Kuching Hosts Grand Opening of International Tapas Competition
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, June 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / KTS Garden Conference Hall becomes culinary epicenter as global chefs gather for prestigious three-day event. The vibrant capital of Malaysian Borneo officially welcomed culinary excellence from around the world today as the World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition & Seminar 2025 opened its doors at KTS Garden Conference Hall. The three-day event, running from June 17-19, marks the largest live cooking competition ever held in Kuching.
The opening ceremony brought together distinguished guests including Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister for Tourism, Events and City Branding of Valladolid, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero, symbolizing the international bridge between Malaysian and Spanish culinary traditions.
A Meeting of Culinary Worlds
This unprecedented event transforms Kuching into a melting pot of global flavors, bringing together over 1,000 visitors including chefs, food experts, and international brands from 16 countries. The competition showcases the art of tapas – small, flavorful Spanish dishes – while incorporating Asian culinary influences and local Sarawakian ingredients.
“The event gathers chefs, food experts, and international brands to Kuching, transforming the city into a melting pot of global flavours,” explained organizing chairwoman Sim Ling Ling, who also serves as president of the Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association.
Star-Studded Judging Panel
The competition features an impressive panel of nine judges, headlined by Kuching’s own Michelin-starred chef Michelle Goh. Chef Goh made history as the youngest Malaysian woman to achieve this distinction when Mia Restaurant Bangkok, where she is the co-founder, received its Michelin star.
Joining her are fellow Sarawakian culinary legends: Chef Goh Ah Seng, renowned champion of Cantonese cuisine, and Chef Abang Abdul Rahman, president of the Kuching Chefs Association and advocate for sustainable Malaysian gastronomy.
Beyond Competition: Innovation and Sustainability
The event extends far beyond traditional competition formats, introducing the first-ever “Barista Art Challenge” alongside the tapas competitions. Attendees can witness live cooking demonstrations featuring Sarawak’s prized seafood, explore curated pavilions from over 20 new exhibitors, and participate in food sustainability seminars led by industry experts.
These sustainability-focused discussions aim to encourage dialogue and innovation in eco-conscious cooking, reflecting the growing global emphasis on responsible culinary practices.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The competition represents more than a culinary showcase – it positions Kuching as an emerging destination for international food events while celebrating the unique fusion of Spanish tapas tradition with Asian flavors and local Sarawakian ingredients. The presence of Spanish dignitaries underscores the event’s role in fostering international cultural and economic relationships through gastronomy.
As the competition unfolds over the next two days, participating chefs will compete for prestigious titles while contributing to a broader celebration of culinary creativity, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange in the heart of Borneo.
