Experience Chef Ángel León’s Asia debut in Bangkok with a groundbreaking marine-sustainability menu and exclusive dishes at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar
Acclaimed Spanish chef Ángel León, celebrated globally as El Chef del Mar for his visionary marine-based cuisine, will make his long-awaited Asia debut this December in Bangkok. Hosted at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, this landmark event will introduce diners to one of the world’s most influential voices in sustainable gastronomy.
On December 29, 2025, from 6pm to 9:30pm, Stars of the Sea: A World Class Culinary Journey will welcome Chef León for a rare one-night-only tasting experience. Open to the public with advance confirmed registration only, this culinary showcase promises an unforgettable blend of innovation, sustainability, and storytelling.
A Michelin-Starred Visionary Who Is Redefining the Future of Food
Chef León’s restaurant, Aponiente in Cádiz, Spain, holds three Michelin Stars and a Michelin Green Star, distinguishing him as a pioneer in eco-driven gastronomy. His mission: transform the way the world feeds itself by unlocking the vast, largely untapped potential of the ocean.
His work spans:
- Discovering new edible sea ingredients
- Cultivating marine plants
- Repurposing overlooked ocean species
- Developing food systems that lighten pressure on fragile ecosystems
By championing marine biodiversity and alternative food sources, Chef León is reframing what sustainable dining can — and should — look like.
A Rare One-Night Tasting Menu in Bangkok
A collaboration between two Spanish culinary talents
The Bangkok event, organised by Meliá Hotels International, marks the first opportunity for Asian diners to experience Chef León’s groundbreaking marine cuisine.
The evening will feature:
- Three signature dishes by Chef Ángel León
- Three Spanish tapas by LUZ chef de cuisine Juan Ignacio “Nacho” García Racionero
Each course will be accompanied by a short storytelling moment, offering guests insight into the chefs’ inspirations, techniques, and culinary philosophies.
This intimate, sensory-rich journey will highlight Chef León’s newest experiments, unique preparation methods, and his commitment to a more sustainable future for global food systems.
Plankton Rice: A Limited-Time Culinary Innovation
Following the event, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar will offer one of Chef León’s most iconic creations — Plankton Rice — for a limited run from December 30, 2025 to January 31, 2026.
A dish powered by the ocean’s most fundamental life form
Plankton Rice is infused with pure marine phytoplankton, the microscopic algae forming the foundation of the oceanic food chain. The result is a vivid emerald-green dish with an aroma reminiscent of the open sea.
Phytoplankton is:
- Highly nutritional
- Rich in protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids
- A sustainable ingredient with minimal environmental impact
Chef León was the first chef globally authorised to use 100% natural, food-grade phytoplankton, after years of scientific research and advocacy for responsible use of marine resources.
Prepared with the same premium phytoplankton used at Aponiente, the dish will be available daily in very limited quantities at LUZ, which offers expansive skyline views and authentic Spanish tapas.
Pioneering Research: Eelgrass and the Future of Ocean-Based Food Systems
Beyond phytoplankton, Chef León’s work includes exploring the culinary potential of eelgrass, a marine plant that grows naturally in coastal waters.
Eelgrass produces small edible seeds with qualities similar to quinoa or rice — yet they require no freshwater, no pesticides, and no arable land. Eelgrass meadows naturally absorb carbon dioxide, making them a powerful ally in climate mitigation and a compelling model for sustainable food production.
These innovations reflect Chef León’s overarching belief: the ocean can become a vital, regenerative source of future food if explored with respect, scientific rigor, and imagination.
A Vision for the Future Shared With Bangkok Diners
“It is an absolute honour to share with diners in Bangkok a glimpse into a future in which part of our food system could move from the land to the sea in a sustainable manner and reimagine how we feed the world,” said Tarek Beheiry, general manager of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit.
He added that Chef León’s creativity not only showcases exceptional culinary talent but also spotlights the intersection of innovation, climate consciousness, and gastronomy — a combination that continues to inspire chefs and diners around the world.
Plankton Rice will be THB 890++ (USD 27.60++).
LUZ is open daily from 4pm until midnight.
Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/innside-by-melia-bkk-luz-bangkok-tapas-bar/reserve/landing or Call +66 2 340 5499
At a Glance: Key Information
- Event: Stars of the Sea: A World Class Culinary Journey
- Date & Time: December 29, 2025, 6pm–9:30pm
- Location: LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Featuring: Chef Ángel León (Aponiente) & Chef Nacho García Racionero
- Format: 6-course tasting experience with storytelling presentations
- Access: Limited seats; confirmed registration required
- Special Feature: Chef León’s Plankton Rice served at LUZ Dec 30, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
- Highlight: Chef León’s pioneering marine-sustainable cuisine and ocean-based food research
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