A Taste of Thailand: Thai SELECT Awards and Pavilion at SIAL Malaysia 2025

One of the most anticipated moments at Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 was the Thai SELECT Award Ceremony, held at MITEC’s Main Stage. Organised by DITP Malaysia under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, the event celebrated 53 Thai restaurants in Malaysia for their excellence in serving authentic Thai cuisine - a proud recognition directly from the Thai government.

What Is Thai SELECT?

Thai SELECT is not just any food award. It’s an official certification from the Thai Ministry of Commerce, given only to restaurants that meet high standards of authenticity, taste, ingredients, and traditional preparation. In short, it's a government-backed guarantee that the food truly reflects what you’d find in Thailand.

Celebrating the 53 Winners

Each awarded restaurant proudly received the Thai SELECT certificate, symbolising their commitment to preserving real Thai flavours and culinary traditions in Malaysia. These restaurants span a variety of dining styles -from casual eateries to fine-dining spots -all staying true to the heart of Thai cooking.

The ceremony was more than just awards. It was a celebration of cultural connection, culinary pride, and the growing demand for authentic Thai food in Malaysia.

“This certification is not only about great taste -it’s about honouring tradition, heritage, and trust in quality. These restaurants are helping us bring Thailand closer to Malaysians through food,” said a DITP Malaysia representative during the ceremony.

Some of the Thai Restaurants awarded with Thai SELECT 1 Star

Restaurants awarded with Thai SELECT 2 Star

 Featured Restaurants & Live Demos

Alongside the award ceremony, some of the honoured restaurants also wowed the crowd with live cooking demonstrations, including:

• COCA Restaurant

• Gai by Darren Chin

• Rama V

• Malai Thai Cuisine

• Baan Thai Publika

• THAI LUCK Thai Cuisine

• Napa Authentic Thai Cuisine

Dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Kung, Beef Panang Curry, and Khao Soi were cooked live — giving visitors a real taste of Thailand on the spot.

Thai SELECT Pavilion Showcase

Found this very delicious dipping sauce by MK Restaurant!

It’s not in the Malaysian market yet, but I heard it’s coming soon!

Step into a curated experience featuring Thai SELECT-certified products already popular in Malaysia. Brands like Maepranom, Megachef, Deksomboon, Thai Dancer, and more will be featured - all trusted for their bold flavours and high standards.

Why It Matters

With more Malaysians craving authentic international cuisines, the Thai SELECT Award helps diners easily identify restaurants that offer a truly Thai experience — not fusion, not localised, but genuine Thai food.

So the next time you're browsing for a place to enjoy a spicy Tom Yum or a comforting Green Curry, just look for the Thai SELECT logo. It’s more than a badge — it’s a promise of quality, backed by Thailand itself.

**MITEC Kuala Lumpur is the Official Venue Sponsor for 4th GCCM.**

📲 For more information, follow DITP Malaysia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkthailandmy

📞 Call: 03-2142 4601 | ✉️ Email: enquiry@thaitrade.my 

Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 Shows Malaysia Is Leading the Way in Food Innovation

Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2025 (FDM 2025) wrapped up successfully at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, bringing together the best of global food innovation, strategic trade partnerships, and future-focused agri-food solutions. Organised by Comexposium under the renowned SIAL Network, the event solidified Malaysia’s growing status as Southeast Asia’s gateway for food innovation and export.

Over three impactful days, the event welcomed more than 18,000 trade visitors, 500 exhibitors from 60 countries, and 20+ country pavilions, drawing stakeholders from across ASEAN, Europe, and North America.

Malaysia at the Centre of Global Food Innovation

Held from 1 July - 3 July 2025, FDM 2025 was officiated by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Plantation & Commodities, alongside YB Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship. Their presence highlighted Malaysia’s public-private commitment to transforming its agri-food ecosystem through innovation, halal leadership, and sustainability.

“FDM by SIAL isn’t just an exhibition — it’s a platform where businesses grow, ideas cross borders, and innovation takes root,” said Henri Tan, Exhibition Director, Southeast Asia, Comexposium APAC.

Key Highlights from FDM 2025

Debut of the SIAL Innovation Awards in Malaysia

For the first time, Malaysia hosted the SIAL Innovation Awards, attracting 144 product submissions from both local and international brands. The awards celebrated originality, commercial viability, and market relevance.

