World Tapas Competition solidifies Kuching as global culinary destination

(From left) Technical Director of the World Tapas Competition, Angel Pablo Moretón Toquero, GM of the Public-Private Partnership for the Promotion of Tourism of Valladolid, Juan Manuel Guimeráns Rubio, Minister for Tourism, Events and City Branding of Valladolid, Blanca Jiménez Cuadrillero, Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Organising Chair and President of the Sarawak International Technical & Vocational Education Association, Sim Ling Ling amd Mayor of Kuching South City Council, Dato Wee Hong Seng,

KUCHING, 17 June 2025: The World National Tapas Competition, Exhibition & Seminar officially kicked off yesterday and is set to attract 2,000 visitors over the next three days, at the KTS Garden in Kuching.

Building on the success of the World Tapas Championship 2024, Sarawak now has the honour of hosting both the National and Asia-level Tapas Competitions. Approved by the Valladolid’s City Council, birthplace of the Tapas Championship, this year’s competitions will see the presence of a delegation from the city of Valladolid, Spain, led by the Minister of Tourism, Events and City Branding of Valladolid, Blanca Jiménez Cuadrillero.

Happening June 17 to 20, 2025, the event brings together professional chefs, food and beverage entrepreneurs, hoteliers, industry professionals, food enthusiasts, 20 local chefs (for National Level Qualifier), 20 chefs from 16 countries (for Regional Level Qualifier) as well as numerous international food importers and exports, for the first-ever tapas, international foods and coffee workshops and competitions alongside an international food and drinks trade and exhibition.

Yesterday’s launching was graced by the Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, who graciously welcomed the Spanish delegation. “As we come together for this remarkable event, we celebrate not only the art of food but also the bridging of cultures and the building of lasting connections between Sarawak and Spain. This event is an open invitation to food enthusiasts, professional chefs and sustainability advocates to be part of a global culinary celebration,” said the Deputy Premier. 

Cheers! The World National Tapas Competition, Exhibition & Seminar will be taking place at KTS Garden in Kuching from June 17 to 19, 2025.

Dr Sim (left) conducting a walkabout of the World National Tapas, Food Exhibition at KTS Garden.

After the launching, the guests of honour were treated to an offering of local delicacies, including manok pansuh, mee jawa and roti canai, before visiting the exhibitors’ booths. The International Foods & Drinks Trade & Exhibition showcases numerous international food importers and exporters alongside industry professionals, food establishments and restaurants. Attendees will have a chance to indulge in exquisite culinary delicacies showcased in the competition and savour the finest creations from around the globe.

Exhibitors include Ibero Deli, BonCafe, Bodegas Farina, Maestros Aceituneros, Aljomar, Juve & Camps, Xoriguer Gin, Vinos y Licores Picos, Bodegas Yzaguirre, KFF, Carandia Distribuciones, Regio Mare, RiRiXiang (Guandong Shante), Johnsonville, Prolead (Pulida), Jinro, Budweiser and CUCKOO.

This year’s event was organised by the Sarawak International Technical & Vocational Education Association and Ethos Connect International Consulting, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Kuching South City Council and Tourism Malaysia. 

Step into a world of food innovations and culinary excellence by experiencing the World National Tapas, Food Exhibition & Seminar 2025! Daily and multi-day passes are available to the public, secure yours today: https://form.evenesis.com/tapas2025

Exhibitors and attendees at the World National Tapas, Food Exhibition posing for a group photo.