By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 3: Sarawak-born restaurant KANTIN, Singapore’s first and only Bornean restaurant, has clinched the prestigious “Best In-Store Dining Experience” title at the inaugural Jewel Fans’ Favourites Awards 2025, a public-voted accolade celebrating the most loved brands at Jewel Changi Airport.
According to a media release, KANTIN has quickly become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists, offering an experience where diners can finally declare, “This is what Sarawak tastes like.”
Showcasing authentic tribal flavours alongside creative Sarawak cuisine, the restaurant serves iconic dishes such as Sarawak Laksa, Headhunter Pansuh, Rainforest Fried Rice, Jungle Pasta, Wild Chicken Chop, and Borneo Smokehouse grills, complemented by jungle-inspired cocktails.
Each creation celebrates and elevates the rich culinary traditions of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic communities.
Recently nominated for Asia’s Best New Restaurant by the World Culinary Awards, alongside global culinary heavyweight Gordon Ramsay, KANTIN’s recognition underscores how a brand born in Sarawak can stand confidently on the international stage.
Selected from more than 100 dining brands across nine categories, KANTIN emerged as the overall winner for dining experience, standing shoulder to shoulder with major international and regional names such as Din Tai Fung, Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Birds of Paradise and Jumbo Seafood.
Further cementing its reputation, KANTIN also secured a Top 5 spot in the “Local/Regional Delights” category, solidifying its role in bringing Borneo’s bold flavours and cultural heritage to an international audience.
As one of the few independent restaurants and among the limited number of Sarawak-born brands to be recognised at Jewel, the award marks a significant milestone in KANTIN’s journey from East Malaysia to Singapore.
The achievement also reflects Sarawak’s growing cultural and economic footprint in Singapore, supported by the Sarawak Tourism and Trade Office Singapore (STATOS). Established in 2019 as Sarawak’s official international representation in Singapore, STATOS was a key initiative of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The office serves as a strategic platform to promote Sarawak’s tourism, trade and investment opportunities, while strengthening global awareness of Sarawak-born enterprises and cultural identity.
More than just a restaurant, KANTIN is a gateway where heritage meets innovation. It is a space where authenticity and creativity coexist, where pride, identity and emotional connection are served on every plate. Through every dish, design detail and service standard, KANTIN expresses the Sarawakian spirit—a true celebration of culture, flavour and experience. — DayakDaily
