WATCEFS 2026 celebrates culinary excellence with global participation

The World National & Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar (WATCEFS) 2026 took place from June 18 to 21 at the Meritz Hotel in Miri.

MIRI, 22 June 2026: The World National & Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar (WATCEFS) 2026 took place over the weekend from June 18 to 21, 2026 at Meritz Hotel Miri, bringing together 55 competitors, over 100 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors and delegates for 4 days of competitive showcase, product tastings, demonstrations and structured business-matching sessions.

The 3^rd edition of WATCEFS attracted participants from all over the world, including Malaysia, Spain, China, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Jordan and Abu Dhabi, and is part of 45 unique events showcased by WAK Miri Satellite Festival. The festival, now entering its 3^rd edition, has grown to be one of the city’s key annual events, bringing together events with elements of arts, culture, lifestyle and community to further strengthen Miri’s position as a tourism destination and a creative industry hub in northern Sarawak. 

The highly anticipated event is more than a celebration of culinary excellence, and is elevated further by the WATCEFS Food Festival, World National Tapas Competition, the World Asia Tapas Competition and the Borneo Barista Championship, with 30 Malaysian participants competing in the World National Tapas Competition, 25 contestants from 12 countries competing in the World Asia Tapas Competition and 11 multi-racial and multi-ethnic community associations participating in WATCEFS Food Festival. 

Their presence has created unprecedented opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, business partnerships and international market access, with delegates participating in competitions, exhibitions, masterclasses, business networking sessions and trade engagements designed to showcase Sarawak to the world.

55 competitors were part of this year’s WATCEFS, which is being held in Miri after 2 successful editions in Kuching.

The event was launched by the Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting, representing the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “WATCEFS is more than a culinary competition, as it has a significant role for international collaboration, tourism growth and economic development. Every connection made during this event represents future opportunities for trade, investment and cultural exchange, and celebrates a remarkable achievement that places Sarawak on the world culinary map,” said Ting in his opening address. 

“Sarawak is now recognised as the ‘Asia Capital of Tapas’ – reflecting the state’s rich multicultural heritage and unique culinary diversity. The successful hosting of this event aligns with the state’s efforts to position Sarawak as a premier destination for gastronomy tourism, cultural experiences and international business events, and further promote Sarawak to the world,” he added. On Saturday, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim also paid a visit to the festival, spending time interacting with participants and touring the exhibiting booths. 

Miri’s own Chef Kenny Gan of Hatchi by Kenny’s restaurant cinched the title of World National Tapas Competition champion, earning the honour of representing Malaysia at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid in Spain this November.

The Borneo Barista Championship was also held in Miri as part of WATCEFS 2026.