Winners of SIAL Innovation Awards 2025:

Gold: Symphony Spread Black Sesame Cream – Malaysia

Silver: MusaWa Puffs – Thailand

Bronze: Barley Fresh Noodle – Singapore

The judging panel included industry experts from AEON, UPM, SAMENTA, and international delegates from France and the SIAL Network.

“These products reflect Malaysia’s shift from being a food manufacturer to a global leader in food innovation,” said Low Ngai Yuen, Group CMO, AEON Malaysia.

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Malaysia’s First-Ever Chocolate Show

Curated with Salon du Chocolat, this debut segment showcased Malaysia’s cocoa potential, with live tastings, artisanal chocolates, and engaging panels. With RM15 billion in cocoa export value (2024), and chocolate products making up 12.7% of total earnings, the event spotlighted a key national growth sector.

Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia (GCCM)

Now in its fourth edition, GCCM featured 600 chefs from 31 countries competing in categories like Palm Oil Innovation, Cocoa Creations, and Barista Art. The competition underscored Malaysia’s culinary excellence on the global stage.

2nd FDM Halal Forum

This forum dove deep into halal certification, export strategies, branding, and technology trends. It drew strong participation from halal authorities, manufacturers, and global importers looking to understand Malaysia’s edge in the halal economy.

Future Food & Agriculture by Impact Circle

This forward-looking segment tackled sustainability, climate-resilient farming, and food security with panels featuring agri-tech leaders and social innovators shaping the next decade of food.

The Spark by Impact Circle

A dedicated pitching platform spotlighted breakthrough innovations from startups and SMEs aiming to solve tomorrow’s food and agriculture challenges.

Where Trade Meets Innovation

FDM 2025 was designed to drive meaningful connections:

• Hosted Buyer Programme connected 160+ top-tier importers and buyers, generating over USD 164 million in potential trade value

International Pavilions featured exhibitors from Canada, China, India, Poland, South Korea, Türkiye, Thailand, and more

• A newly introduced Non-Halal Beverage Section welcomed global brands such as Moutai and Baijiu

• Thai SELECT Awards honoured Thai cuisine excellence in Malaysia

Strategic Industry Support

FDM 2025 was proudly supported by:

• Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)

• Malaysia Airlines

• Express Rail Link (ERL)

• Sunway University (Chocolate & Coffee Gourmet Bar partner)

• MITEC Kuala Lumpur is the Official Venue Sponsor for 4th GCCM.

Their involvement reinforced the nation’s commitment to making Malaysia a hub for high-impact business events and global F&B trade.

What’s Next: FDM 2026

FDM 2025 set the bar high - and the momentum is already building for next year. FDM 2026 will take place from:

30 June to 2 July 2026
MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

To explore participation or partnership opportunities, contact
marketing@fooddrinksmalaysia.com

Follow FDM for the latest updates:
www.fooddrinksmalaysia.com
@FDMbysial (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
@fdm_fooddrinksmalaysia on TikTok

ELBA’s Big Win Moment: Grand Rewards & Unforgettable Memories!

Imagine walking into a store to buy a refrigerator, stove and water heater for your new home and walking (or rather, driving) away with a brand-new BYD Seal Premium 2024 Electric Car worth RM180,000. 

Sounds unreal? Oh well, that’s exactly what happened to Mr. Tang Chee Hing from Subang Jaya, thanks to ELBA Malaysia’s ‘Double Treats, Double Fortune’ campaign.

What started as a simple purchase turned into a life-changing surprise - and one truly unforgettable shopping experience for Mr Tang.

So I had a little chat with Mr. Tang, the grand prize winner who drove home a brand-new BYD Seal worth RM180,000 (yes, seriously!). He told me he had just moved into a new house and naturally went with ELBA for all his home appliances. As a loyal customer, he’s always believed in the brand’s quality and reliability — in fact, more than 50% of his appliances are from ELBA!

His favourite? The ELBA refrigerator, hands down. He loves its stylish yet practical design, especially the two-door layout with a pullout freezer drawer that helps maximise space and keeps everything fresh and within easy reach.

A Grand Celebration of Festive Fortune

Held at BYD Ara Damansara, the prize-giving ceremony was attended by ELBA’s senior management, partners, and media representatives. The event marked the culmination of the nationwide campaign, which ran from November 2024 to 31 January 2025, offering Malaysians the opportunity to win fantastic prizes simply by purchasing ELBA’s high-quality home appliances.

