Sarawak’s Gastronomy Shines on the Global Stage at Inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Awards 2026
Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia, August 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Sarawak’s vibrant culinary scene took centre stage at the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, with 25 outstanding restaurants and dining establishments from across the state recognised for their culinary excellence, creativity, heritage and commitment to sustainability.
The prestigious awards were presented by the Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, during the Soul of Borneo Gala, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) in conjunction with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM2026).
Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism); and Mr. Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
The Sarawak Tourism Board was represented by its Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau, and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Also joining the celebration were PATA Chairman Mr. Henry Oh and PATA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, alongside Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants, who joined the Premier of Sarawak in celebrating and presenting the inaugural awards.
The gala brought together more than 800 distinguished guests, including tourism and industry leaders, international delegates, chefs, restaurant owners, culinary professionals and representatives from across Sarawak. The evening also saw Sarawak’s culinary community celebrate alongside delegates from more than 48 countries who were in Kuching for PTM2026.
The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards represent an important milestone in the development and promotion of Sarawak as a distinctive gastronomy tourism destination. The initiative builds on the collaboration between the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), PATA and TOP25 Restaurants to showcase Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage and excellence to an international audience.
Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants, said:
“The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards are a celebration of the people, places, traditions and creativity that make Sarawak’s culinary identity so distinctive. Sarawak possesses an extraordinary gastronomic heritage, and it is our privilege to help bring the stories of its restaurants and culinary communities to a global audience. These awards recognise not only excellence on the plate, but also the passion, heritage, innovation and commitment to sustainability that are shaping the future of gastronomy in Sarawak.”
The 25 awardees were recognised across five categories. Within each category, the awardees were presented alphabetically by restaurant name.
Sustainable Gastronomy Awards
TOP25 Restaurants also expanded the reach of its Global Sustainable Gastronomy Awards, which were launched in Bangkok in December 2025, recognising restaurants demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible gastronomy.
The Sarawak awardees are:
- Cavakita Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Miri
- Kechala, Santubong
- River View Café, Kuching
- ROOTS, Kuching
- The Bikalan, Bau
The inclusion of the Sustainable Gastronomy Awards reflects the growing importance of responsible and sustainable practices within the global gastronomy and tourism sectors, while recognising Sarawak sustainable destination.
TOP International Restaurants
The TOP International Restaurants category celebrates establishments offering international culinary experiences while contributing to Sarawak’s diverse and dynamic dining scene.
The awardees are:
- Ceylonese Restaurant, Kuching
- Gu Jin, Kuching
- Maguro Japanese Ala Carte Buffet, Kuching
- Ocho, Kuching
- Zinc Restaurant & Bar, Kuching
TOP Creative Restaurants
The TOP Creative Restaurants category recognises establishments distinguished by creativity, innovation and distinctive culinary concepts.
The awardees are:
- Hachi by Kenny’s, Miri
- MAK Restaurant, Miri
- Tai-Tai Restaurant, Kuching
- The Chamber, Miri
- ZOZO Beans & Booze, Kuching
TOP Indigenous Restaurants
The TOP Indigenous Restaurants category celebrates establishments that showcase indigenous culinary traditions, ingredients, heritage and contemporary expressions of Sarawak’s food culture.
The awardees are:
- Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant, Kuching
- Lepau Restaurant, Kuching
- Little Fairy Café, Kuching
- Budaya Restaurant, Santubong
- The Lamin, Kuching
Signature TOP25 Restaurants
The Signature TOP25 Restaurants category highlights establishments recognised for their distinctive dining experiences and contribution to Sarawak’s culinary identity.
The awardees are:
- Choon Hui Café, Kuching
- Kantin at the Granary, Kuching
- Kebaya Story, Miri
- M&D’s Restaurant, Bintulu
- Oriental Bistro, Sibu
Together, the 25 awardees represent the breadth and diversity of Sarawak’s culinary landscape, with restaurants recognised across Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Santubong and Bau.
The awards also reinforce the role of gastronomy in strengthening tourism, cultural preservation, community development and economic growth. This is particularly significant as Kuching continues to build on its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, providing a strong foundation for Sarawak to further develop its profile as an international gastronomy destination.
The awards form part of a broader effort to connect Sarawak’s restaurant community with travellers seeking authentic culinary and cultural experiences. The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak initiative provides an international platform through which restaurants, chefs, ingredients, food stories and culinary traditions can be discovered by travellers and food enthusiasts around the world.
The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026 mark more than the recognition of 25 outstanding establishments. They celebrate the people and ideas driving Sarawak’s culinary scene forward and underline the state’s potential to become one of Asia’s most distinctive gastronomy tourism destinations.
A heartfelt congratulations goes to all 25 awardees, as well as the chefs, restaurant owners, managers, culinary teams and industry pioneers whose passion and dedication continue to elevate Sarawak’s food scene.
About the TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards
The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards form part of a strategic initiative involving the Sarawak Tourism Board, Pacific Asia Travel Association and TOP25 Restaurants to advance Sarawak’s gastronomy tourism agenda and showcase the state’s culinary heritage to an international audience.
The initiative seeks to celebrate culinary excellence, preserve food heritage, support local restaurants and inspire travellers to discover the authentic flavours and culinary experiences of Sarawak.
About the Sarawak Tourism Board
The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. STB works to showcase Sarawak’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, adventure experiences and world-class gastronomy to travellers worldwide.
About PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association serving as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. PATA provides advocacy, research and events to its member organisations.
About TOP25 Restaurants
TOP25 Restaurants, owned and operated by Travelindex, is a global platform dedicated to the discovery and promotion of gastronomy tourism and outstanding restaurants worldwide. The platform connects discerning travellers and food enthusiasts with exceptional dining experiences and culinary heritage.
Media Contact
Communications & Media Relations
TOP25 Restaurants International
Email: media@top25restaurants.com
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