BANGKOK, 28 August 2026: Sarawak’s culinary scene took centre stage at the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, with 25 outstanding restaurants and dining establishments from across the state recognised for their culinary excellence.
The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, during the Soul of Borneo Gala, 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).
Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, 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, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism); and Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau and Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor made the presentations. Also joining the celebration were PATA Chairman Henry Oh and PATA Chief Executive Officer Noor Ahmad Hamid, alongside Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants, who all joined the Premier of Sarawak in celebrating and presenting the inaugural awards.
The gala brought together more than 800 distinguished guests, including tourism and industry leaders, international delegates, chefs, restaurant owners, culinary professionals and representatives from across Sarawak.
The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 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.
TOP25 Restaurants Founder Bernard Metzger said: “The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards are a celebration of the people, places, traditions and creativity that make Sarawak’s culinary identity so distinctive. Sarawak possesses an extraordinary gastronomic heritage, and it is our privilege to help bring the stories of its restaurants and culinary communities to a global audience. These awards recognise not only excellence on the plate, but also the passion, heritage, innovation and commitment to sustainability that are shaping the future of gastronomy in Sarawak.”
The 25 awardees were recognised across five categories. Within each category, the awardees were presented alphabetically by restaurant name.
Sustainable Gastronomy Awards
TOP25 Restaurants also expanded the reach of its Global Sustainable Gastronomy Awards, which were launched in Bangkok in December 2025, recognising restaurants demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible gastronomy.
Sarawak awardees:
- Cavakita Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Miri;
- Kechala, Santubong;
- River View Café, Kuching;
- ROOTS, Kuching;
- The Bikalan, Bau.
The inclusion of the Sustainable Gastronomy Awards reflects the growing importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the global gastronomy and tourism sectors, while recognising Sarawak as a sustainable destination.
Top International Restaurants
The Top International Restaurants category celebrates establishments offering international culinary experiences while contributing to Sarawak’s diverse and dynamic dining scene.
Awardees:
- Ceylonese Restaurant, Kuching;
- Gu Jin, Kuching;
- Maguro Japanese Ala Carte Buffet, Kuching;
- Ocho, Kuching;
- Zinc Restaurant & Bar, Kuching.
TOP Creative Restaurants
The TOP Creative Restaurants category recognises establishments distinguished by creativity, innovation and distinctive culinary concepts.
Awardees:
- Hachi by Kenny’s, Miri;
- MAK Restaurant, Miri;
- Tai-Tai Restaurant, Kuching;
- The Chamber, Miri;
- ZOZO Beans & Booze, Kuching.
TOP Indigenous Restaurants
The TOP Indigenous Restaurants category celebrates establishments that showcase indigenous culinary traditions, ingredients, heritage and contemporary expressions of Sarawak’s food culture.
Awardees:
- Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant, Kuching;
- Lepau Restaurant, Kuching;
- Little Fairy Café, Kuching;
- Budaya Restaurant, Santubong;
- The Lamin, Kuching.
Signature TOP25 Restaurants
The Signature TOP25 Restaurants category highlights establishments recognised for their distinctive dining experiences and contribution to Sarawak’s culinary identity.
Awardees:
- Choon Hui Café, Kuching;
- Kantin at the Granary, Kuching;
- Kebaya Story, Miri;
- M&D’s Restaurant, Bintulu;
- Oriental Bistro, Sibu.
Together, the 25 awardees represent the breadth and diversity of Sarawak’s culinary landscape, with restaurants recognised across Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Santubong and Bau.
The awards also reinforce gastronomy’s role in strengthening tourism, cultural preservation, community development, and economic growth. This is particularly significant as Kuching continues to build on its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, providing a strong foundation for Sarawak further to develop its profile as an international gastronomy destination.
(Source: TOP25 Restaurants)
