A new LEGO gift-with-purchase seems likely to be part of a collection for 2026, offering inspiration for where the rest of the potential range could go.
The newly-spotted 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan looks likely to follow in the footsteps of two other region-exploring gift-with-purchase collections. While nothing has been confirmed, it will hopefully be followed up with more themed food booths based on different parts of the world.
Both the Houses of the World and Shops of the World collections came in groups of four, released throughout their respective years and representing architecture in various regions in small displays that could be displayed individually or together as a street.
We only know of 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan for now, and there's no description on the official online store to tease further entries, as there was with the Houses of the World and Shops of the World. While we wait for more details, we can only speculate on this potential new collection.
One of the first thoughts upon seeing the themed food stall is that it is reminiscent of the booths at Epcot in Walt Disney World, commonly used for festivals with food inspired by their respective region. The theme park has several booths used throughout the year, offering some inspiration for where else a restaurant equivalent of the Houses of the World could go.
Examining 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan, the core guidelines of its design appear to represent the architecture and cuisine of that region. These aspects can be replicated through other regions, such as Greece and a stall offering minifigures freshly-made gyros. Greek architecture isn't often represented in LEGO sets, and as small as a LEGO stall would be, it would go a long way in further representing the region in the portfolio.
Spain's booth at Epcot is especially visually appealing, integrating vines and foliage into the design as inspired by villas in the region. A LEGO model could take a similar approach, ideally complete with some plastic croquetas for minifigures to snack on.
India has more representation than most regions in the LEGO portfolio, including the two Taj Mahal sets, but its distinct architectural style and iconic cuisine make it hard to ignore for a themed food stall. Stickered elements, such as those seen in 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan, can be used to capture intricate tilework, while a minifigure serves customers biryani, chicken tikka masala and more regional dishes.
While this is only speculation based on past GWP collections, 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan is currently the only known Restaurants of the World gift, but such a collection would have major potential. Hopefully, a full listing for 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan is soon to follow, confirming whether or not this is a new GWP range or a solo act.
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