Latest news with #ExhibitionandSeminar2025
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian chefs showcase skills at World National Tapas competition in Kuching
Zulhizan prepares his sago flour-based tapas mixed with coconut and filled with prawns and a creamy, cheesy Sarawak laksa core. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Flavours danced, knives flashed, and imaginations ran wild as 20 top Sarawakian chefs stepped into the culinary spotlight on Day Two of the World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas Competitions, Exhibition and Seminar 2025 here. Held from 10am to 2pm at KTS Garden, the high-stakes national tapas showdown gave each chef 25 minutes to prepare eight portions of their signature creations to earn a spot to represent Malaysia at the World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The judging panel featured well-known chefs Michelle Goh, the youngest Malaysian woman to earn a Michelin star for her pastries; Jasbir Kaur, global culinary leader and founder of the Australasia Tapas Competition; Alex Ting, former head of Michelin-selected restaurant Alma in Shanghai and founder of Kyujin in Kuching; and Goh Ah Seng, Hall of Fame inductee for Cantonese Cuisine and chairman of Persatuan Tukang Masak How Yu Kuching. Nicholas's ayam pansuh is shaped like a tree with a longhouse as a backdrop. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Among the contestants was Chef Nicholas Robert, who reinterpreted the traditional ayam pansuh by presenting it as a towering edible tree with a longhouse backdrop. Chef Zulhizan Sapawi fused bold flavours with local textures, crafting a sago flour-based tapas mixed with coconut and filled with prawns and a creamy, cheesy Sarawak laksa core. It was served with a kantan lemongrass gel and paired with a rich prawn Sarawak laksa sauce. Chef Jack Owens Atit impressed with a bonsai-themed presentation, featured his tapas shaped like a golden apple, calling it 'The Golden Gem'. Liew sets his Sarawak Laksa inspired tapas on top of a bowl of spices. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Chef Liew Kit Kiet created a Sarawak laksa-inspired tapas served elegantly on a spoon resting in a bowl of local spices, blending tradition with refined presentation. While creativity was front and centre, the judges also considered commercial viability and overall taste. There will be awards for the top three winners, most creative, and most commercially viable. Winners will be announced tomorrow alongside the World Asia Tapas Competition results. KTS Garden lead World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Baristas showcase talent, creativity at Borneo latte art challenge
Lim focuses intently as he pours his award-winning 'Shiba Inu' latte art during a segment of the competition. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 17): The scent of freshly-brewed coffee hung thick in the air as steam hissed, pitchers swirled, and nerves buzzed at KTS Garden – the stage for the Borneo Latte Art Competition (BLAC2025). Held as part of the 'Tapas Competition, Exhibition and Seminar 2025' programme, the event saw a diverse mix of talents: 12 baristas from Kuching, three from Miri, five from Brunei, and one each from Sibu and Kuala Lumpur. Each barista had just three minutes to create their latte art, impressing judges who scored them on six critical elements: image production, visual foam quality, contrast and harmony, pattern size and placement, creativity and complexity, plus technical execution. Baristas gave their all as they poured intricate designs into each cup, carefully placing them on judging trays – every line crisp, every contrast striking. The crowd held its breath between pours, tension broken only by murmurs of awe and the emcee's countdown echoing through the hall. After multiple intense rounds, the Top 3 contestants were announced – all from Kuching. Marvin Lim, 21, a student, stole the spotlight with his bold and expressive 'Shiba Inu' latte art, earning him the champion title. barista Borneo Latte Art Competition coffee KTS Garden lead
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching's Michelin-star chef to judge prestigious tapas competition June 17
The World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competitions, Exhibition and Seminar 2025 will be taking place at KTS Garden here from June 17 to 19. – Photo from KUCHING (June 14): Kuching's Michelin-star chef Michelle Goh will be among the panel of nine judges during the upcoming World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competitions here. Chef Goh became the youngest Malaysian woman to achieve this feat when the Michelin star was awarded to Mia Restaurant Bangkok last year, where she is one of the co-founders. For the upcoming competitions, she will be joining fellow Sarawakians: Chef Goh Ah Seng, a champion of Cantonese cuisine; and Chef Abang Abdul Rahman, president of the Kuching Chefs Association, who is also an advocate for sustainable Malaysian gastronomy. The World National Tapas and World Asia Tapas Competitions, Exhibition and Seminar 2025 will be taking place at KTS Garden here from June 17 to 19. According to organising chairwoman and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association president Sim Ling Ling, the prestigious event will gather chefs, food experts, and international brands to Kuching, transforming the city into a melting pot of global flavours. 'The event is expected to host more than 2,000 visitors. 'The highlights include the tapas competitions, and the first-ever 'Barista Art Challenge' – each celebrating creativity and craftsmanship in food and drinks. 'Visitors can look forward to live cooking demonstrations of Sarawak seafood, over 20 new exhibitors from 16 countries, and curated pavilions showcasing local and international delights. 'Food sustainability seminars led by industry experts will run throughout the event, encouraging dialogue and innovation in eco-conscious cooking,' added Sim. On the opening day, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Minister for Tourism, Events and City Branding of Valladolid, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero, are expected to attend. KTS Garden Kuching Michelin-star chef Michelle Goh Tapas
