The inaugural Pop Wasabi Awards 2026 concluded its grand finale at XOX Arena, The Arch Galleries, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 22, celebrating Japanese sushi craftsmanship and young culinary talent in Malaysia.
The inaugural Japanese sushi-making competition in Kuala Lumpur was co-organized by seafood importer and distributor Sendo Ichi Seafoods Sdn Bhd, and held in conjunction with Nihon Matsuri 2026.
Alongside Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata attended as guest of honour to deliver remarks and present awards to the winning chefs.
Six finalists from leading Japanese omakase and izakaya restaurants in Malaysia competed in the grand finale.
Each contestant was challenged to demonstrate technical precision, creativity and a deep understanding of Japanese ingredients through two rounds of three types of Nigiri (sushi) and maki roll preparation using an assortment of premium Japanese seafood, including bluefin tuna, kampachi, squid and prawns, alongside seasonal ingredients such as sekogani, or Japanese snow crab.
The competition introduced a three-tier recognition system—One-Star, Two-Star and Three-Star Awards – with cash prizes ranging from RM1,000 to RM2,000 alongside trophies and certificates.
The competition featured an esteemed judging panel comprised of head judge Chef Sam Saito, a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador appointed by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Datuk Dr Chef Wan, Malaysia’s renowned celebrity chef, television personality, restaurateur and entrepreneur; and Andrea Wong, creative director, fashion stylist and Editor-in-Chief of Palate Asia.
The judges evaluated the contestants’ creations based on taste, creativity, storytelling, hygiene, conduct and technical execution.
All six finalists received trophies and certificates, together with cash prizes according to their respective award categories.
Sendo Ichi Seafoods Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Aldred Yaw stated that the Pop Wasabi Awards aim to recognise emerging culinary talent, promote Japanese food culture in Malaysia and strengthen cultural and gastronomic exchange between Malaysia and Japan.
Gillian Hung, co-organiser and co-founder of the Pop Wasabi Awards 2026 hoped that the success of the inaugural Pop Wasabi Awards will serve as the foundation for an annual platform to continuously nurture the next generation of sushi masters in Malaysia.
Award Tiers and Winners:
- Three-Star Award (Highest Recognition)
- Chang Chi Kang – Sushi Foo (RM2,000 cash prize)
- Tan Eng Lead – Hannari Sushi Kappou Fine Dining (RM2,000 cash prize)
- Two-Star Award
- Ng Kar Wei – Kiseki Omakase (RM1,500 cash prize)
- One-Star Award
- Yeak Nai Jun – Yaki Soul (RM1,000 cash prize)
- Yong Chin Min – Ichiwa Omakase (RM1,000 cash prize)
- Siew Lee Jun – Sushi Ryu (RM1,000 cash prize)
