Live Local

Wherever you stay with us, KEMPINSKI DISCOVERY offers members exclusive opportunities to get immersed in the local culture. And there are few better ways to learn about a region than through its traditional dishes and drinks. Gastronomy is at the heart of Kempinski and we’ve created unforgettable culinary experiences around the world to give you an authentic flavour of each of our destinations. You can learn how to create local dishes in Shanghai and Saudi Arabia. Sample Istrian wines on a cycling tour led by a Kempinski concierge in Portoroz. Join Masai Warriors for a traditional barbecue surrounded by the spectacular wilderness of the Masai Mara or experience the ultimate picnic in the Austrian mountains.

Create dim sum with a Shanghai twist

Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

Translating into English as ‘touch the heart’, dim sum is enjoyed the world over, traditionally at brunch, a time for family and friends to catch up over delicious food. Discover authentic local flavours by creating your own dish in a two-hour lesson taught by dim sum master Chef William Yao at the hotel’s Suntime Century restaurant.

You’ll start by exploring the local market to find the freshest ingredients. Back in the kitchen, Chef Yao will teach you to make pork xiaolongbao – Shanghainese style. After the lesson, you can enjoy your masterpiece in the restaurant, along with your choice from the wide range of tempting dim sum dishes.

Experience a traditional Masai barbecue

Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara

Enjoy an authentic taste of the lives of the famous Masai Warriors as you join them for a traditional barbecue at one of their villages (bomas). You’ll be involved in the whole process from preparing the meat, using traditional herbs and spices, to roasting it on a blazing bonfire using sharp-edged sticks – a method that maintains its original taste. The Masai Warriors also believe it to be a healthier way to cook the meat and that it helps to make them stronger.

Be a culinary artist

Kempinski Hotel Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Baklava is a deliciously sweet pastry that’s synonymous with the Middle East. And now you can learn how to create it yourself in this exclusive two-hour sweets and dessert masterclass guided by Chef Hassan, the hotel’s Arabic pastry expert.

Once one of the most popular sweet pastries of Ottoman cuisine, baklava is made from layers of filo, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. During your lesson, Chef Hassan will share the secret recipes that make his baklava so special and he’ll also teach you how to artfully present your pastries so they look even more tempting.

To complete the Arabian experience, at the end of the lesson you’ll get to enjoy your baklava accompanied by a cup of strong authentic Saudi coffee.

Take a helicopter to a gourmet picnic in the alps

Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol, Jochberg Kitzbühel Alps

Experience a picnic like no other with delicious gourmet food amongst stunning Alpine scenery. And getting to your picnic spot is nothing short of spectacular!

You’ll be driven from the hotel by private transport to the St Johann airfield where you’ll board a helicopter. The 60 minute journey takes you over Austria’s highest mountains – the majestic Hohe Tauern range which includes the Kitzsteinhorn and the Großglockner. Your destination is a peaceful, secluded spot in the beautiful Pinzgau mountains, where you can unpack your luxurious picnic from your specially designed Kempinski backpacks.

Enjoy fabulous food, breathe in the pure Alpine air, and make the most of this magnificent setting before the helicopter arrives to take you back to the hotel.

Wine tasting on two wheels

Kempinski Palace Portorož Istria, Slovenia

Cycling along the historic Parenzana route is a great way to make the most of the surrounding countryside, discovering local gastronomy and culture along the way. What’s more, you’ll have the best of guides to accompany you – our concierge Marjan Glasnovic.

Formerly a narrow gauge railway, Marjan’s route links 33 charming Istrian towns from Poreč to Trieste. Stops include the beautiful Landscape Park Strunjan and the picturesque village of Izola, from where you’ll have wonderful views of the Istrian seaside. Your cycling adventure ends in style with a visit to the Zaro Winery for a tasting of the region’s famous Malvazija wine.

The length of the cycle route is 20 km but don’t worry because it’s customised to suit all fitness levels. And you’ll have a relaxing end to the day as a car will take you back to the hotel.

For more KEMPINSKI DISCOVERY Experiences around the world, click here.