Sarawak laksa earns gold at Vietnam’s MasterChef of Foodex 2026, 7 chefs bring home 10 medals

Wee (sixth left), Zaiedi (fifth left), the chefs and other guests photographed during a press conference at MBKS building on April 24, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 24: Sarawak laksa has shone on the international stage after securing a gold medal at the MasterChef of Foodex 2026 competition in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as seven Sarawakian chefs collectively brought home 10 medals across multiple categories.

The gold-winning dish was presented by Chef Iana Akam of Fairy Tavern, whose refined interpretation of the iconic noodle dish triumphed in the noodle category.

“We all know that when people talk about the best food in Sarawak, laksa is always mentioned. The idea of bringing Sarawak laksa overseas is to introduce it on the global stage and show that Sarawak is diverse, with many choices in terms of food, as well as our culture and heritage.

“This goes hand in hand with Kuching’s recognition as a City of Gastronomy, and helps the international community better recognise us through our food and identity,” she said during a press conference held at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) building here today.

Chef Iana Akam

Chef Iana is one of the seven Sarawakian chefs who represented Kuching under the MBKS banner at the international competition, competing alongside participants from 11 countries.

Also from Fairy Tavern, Chef Janncy Nyohim earned bronze in the rice category with a modern interpretation of nasi lemak, incorporating local elements such as bunga kantan, Bidayuh red rice and Bario rice.

From Little Fairy Cafe, Chef Robbie Richard Balcarek secured silver in the rice category with his signature nasi goreng daun ubi, accompanied by traditional Sarawak condiments such as tempoyak, terung asam sambal, and ikan terubok.

Meanwhile, Chef Nicky Nelson also from Little Fairy Cafe delivered a strong performance in the noodle category, earning silver with his vermicelli rice noodle served in terung asam chicken soup, praised for its balance of flavour and technical execution.

In the seafood category, Chef Benny Huang of Xian Corner secured silver, while Chef Wilson Voon of Fish Buddy & Aquarium Cafe also brought home silver, both showcasing refined culinary techniques and strong representation of Sarawak flavours.

Chef Ronald Bong of Regal Hainanese Chicken Rice demonstrated versatility by securing bronze in the seafood category before returning to win silver in the poultry category, further strengthening Sarawak’s overall medal tally.

In the national team category, chefs Iana, Janncy and Robbie combined their expertise to secure silver, presenting a cohesive menu that highlighted innovative use of Borneo ingredients in contemporary culinary expression.

Overall, the Sarawakian delegation brought home a total of 10 medals, reflecting the strength and consistency of Kuching’s culinary talents on the international stage.

From left: Chefs Wilson, Robbie, Iana, Janncy, Benny and Ronald photographed with their medals on April 24, 2026. Chef Nicky was absent.

Adding to Sarawak’s presence at the event, Chef Julian Lai of Little Hainan Restaurant and Chef Jordan of Jordan’s Signature were invited to serve as international judges—an honour that reflects growing recognition of Sarawakian culinary expertise on the global stage.

Chef Julian Lai

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng commended the chefs for their achievement, saying their success reflects Kuching’s standing as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and the strength of the local food industry.

“On behalf of MBKS, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our chefs who have represented Kuching and Sarawak with such distinction. Each of you has played an important role in showcasing the richness of our culinary heritage, and your achievements reflect the strength and unity of our local food industry.

“This accomplishment reinforces Kuching’s standing as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy — a city where tradition meets innovation, and where culinary excellence continues to thrive. May your success inspire future generations of culinary talent to pursue excellence while staying rooted in our cultural identity,” he stated.

The MasterChef of Foodex is part of the annual HCMC Foodex, Vietnam’s largest food and beverage industry exhibition, which attracts between 18,000 and 20,000 visitors daily.

The competition segment, now in its third year, featured about 400 participants judged by a panel of 40 international and local judges.

Also present was MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili. — DayakDaily