Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia, August 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Sarawak's vibrant culinary scene was the focus of the first TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, which recognized 25 outstanding restaurants and food service establishments from across the state for their culinary excellence, creativity, tradition and commitment to sustainability.
The prestigious awards were presented by the Most Reverend Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, during the Soul of Borneo Gala, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM2026).
Among the honored guests at the ceremony were YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports and Business Development; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts I (Tourism); and Mr. Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak.
The Sarawak Tourism Board was represented by its Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau, and its Chief Executive, Dr. Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Also attending the ceremony were PATA Chairman, Henry Oh, and PATA Chief Executive, Noor Ahmad Hamid, as well as Bernard Metzger, founder of the TOP25 Restaurants chain. They all celebrated with the Premier of Sarawak and presented the first awards.
The gala brought together over 800 high-profile guests, including leading figures from tourism and business, international delegates, chefs, restaurant owners, gastronomy experts, and representatives from across Sarawak. That evening, Sarawak's culinary community celebrated alongside delegates from over 48 countries who were in Kuching for PTM2026.
The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards represent a significant milestone in developing and promoting Sarawak as a distinctive culinary 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 first TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards are a tribute to the people, places, traditions, and creativity that make Sarawak’s culinary identity so distinctive. Sarawak has an exceptional gastronomic heritage, and it is an honor for us to share the stories of its restaurants and culinary communities with a global audience. These awards not only celebrate culinary excellence but also the passion, heritage, innovation, and commitment to sustainability that are shaping the future of gastronomy in Sarawak.”
The 25 award winners were honored in five categories. Within each category, the winners were listed alphabetically by restaurant name.
Awards for sustainable gastronomy
TOP25 Restaurants has also expanded the reach of its Global Sustainable Gastronomy Awards, launched in Bangkok in December 2025, which recognize restaurants that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible gastronomy.
The prize winners from Sarawak are:
The inclusion of the Sustainable Gastronomy Awards reflects the growing importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the global gastronomy and tourism sector, while also recognizing Sarawak as a sustainable travel destination.
TOP international restaurants
The TOP International Restaurants category recognizes establishments that offer international culinary experiences while contributing to Sarawak's diverse and dynamic gastronomy scene.
Top Creative Restaurants
The TOP Creative Restaurants category recognizes establishments that distinguish themselves through creativity, innovation and unique culinary concepts.
Top local restaurants
The TOP Indigenous Restaurants category recognizes establishments that showcase indigenous culinary traditions, ingredients, cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of Sarawak's food culture.
Signature TOP25 Restaurants
The category “Signature TOP25 Restaurants” highlights establishments that are known for their distinctive culinary experiences and their contribution to Sarawak’s culinary identity.
The 25 award winners together represent the breadth and diversity of Sarawak's culinary landscape, with restaurants in Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Santubong and Bau being honored.
The awards also underscore the importance of gastronomy for strengthening tourism, preserving cultural heritage, community development, and economic growth. This is particularly important as Kuching further expands its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, thus creating a solid foundation for Sarawak to further enhance its profile as an international gastronomic destination.
The awards are part of a broader initiative to connect Sarawak's gastronomy with travelers seeking authentic culinary and cultural experiences. The "TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak" initiative provides an international platform where travelers and food lovers worldwide can discover restaurants, chefs, ingredients, food stories, and culinary traditions.
The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026 are more than just a recognition of 25 outstanding establishments. They celebrate the people and ideas that are driving Sarawak's culinary scene forward and highlight the state's potential to become one of Asia's most distinctive gastronomic destinations.
Congratulations to all 25 award winners, as well as to the chefs, restaurant owners, managers, kitchen teams and industry pioneers whose passion and commitment continually raise Sarawak's gastronomy scene to new levels.
About the TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards
The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards are part of a strategic initiative by the Sarawak Tourism Board, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and TOP25 Restaurants to promote gastronomy tourism in Sarawak and showcase the state's culinary heritage to an international audience.
The initiative aims to celebrate culinary excellence, preserve culinary heritage, support local restaurants, and inspire travelers to discover the authentic flavors and culinary experiences of Sarawak.
About the Sarawak Tourism Board
The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is the official government agency responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Sarawak, the Malaysian part of Borneo. The STB's mission is to showcase Sarawak's natural wonders, cultural heritage, adventure experiences, and world-class cuisine to travelers from around the globe.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the responsible development of travel and tourism in, from, and within the Asia-Pacific region. PATA provides its member organizations with advocacy, research, and events.
TOP25 Restaurants, a platform by Travelindex, is a global platform dedicated to discovering and promoting culinary tourism and outstanding restaurants worldwide. The platform connects discerning travelers and food lovers with exceptional culinary experiences and culinary heritage.
Communications & Media Relations TOP25 Restaurants International Email: [email protected] www.top25restaurants.com/sarawak-home/
Community
Comments 0
Start the conversation.