Traditional Kedah dish takes top prize at Genting Culinary Classic competition
PAHANG: A traditional Kedah dish has claimed the top prize at the Genting Culinary Classic 2025 competition today.
Out of 20 finalists, Budiman Bistari Mohamed from Batu Kurau, Perak, emerged as the grand national winner with his signature dish, ayam golek with buah kulim, served alongside nasi lemuni, herb salad, and fried eggplant with wild petai (stink beans).
The 50-year-old executive sous chef at Le Méridien expressed his delight at being able to showcase local ingredients on a national platform.
"I'm extremely happy to have brought Malay food to this stage, all the way from Kedah.
"Many of the ingredients I used today are unfamiliar to the younger generation, but we have a rich catalogue of herbs that we should be proud of and share with the world," he said.
Budiman said that he had practised the recipe extensively at home, with the help of his mother and grandmother, whose support was instrumental in perfecting the dish.
"The preparation wasn't too difficult because they were with me throughout the process, even enduring the long hours.
"If I didn't know something, I'd ask them, and they'd guide me patiently," he said.
With over 30 years of culinary experience, Budiman hopes to integrate traditional home-cooked dishes into hotel cuisine and prove that Malaysian heritage food deserves a place in modern dining.
As the grand national winner, Budiman received a cash prize of RM20,000, in-kind prizes worth RM5,000, and the opportunity to showcase his winning dish at Resorts World Genting's food and beverage outlets.
The Genting Culinary Classic 2025, a nationwide culinary competition, was launched as part of Resorts World Genting's 60th anniversary celebrations. It was organised in collaboration with the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (Hapa) Group Sdn Bhd and in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
After a rigorous selection process involving more than 120 aspiring cooks from across the country, 20 finalists were chosen to compete on June 10 and 11 at the Genting International Showroom (GISR).
Open to chefs and cooking enthusiasts aged 18 and above from all culinary backgrounds, the competition celebrates Malaysia's diverse food heritage.
This year's judging panel featured renowned culinary figures, including celebrity chef Martin Yan and MasterChef Malaysia judge Mohd Johri Edrus, who offered valuable insights and feedback during the judging process.
"All the contestants put their heart and soul into their dishes, whether they were professional chefs or passionate home cooks.
"There are still many people around the world who aren't familiar with Malaysian food, and competitions like this can help introduce it to a global audience," said chef Yan.
Riding on the success of this year's event, the Genting Culinary Classic is set to return for its second edition in 2026, continuing its mission to spotlight culinary excellence in Malaysia.
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