Latest news with #TapasCompetition
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
20 Sarawakian chefs to vie for spot at World Tapas Championship in Spain
Dr Sim (left) visits the one of the exhibition booths, showcasing China's braised lion-headed goose. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Twenty Sarawakian chefs are set to compete at the national-level Tapas Competition today at KTS Garden for a coveted spot to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The competition, part of the World National and Asia Tapas Competitions, runs from June 17 to 19 and is being hosted in Kuching for the second consecutive year. According to organising chairwoman and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association (SITVEA) president Sim Ling Ling, the national winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Valladolid, Spain, to compete on the global stage. Sim speaks to reporters after the opening ceremony. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad On June 19, 16 chefs from 13 Asian countries will face off in the Asia-level competition, with the top three joining Malaysia's representative at the World Tapas Championship. Sim highlighted the inclusive nature of the competition, noting that both young aspiring chefs and veterans with decades of experience are taking part. 'There's no age barrier in this industry. What matters is your story, your creativity, and how you bring your culture to the plate. 'Like last year's winner, who created 'Rolo de Umai' ― a Sarawakian dish that made it to the world stage and was judged by Michelin-star chefs in France and the United States,' she told reporters after the opening ceremony. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Tourism, Events, and City Branding Of Valladolid City Council, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero were also present at the opening ceremony. Sim also confirmed that Sarawak will remain the official host of the Asia qualifier in the coming years, with plans to rotate the venue across cities such as Miri to encourage broader participation. 'We also hope to establish a closer partnership with Valladolid, Spain, where the World Tapas Championship is held annually. 'It's a Unesco Creative City with a rich cultural and culinary background, similar to ours in many ways,' she added. The three-day event features food and beverage exhibitions, workshops on sustainability ― including carbon-neutral food production and eco-friendly packaging ― as well as talks by international speakers from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia on halal compliance, food safety, and recycling. 'The idea is to promote not only culinary creativity but also environmental awareness. 'We want participants and visitors to understand how the food industry can innovate while staying sustainable,' Sim said. Exhibitors include international names such as Farina Winery from Spain and braised lion-headed goose with over 100 years of history from China, with representatives flown in to share the stories behind their products. 'There's a story behind every dish and every ingredient, and by bringing in the people behind the products, we give a platform for deeper appreciation and cultural exchange,' she added. Members of the public can also take part in the event through RM60 one-day passes or RM150 three-day passes, which include access to food sampling, workshops, live competitions, and networking with chefs. chefs Dr Sim Kui Hian lead Sim Ling Ling World Tapas Championship
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Baristas showcase talent, creativity at Borneo latte art challenge
Lim focuses intently as he pours his award-winning 'Shiba Inu' latte art during a segment of the competition. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 17): The scent of freshly-brewed coffee hung thick in the air as steam hissed, pitchers swirled, and nerves buzzed at KTS Garden – the stage for the Borneo Latte Art Competition (BLAC2025). Held as part of the 'Tapas Competition, Exhibition and Seminar 2025' programme, the event saw a diverse mix of talents: 12 baristas from Kuching, three from Miri, five from Brunei, and one each from Sibu and Kuala Lumpur. Each barista had just three minutes to create their latte art, impressing judges who scored them on six critical elements: image production, visual foam quality, contrast and harmony, pattern size and placement, creativity and complexity, plus technical execution. Baristas gave their all as they poured intricate designs into each cup, carefully placing them on judging trays – every line crisp, every contrast striking. The crowd held its breath between pours, tension broken only by murmurs of awe and the emcee's countdown echoing through the hall. After multiple intense rounds, the Top 3 contestants were announced – all from Kuching. Marvin Lim, 21, a student, stole the spotlight with his bold and expressive 'Shiba Inu' latte art, earning him the champion title. barista Borneo Latte Art Competition coffee KTS Garden lead
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Michelin-starred chef Michelle Goh returns to Kuching as judge for global tapas showdown and culinary showcase
KUCHING, June 15 — Kuching's Michelin-star chef Michelle Goh will be among the panel of nine judges during the upcoming World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competitions here. Chef Goh became the youngest Malaysian woman to achieve this feat when the Michelin star was awarded to Mia Restaurant Bangkok last year, where she is one of the co-founders. For the upcoming competitions, she will be joining fellow Sarawakians: Chef Goh Ah Seng, a champion of Cantonese cuisine; and Chef Abang Abdul Rahman, president of the Kuching Chefs Association, who is also an advocate for sustainable Malaysian gastronomy. The World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competitions, Exhibition and Seminar 2025 will be taking place at KTS Garden here from June 17 to 19. According to organising chairwoman and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association president Sim Ling Ling, the prestigious event will gather chefs, food experts, and international brands to Kuching, transforming the city into a melting pot of global flavours. 'The event is expected to host more than 2,000 visitors. 'The highlights include the tapas competitions, and the first-ever 'Barista Art Challenge' – each celebrating creativity and craftsmanship in food and drinks. 'Visitors can look forward to live cooking demonstrations of Sarawak seafood, over 20 new exhibitors from 16 countries, and curated pavilions showcasing local and international delights. 'Food sustainability seminars led by industry experts will run throughout the event, encouraging dialogue and innovation in eco-conscious cooking,' added Sim. On the opening day, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Minister for Tourism, Events and City Branding of Valladolid, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero, are expected to attend. — The Borneo Post
