Malaysian state Penang's famed assam laksa is one of the dishes worth traversing the world for, according to a CNN International food survey.

There's a seasonal shift going on in the condiment firmament. Ketchup, the big red staple of American pantries, is catching up with the cool crowd as chefs and food entrepreneurs seek new inspiration.

Mexico's cuisine has long been overshadowed by the greasy Tex-Mex burritos and nachos sold around the world, but efforts to refine its image are now beginning to pay off.

Ramon Menendez went to his grave in the 1980s believing that his family grocery, shut down by Fidel Castro's revolution, would one day rise again. In January it finally happened.

The year was 1986. The setting, one of Stockholm's most exclusive restaurants. Thomas Harmgardt, a newly arrived German chef, strapped on his apron and got to work.

Pastry chef Jean-Luc Albin certainly can turn out a delicious traditional king cake — one with a premium brioche dough, rich with butter and eggs. But these days it's his inspired variations on that classic that he's most passionate about.

Despite its winemaking industry being less than two decades old, Thailand produces not only top-quality blends but also oenological talent enough to nourish future generations of connoisseurs and viticulturists.

Milan is preparing to host its annual men's fashion show on Saturday, billed as the biggest in the world, as the sector tries to shake off the devastating effects of the global economic crisis.

Famously relaxed with conspicuous consumption, Hong Kong is set to host a dinner costing nearly HK$7,000 (US$902) per head, according to one of the city's hotels.

Chefs acknowledge cooking on television is an effective way to promote their restaurants and cookbooks but some of them do not savor the frenzy and demands of reality competition shows.