific's A Taste of Asia brought a more global lens, with chef Calvin Eng of Bonnie's preparing Hong Kong-style French toast alongside Filipino beef adobo short rib and Thai massaman duck croquettes. The VIP lounge expanded the menu with exclusive tastings from Dominique Ansel, South Philly Barbacoa, Mercado Little Spain, and Sushi Noz.
Refreshing drinks from S. Pellegrino, Aqua Panna, Dole, Manhattan Beer Distributors, and Milagro tequila kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day. More than a festival, the gathering showed how culinary culture and sport can create a shared public experience that feels both local and international. It points to a future where food events become even more immersive, connected, and globally minded.
