Sarawak’s culinary scene took centre stage at the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, where 25 outstanding dining establishments were recognised for their excellence and sustainability. The 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. The event was 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).
Recognizing Culinary Diversity Across the State
The ceremony brought together more than 800 guests, including industry leaders, international delegates, and culinary professionals. Sarawak’s food community celebrated alongside delegates from over 48 countries attending PTM2026. Among the distinguished guests were YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the 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; and Mr. Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
The Sarawak Tourism Board was represented by Chairman Dato Dennis Ngau and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Also present were PATA Chairman Mr. Henry Oh and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, alongside Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants. These officials joined the Premier in presenting the inaugural awards to the winners.
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Awardees were recognised across five distinct categories. The TOP International Restaurants category celebrates establishments offering international culinary experiences while contributing to the state’s diverse dining scene. The TOP Creative Restaurants category honours restaurants distinguished by innovation and distinctive concepts. The TOP Indigenous Restaurants category highlights venues showcasing indigenous culinary traditions, ingredients, and heritage. The Signature TOP25 Restaurants category recognises establishments that have made a significant contribution to the local culinary identity. Finally, the TOP Sustainable Gastronomy Awards were introduced to highlight restaurants demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible practices.
Candidates were presented alphabetically within each category. Winners spanned Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Santubong, and Bau, representing the breadth of the region’s food setting. This geographic spread ensures the awards reflect a truly diverse culinary environment rather than focusing solely on the capital city.
Gastronomy as a Driver for Tourism
The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak initiative builds on the collaboration between the Sarawak Tourism Board, PATA, and TOP25 Restaurants to showcase the state’s rich heritage to an international audience. Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants, stated that the awards are a celebration of the people, places, and traditions that make Sarawak’s culinary identity distinctive. He noted that Sarawak possesses an extraordinary gastronomic heritage and that the platform helps bring the stories of its restaurants to a global stage.
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For the diners and culinary enthusiasts following the event, the impact extends beyond the trophy on the shelf. The awards create a tangible map of high-quality dining options for international visitors, simplifying the decision-making process when they arrive in Sarawak. By highlighting specific venues that excel in sustainability and creativity, the programme effectively channels tourist spending directly into the local economy. This shift from general sightseeing to focused culinary tourism helps stabilise local businesses and encourages the preservation of traditional cooking methods that might otherwise disappear in a rapidly modernising world.
The event also reinforces the role of food in strengthening tourism, cultural preservation, and community development. This is particularly significant as Kuching continues to build on its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The awards form part of a broader effort to connect Sarawak’s restaurant community with travellers seeking authentic experiences. By providing an international platform, the initiative allows restaurants, chefs, and food stories to be discovered by enthusiasts around the world.
The TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026 mark a milestone in the state’s development as a distinctive gastronomy tourism destination. They celebrate the people and ideas driving the local scene forward and underline the region’s potential to become one of Asia’s most unique culinary destinations.