Four Sarawakian chefs to showcase local flavours at India’s Khadhya Khurak 2025

KUCHING (Dec 14): Four Sarawakian chefs will represent the state at the 22nd Khadhya Khurak 2025, a major food exhibition to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India from Dec 15 to 18.

Khadhya Khurak is one of India’s largest food exhibitions. Its Super Chef Competition is the main highlight and is broadcast across India to a wide audience.

The Sarawak delegation will be led by Chef Julian Lai Leonard Henry from Little Hainan Restaurant, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) in a statement.

Chef Lai will receive the King Chef Award, which recognises excellence and leadership in the culinary field. He has also been invited to serve as a judge for the Super Chef Competition.

Joining him are Chef Robbie Richard Balcarek of Little Fairy Cafe, Chef Iana Akam of Fairy Tavern, and Chef Annie Wee of Annie Kolo Mee.

These chefs have been selected as Star Participants in Super Chef Competition 2025, Season 5, competing in the Non-Fire Cooking Category. Their segment will be broadcast live and televised across India.

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng graced the send-off ceremony, which was attended by councillors Isaac Lee, Wilfred Mujah, Thomas Sim and Andy Tan, showing MBKS’ strong support for Sarawak’s culinary talents.

During the ceremony, Wee handed over the state colours to Chef Lai, symbolising trust, pride and the responsibility of representing Sarawak on the international stage.

At the competition, the chefs will showcase local Sarawak and Borneo ingredients such as dabai, bunga kantan, rambutan, tepus, bambangan, durian flower, roselle flower and Sabah avocado.

Through their dishes, they aim to share Sarawak’s natural produce, culture, and unique flavours with an international audience.

According to Wee, the chefs are not only competing but also telling the story of Sarawak through food.

“Their participation supports Kuching’s position as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy and helps promote Sarawak as a food tourism destination,” he said.

The Mayor also thanked the Malaysian Bersatu Culinary Sarawak Association (MBCSA) for its role in supporting and developing the state’s culinary community.

The association is led by Chef Lai, with Chef Robbie serving as deputy secretary and head of public relations, together with Chef Iana and Chef Wee.

“As the chefs depart for India, the Mayor expresses full confidence in their skills and creativity, and wishes them every success in representing Sarawak at Khadhya Khurak 2025 and in showcasing Sarawak’s flavours to the world,” added MBKS.