By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 13: Sarawakian chef Liew Kit Kiet has earned a prestigious place among the top five chefs in the international category of the World Tapas Championship and Exhibition 2025 in Valladolid, Spain, wowing judges with his inventive creation inspired by the iconic Sarawak Laksa, which he named ‘La Perla de Borneo’ (Pearl of Borneo).
According to TVS news, the dish, which captured the Accésit Mahou San Miguel Award, showcased Liew’s creativity and innovation in transforming a beloved Sarawakian classic into a refined Spanish-style tapas bursting with rich, distinctive flavours.
Representing Malaysia on the global culinary stage, Liew said he was overjoyed by the recognition, describing the experience as “beyond words”.
“I had hoped to make it into the top three but knowing that I am among the top five is already an incredible feeling.
“I’m very happy and grateful for all the support, from the Sarawak government, my mentors and everyone who has been with me throughout this journey,” he shared.
He also expressed deep appreciation to the Malaysian delegation and supporters who accompanied him during the competition.
“Everyone has been so supportive, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without them,” he said.
Looking ahead, Liew said he plans to return to his restaurant and prepare for the next edition of the competition.
“I will go back, keep pushing, and continue improving. I’m already looking forward to next year’s tapas competition and championship,” he added.
The World Tapas Championship 2025 celebrated culinary artistry and innovation, drawing talented chefs from across the globe to the birthplace of tapas.
The top honour went to Andrea Vignali from Australia for his creation Humo bajo la tapa (Smoke Under the Lid), followed by Chen Cheng Dian from Taiwan with Esmeralda in second place, and Øyvind Bøe Dalelv from Norway with La reina del mar (The Queen of the Sea) in third.
Meanwhile, the Accésit Querétaro Award went to Iñigo Tizón for Los lunes al sol (Mondays in the Sun), and the Accésit Alimentos de Valladolid Award went to Carlos Maestre Sánchez for La nación más pequeña del mundo (The Smallest Nation in the World). — DayakDaily
