What do Sarawak, Spain and Tapas, have in common? Visitors to the inaugural World Tapas Competition event in Miri, Sarawak, were treated to a delightful cornucopia of culinary delights that elevated the city’s presence in the international culinary scene. “This reflects our broader journey of Sarawak Nation Building — where we celebrate diversity, build inclusivity and create opportunities for all communities to thrive together. Food, after all, is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together, transcending borders, cultures and backgrounds,” stated Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak in the event’s handbook. The 2026 edition featured a roster of 100 domestic and international exhibitors, 30 Malaysian competitors, 20 Asia competitors, and 8,000 attendees, creating a vibrant platform for capacity building, networking, collaboration, and culinary exploration.
For an inaugural event, it was by all standards, a success – connections made, trophies won and hearts and bellies full of delicious food over four days in Miri, Sarawak. Angel Moreton, Founder and President of e-Spain, praised the city’s officials for not only making the event a reality in Miri saying this was the way to open the path to more connected collaborations. In his seminar session, Moreton also put forward an invitation for culinary internships in Spain saying “This is the way to move forward”. Invited Head Juror Jasbir Kaur, who is a world class culinary professional with extensive experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, echoed the sentiment. “We’ve done three iterations of this event now in Sarawak and the first time in Miri (this year). It’s nice to see where it has come to with competitors in the double digits now, so we’re excited to taste and see what contestants bring to the table.” Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said Miri’s first time hosting WATCEFS brought significant exposure to the city. “This event was organised in Kuching for the last two years. This is the third year and the first time in Miri. I have told the organiser to consider bringing this event to Miri from now on. Miri needs more exposure. This will help put Miri on the world map,” he said. Organising chairlady Sim Ling Ling said the event represents years of effort to position Sarawak, particularly Miri, as a destination capable of hosting world-class international platforms.
Chef Faizal bin Mohamad, who was one of two chefs representing Brunei and the Royal Brunei Culinary, made an impressive debut in his inaugural competition by securing a Champion 3rd Place award in the World Asia Tapas Competition. Through the local ingredient of sago, the story of Brunei’s heritage foods like Ambuyat, a filling glue-like substance made from dried and crushed sago. Paired with the addictive smokiness of the cured fish known as Tahai, and crisp fish skin, the flavour and execution won over the jurors this year.
WORLD NATIONAL TAPAS COMPETITION 2026
Champion – Road to Spain – KENNY GAN WEI KIAT, HACHI BY KENNY’S
1st Runner Up – ELLYRIUS BIN SUKIMIN, JINHOLD HOTEL & SERVICED APARTMENT
2nd Runner Up – EDMUND CHAI JING YANG, KYUJIN
Most Creative Tapa – MARVIN LIM ZHI CHENG, RUAI
Most Commercially Viable Tapa – REGUEL RAYMOND, MINOS SYNERGY GROUP SDN BHD
WORLD ASIA TAPAS COMPETITION 2026
Champion – ALONSO LUNA ZARATE, The Standard Hotel, THAILAND
Champion – GYEONG-HUN CHOI, Restaurante MOZKORRA, KOREA
Champion – MOHAMAD FAIZAL BIN MOHAMAD, ROYAL BRUNEI CULINARY (RBC), BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Best Story Telling Tapa – ZENG PENG, Laomu Catering, CHINA
Best Fusion Tapa – RADHE KRISHNA SHAW, Bloom Arjaan By Rotana, UAE
