The 8th World Top Gourmet Awards 2026 gala dinner was held on October 22 at the Andaman Grand Ballroom in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Organized by World Gourmet, the event honours culinary leaders, chefs, F&B brands, and entrepreneurs for their culinary excellence and achievements, while supporting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign by promoting Malaysia as a premier culinary tourism and gastronomy destination.
The awards featured prominent industry figures including World Gourmet Ambassador 2026 Prof Dato’ Chef Zamzani Abdul Wahab, popularly known as Chef Zam, Adjunct Prof Datuk Chef Wan and Master Chef Dr Martin Yan, alongside international honorees and new initiatives such as the Top Taste Award and strategic partnerships for global trade.
This year’s awards recognised an exceptional line-up of brands, entrepreneurs, chefs and personalities from across the region.
Notable brands include China’s Meng Zi Yuan and Tao Tao Ju, Taiwan’s Yang Ming Spring, Vietnam’s Quan An Ngon, and Malaysia’s Andaman Seafood Village, Cooper Mansion and Seri Bako by Kwan Kee.
The awards also recognised the founders behind renowned dining establishments such as Village Park, Madam Kwan’s and D’Tandoor.
Since its establishment in 2017, World Top Gourmet Awards has championed its mission of recognising deserving F&B operators, outstanding chefs and industry personalities.
World Gourmet founder and president Dr Peggy Chong said, “Recognition goes beyond receiving a trophy. It builds confidence, inspires innovation and gives deserving businesses and talents greater opportunities to grow. Our goal is to elevate industry standards and connect culinary communities across borders.”
She also announced that the 9th World Top Gourmet Awards will be held in Jan 2027 at Shangri-La Guangzhou. The initiative, she said, was aimed at further strengthening Malaysia–China friendship, promoting international culinary exchange and creating new opportunities for F&B businesses, chefs and tourism stakeholders.
Extending her heartfelt appreciation to the Guest of Honour, Chefs of Honour, partners, sponsors, medias and the organising committee, Chong commended the award recipients for their outstanding achievements. She closed by reinforcing World Gourmet’s enduring mission: to champion culinary excellence, safeguard culinary heritage, and unite diverse food cultures.
