Latest news with #WorldAsiaTapasCompetitions
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak eyes closer ties with Spain's Valladolid after successful world tapas event in Kuching
Ting tries some of the dishes prepared by participants accompanied by Sim (left). – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June19): Sarawak has expressed keen interest in strengthening ties with Valladolid, Spain, following the successful hosting of the World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competition Exhibition and Seminar 2025. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said Spain's participation in the gastronomic event has opened new avenues for dialogue and exchange between the two regions. 'We recognise the immense potential for future collaboration in tourism, gastronomy, the creative industries, and cultural exchange. 'It is our hope that the relationships formed through this event will serve as a foundation for joint initiatives, knowledge sharing, and the co-hosting of international events that bring mutual benefit to both Sarawak and Valladolid,' he said in his closing remarks during the event at KTS Garden here today. His speech was delivered by Deputy State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting. The three-day event, which gathered chefs, food experts, professionals, industry leaders, and exhibitors from around the world, featured 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. Highlights included the tapas competitions and the inaugural Barista Art Challenge, which celebrated creativity and craftsmanship in food and drinks. Abdul Karim commended all participants for their energy and commitment, noting that their contributions played a pivotal role in making the event a resounding success. 'We have had the privilege of witnessing a vibrant exchange of knowledge, the sharing of innovative ideas, and the forging of meaningful collaborations. 'The diversity of expertise and the strong spirit of partnership displayed throughout this event have enriched our collective experience and broadened our horizons,' he said. He also congratulated the contestants of the World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competitions, describing their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence as 'truly inspiring'. 'To the winners, please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes as you prepare to represent Malaysia and your respective countries at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain this coming November. 'May you continue to excel and bring pride to your country and region on the global stage.' During the ceremony, Ting presented prizes to the winners. Chef Liew Kit Kiet emerged as the champion of the World National Tapas Competition, impressing judges with his Sarawak laksa. First and second runner-up titles went to Chef Jack Owen Atit and Chef Virginia Mary Kedi, respectively. Liew, who hails from Miri, will represent Malaysia at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain this November. Two subsidiary titles were also presented: the 'Most Creative Award' went to Chef Nila Kelly, while Chef Mexjenssan Jumpong won the 'Most Commercially Viable Award'. For the World Asia Tapas Competition, four international chefs – Chef Jose Alfonso Rodriguez from Indonesia; Chef Patcharapol Lerdsasempod from Thailand; Chef Daniel Chen Cheng Dian from Taiwan; and Chef Choi Gyeong-Hun from South Korea – were selected as winners and will also advance to the global championship in Spain. Also present at the ceremony were Spain's Public-Private Partnership for Promotion of Tourism of Valladolid general manager Juan Manuel Guimerans Rubio; World Tapas Competition director Angel Moreton; World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competition head of juror Chef Jasbir Kaur; and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association president and event organising chairperson Sim Ling Ling.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian chefs showcase skills at World National Tapas competition in Kuching
Zulhizan prepares his sago flour-based tapas mixed with coconut and filled with prawns and a creamy, cheesy Sarawak laksa core. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Flavours danced, knives flashed, and imaginations ran wild as 20 top Sarawakian chefs stepped into the culinary spotlight on Day Two of the World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas Competitions, Exhibition and Seminar 2025 here. Held from 10am to 2pm at KTS Garden, the high-stakes national tapas showdown gave each chef 25 minutes to prepare eight portions of their signature creations to earn a spot to represent Malaysia at the World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The judging panel featured well-known chefs Michelle Goh, the youngest Malaysian woman to earn a Michelin star for her pastries; Jasbir Kaur, global culinary leader and founder of the Australasia Tapas Competition; Alex Ting, former head of Michelin-selected restaurant Alma in Shanghai and founder of Kyujin in Kuching; and Goh Ah Seng, Hall of Fame inductee for Cantonese Cuisine and chairman of Persatuan Tukang Masak How Yu Kuching. Nicholas's ayam pansuh is shaped like a tree with a longhouse as a backdrop. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Among the contestants was Chef Nicholas Robert, who reinterpreted the traditional ayam pansuh by presenting it as a towering edible tree with a longhouse backdrop. Chef Zulhizan Sapawi fused bold flavours with local textures, crafting a sago flour-based tapas mixed with coconut and filled with prawns and a creamy, cheesy Sarawak laksa core. It was served with a kantan lemongrass gel and paired with a rich prawn Sarawak laksa sauce. Chef Jack Owens Atit impressed with a bonsai-themed presentation, featured his tapas shaped like a golden apple, calling it 'The Golden Gem'. Liew sets his Sarawak Laksa inspired tapas on top of a bowl of spices. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Chef Liew Kit Kiet created a Sarawak laksa-inspired tapas served elegantly on a spoon resting in a bowl of local spices, blending tradition with refined presentation. While creativity was front and centre, the judges also considered commercial viability and overall taste. There will be awards for the top three winners, most creative, and most commercially viable. Winners will be announced tomorrow alongside the World Asia Tapas Competition results. KTS Garden lead World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching's Michelin-star chef to judge prestigious tapas competition June 17
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. – Photo from KUCHING (June 14): 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. KTS Garden Kuching Michelin-star chef Michelle Goh Tapas
