KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s culinary and hospitality industry took centre stage on Friday evening as industry leaders, restaurateurs, chefs, hoteliers, media personalities and food enthusiasts gathered for The Signature Food Fest (TSFF) 5th Edition Award Night at Grandis Hotels & Resorts.
Organised by Favstyle Magazine, the prestigious invitation-only event recognised outstanding achievements across the food, beverage and hospitality sectors while highlighting the growing role of culinary tourism in Sabah’s tourism landscape.
Hosted by renowned emcee Alfred Ginsos, the awards ceremony celebrated excellence, innovation and service standards among establishments and individuals who continue to elevate Sabah’s dining and hospitality experiences.
Culinary Tourism Key to Sabah’s Visitor Experience
Officiating the event, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, described the return of The Signature Food Fest, last held in 2017, as a significant milestone for the state’s hospitality and culinary industry.
He said Sabah’s diverse food offerings have become an increasingly important component of the visitor experience, complementing the state’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.
Joniston noted that platforms such as The Signature Food Fest help recognise industry excellence, encourage innovation and showcase the dedication of chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers and food entrepreneurs.
He also called for greater incorporation of local ingredients and flavours into contemporary and international cuisine, saying it would create unique dining experiences while promoting Sabah’s food heritage and supporting local agricultural products.
With Visit Malaysia 2026 underway and future tourism campaigns on the horizon, he said culinary-focused initiatives can further strengthen Sabah’s position as a leading tourism destination by adding greater depth and diversity to visitor experiences.
Distinguished Jury Panel
The awards were presented before an esteemed panel of judges comprising:
- YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai
- Datuk Gordon Leong
- Rory Richardson
- Prof Jessie Jong
Their participation reinforced the credibility and prestige of the awards programme, which has become an important platform for recognising excellence within Sabah’s food and hospitality industry.
Top Honours of the Night
Among the evening’s highest recognitions, the TSFF Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Grandis Hotels & Resorts for its longstanding contribution to Sabah’s hospitality industry.
The Grand Hospitality Excellence Award was awarded to Happy Place Restaurant in recognition of its exceptional service standards, customer satisfaction and overall dining experience.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence
The highly anticipated Best Signature Menu category recognised outstanding culinary creativity and execution, with awards presented to:
- Duo of Beef Brisket by FAVOLA, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
- Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood Bisque & Tiger Prawn by Grub N Vine
- Salted Corn Fed Chicken by E West Restaurant, Upper Palace Dining Group
Special Mentions:
- Nasi Lemak Tiger Prawn by Rosea Cafe
- Ngiu Chap Curry Laksa by Yi Jia Kopitiam
Excellence in Customer Experience
Best Customer Service
- Sheraton Kota Kinabalu
- Grub N Vine
- Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Best Plate Presentation
- FAVOLA, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Best Dining Experience
- Happy Place Restaurant
Best Ambiance Experience
- Grub N Vine
Culinary Excellence Awards
Excellence in Chinese Culinary
- E West Restaurant by Upper Palace Dining Group
Excellence in Western (Fine Dining) Culinary
- Duo of Beef Brisket, FAVOLA, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Excellence in Western Culinary
- Taco Mexicano, Burger Box, Sheraton Kota Kinabalu
Excellence in Local Delight Culinary
- Oxtail Asam Pedas, Tangerine, The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu
- Nasi Lemak Tiger Prawn, Grandis Hotels & Resorts
Excellence in Native Sabahan Culinary
- Little Sulap Original Sabahan Set (Linopot)
Promoting Culinary Tourism
The Culinary Tourism Ambassador Award recognised establishments that continue to promote Sabah’s unique food heritage and tourism appeal:
- Rosea Cafe, Grandis Hotels & Resorts
- Atukuupi
- Daya Nyonya Kopitiam
- Little Sulap
- Rumah Bumbu
Industry and Brand Recognition
The Outstanding Hygiene & Facility Standard Award was presented to:
- The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu
The Favstyle Prestige Awards recognised excellence across multiple categories:
- Essential: Chill Taverna
- Bronze: Tasty Wok @ Venition by Upper Palace Dining Group
- Silver: Cherry Seafood Restaurant by Upper Palace Dining Group
- Gold: Rosea Cafe, Grandis Hotels & Resorts
- Platinum: Happy Place Restaurant
- Elite: Shoney’s Dining & Bar
The FAVSTYLE Editor-in-Chief Signature Award was presented to:
- Grandis Hotels & Resorts
- Sheraton Kota Kinabalu
- Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
- The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu
- Shoney’s Dining & Bar
MejaRasa Signature Guide Awards
Presented by Rory Richardson on behalf of MejaRasa, the MejaRasa Signature Guide Top Choice Award honoured:
- Yi Jia Kopitiam
- Rumah Bumbu
- Tasty Wok, Venition Club by Upper Palace Sabah
- Grub N Vine
- DAYA Nyonya Kopitiam
- Chill Taverna
- Super 7 Restaurant & Lounge
Public Choice Recognition
The Online Most Popular by Vote Award recognised public favourites based on online voting:
- Rosea Cafe, Grandis Hotels & Resorts (929 votes)
- Super 7 Restaurant (760 votes)
- FAVOLA, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu (245 votes)
- Rumah Bumbu (245 votes)
Special Awards
Outstanding Brand Showcase Award
- Happy Place Restaurant
TVSabah Signature Food Fest Special Award
- Cherry Seafood Restaurant by Upper Palace Dining Group
Product Innovation Excellence Award
- GG’s (Christabelle & Francis Cheong)
- KadaiKu
- Green Honey (Dr Carmen)
Sponsor and Partner Recognition
The organisers also acknowledged the sponsors and partners whose support contributed to the success of the event.
Platinum Sponsor
- Shoney’s Dining & Bar (Karan & James)
Event Venue Partner @ Riverson – The Walk
- So Good Market (Andrew & Lainie)
Press Conference Venue Sponsor
- E West Restaurant by Upper Palace Dining Group
Award Night Venue Sponsor
- Grandis Hotels & Resorts
Gifts Sponsors
- Western Tailor & Gerain Chan Parfum
- Christopher Bolong & Ferlynne Jasny (Ngiu Chap Kayu Api Tamparuli)
Wooden Chopping Board Sponsor
- Quintessential Foods
Printing Sponsor
- Blueyie Design Printhouse
Media and Influencer Recognition
The event also honoured media practitioners and digital creators who have played an important role in promoting Sabah’s culinary industry.
Best Food Reviewer
- EAT N HOP Sabah (Henry Chong & Catherine Ng)
Rising Star KOL
- Omar Willie (MY KKCITY)
Media Excellence Award
- Dinoza Mahruf (LIFT Media)
Influencer of the Year
- Vance Tan (Good Food Sabah)
Appreciation Awards
Special appreciation was extended to media partners, guest judges and industry supporters:
- LIFT Media
- Hello Sabah
- Leo Liew
- Dr Anna Wong
- Jimmy Boon (Adelphi Collective)
- Michael Hiew (Canton Lane)
- MIAO IN SABAH
- Omar Willie (MY KKCITY)
- Lorena Binisol (Writer On-The-Go)
- Belinda Faith (Sabah KOL Media Alliance)
As The Signature Food Fest marks its fifth edition, the event continues to strengthen industry collaboration, celebrate culinary excellence and position Sabah as one of Malaysia’s emerging gastronomic destinations.
The evening concluded with a shared commitment among industry players to raise standards, foster innovation and further promote Sabah’s unique culinary identity to both local and international audiences.-BNN
