Food and beverage entrepreneurs display products recognised under the inaugural Top Taste Award during the World Top Gourmet Awards 2026 press conference.
World Gourmet officially launched the 8th World Top Gourmet Awards 2026 at the Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur, unveiling the inaugural Top Taste Award to recognise outstanding independent food and beverage products while reaffirming its commitment to supporting Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) through gastronomy, culinary tourism and international collaboration.
The prestigious press conference was officiated by Guest of Honour Azmi Abdullah, Senior Deputy Director of the Package Development Division, together with Chef of Honour Dr. Martin Yan, the internationally acclaimed culinary icon whose contributions have inspired generations of chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.
Founded in 2017, World Gourmet is an internationally recognised platform that promotes culinary excellence through the World Top Gourmet Awards, recognising outstanding chefs, restaurants, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs and F&B brands while fostering innovation and higher industry standards.
In support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, World Gourmet showcases Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine through international awards, culinary exchanges and strategic partnerships, helping attract global visitors while creating opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
“Malaysia’s food culture is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. Through the World Top Gourmet Awards, we celebrate culinary excellence while sharing our culinary heritage with the world. We are honoured to support Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by attracting international chefs, industry leaders and visitors to experience Malaysia’s diverse cuisine, warm hospitality and vibrant food culture, while creating opportunities for local businesses to gain international recognition and expand into global markets,” said Peggy Chong, President and Founder of World Gourmet.
A major highlight of this year’s launch is the Top Taste Award, recognising outstanding independent food and beverage products. The award celebrates the innovation and quality demonstrated by food manufacturers and entrepreneurs whose products often receive less international recognition than restaurants and chefs.
Eligible products include heritage foods, beverages, sauces, condiments, snacks, confectionery, frozen foods, artisanal creations, health foods and specialty products. Entries will be judged on taste, quality, authenticity, innovation, consistency, packaging excellence and consumer appeal. The award also aims to encourage higher manufacturing standards, support SMEs and create greater international exposure and export opportunities.
World Gourmet also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with iFood, represented by founder Dicky Lee, to strengthen collaboration through exhibitions, trade missions, business networking and international market development.
The event also marked the appointment of Chef Zamzani Abdul Wahab (Chef Zam) as World Gourmet Ambassador 2026. He will champion Malaysian cuisine and represent World Gourmet in promoting food heritage and cultural exchange internationally. Chef Zam also presented a live demonstration of Terengganu’s iconic Ketupat Sotong, highlighting World Gourmet’s commitment to promoting authentic Malaysian cuisine as part of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
World Gourmet will host two major international awards ceremonies in 2026: the 8th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner on 22 October 2026 at the Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur, and the 9th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner on 21 November 2026 at the LN Garden Hotel, Nansha City, Guangzhou, China. Hosting ceremonies in Malaysia and China further strengthens World Gourmet’s role in connecting the international culinary community while promoting Malaysia to global audiences.
World Gourmet extends its appreciation to its government partners, strategic collaborators, sponsors and media organisations for their continued support. The organisation remains committed to advancing culinary excellence, empowering the food and beverage industry and supporting Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by showcasing Malaysia as a world-class destination for gastronomy, culture and hospitality.
Event Schedule
8th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner
- 22 October 2026
- Andaman Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur
9th World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner
- 21 November 2026
- LN Garden Hotel, Nansha City, Guangzhou, China