Founded in 1979, ELBA has been a household name in Malaysia for over four decades, consistently delivering quality, reliability, and innovation in home appliances. Through the years, ELBA has remained dedicated to enhancing the lives of its customers by offering stylish, energy-efficient, and technologically advanced products that cater to modern households. Whether it’s bringing families together over home-cooked meals, ensuring efficient food storage, or simplifying daily chores, ELBA continues to be a trusted companion in every home.

Mr. Tok Sang Man, Managing Director of Fiamma Sdn. Bhd., expressed excitement over the overwhelming response to the campaign and the opportunity to reward ELBA’s loyal customers with fantastic prizes.

“At ELBA, we are dedicated to enhancing homes with innovative, stylish, and energy-efficient appliances. This campaign was our way of showing appreciation to our valued customers, and we are thrilled to celebrate their wins. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners -- seeing their joy today truly reaffirms our commitment to bringing convenience and happiness to Malaysian households. We look forward to continuing this journey with even more exciting innovations and rewarding experiences in the future,” he said.

Meet the Lucky Winners!

Grand Prize: BYD Seal Premium 2024 Electric Car worth RM180,000 – Tang Chee Hing

First Prize: ELBA PerfectFit Refrigerator worth RM8,999 – Khor Eng Tong

Based in Kedah, Mr. Khor Eng Tong, was ecstatic upon receiving the news of his big win, a brand new ELBA PerfectFit Refrigerator worth RM8,999.

“I am very happy and excited! I never expected to win, especially with my very first ELBA purchase. This is such a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to ELBA for making it even more special,”

shared Khor.

Second Prize: ELBA Side-by-Side Refrigerator worth RM5,289 – Ng Siao Chi

Third Prize: ELBA 2-in-1 Washer Dryer worth RM3,859 – Zaiton Abu Bakar

In addition, Special Prizes and Consolation Prizes were awarded in separate sessions, with over 100 winners receiving a range of practical and stylish home appliances, including ELBA Combi Smart Ovens, multi-cookers, water dispensers, steam generator irons, and hair dryers.

This campaign was more than just giving away prizes — it was about creating meaningful moments for ELBA’s loyal customers. From the Mastro Collection for passionate home cooks to the PerfectFit Refrigerator for smarter food storage, ELBA continues to be a brand trusted by Malaysian families for quality and innovation.

“This campaign wasn’t just about the giveaways,” said Mr. Tok. “It was about celebrating our customers and thanking them for their support. We’re excited to keep bringing new ideas and rewarding experiences in the future.”

Guests at the prize-giving ceremony also got to explore ELBA’s range of home appliances on display -and for a little extra thrill, I even had the chance to test drive the latest BYD Sealion! 

ELBA known for its blend of innovation, reliability, and style, it continues to meet the needs of modern homes, making everyday living easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or keeping things cool, ELBA has your back for all of life’s moments.

Stay connected and discover more with ELBA Malaysia:

• Official Website https://elba.com.my/

• Facebook fb.com/ELBAMalaysia

• Instagram Instagram.com/ELBA.Malaysia

• TikTok tiktok.com/@ELBA_my

Dining With The Queens: Legumes “Nyonya” Mother’s Day Buffet, A Treat Fit For A Queen

Malaysia's renowned catering brand Legumes set the scene for a spectacular Mother’s Day celebration by hosting a dazzling preview event. Held at the Fun Fun Event Space in Puchong, the luncheon wowed attendees with exquisite culinary creations and lively entertainment. This event served as an enticing preview for "Dining With The Queens," an upcoming three-day buffet dinner dedicated to honoring mothers.

The highlight of the preview was the engaging presentations by Legumes CEO and co-founder Ms. Siow Miqi and Sales Director Mr. Earon Teh. Ms. Miqi shared the story of Legumes’ history and its evolution into a renowned catering brand. She also spoke about the inspiration behind this year’s Mother’s Day buffet event.

Mr. Earon Teh then outlined Legumes’ current range of services and upcoming projects. He detailed plans to cater to universities and local institutions, and introduced a new range of Legumes "Mini Buffet" offerings designed for smaller, more casual, and private functions. Additionally, he unveiled the brand’s new logo and brand assets, which will reflect their expanding ventures.

Enhancing the celebration were cooking demonstrations led by COO and co-founder Mr. Kenneth Chua Wei Xian and Legumes' Junior Sous Chef Nur Aufa Athiya Binti Othman, showcasing the company’s diverse range of food products. 

Chef Aufa crafted a grazing box ideal for intimate gatherings, while Kenneth presented the beloved local dish Kong Pao Chicken in Yam Basket, with assistance from Demi Chef James Ng Wen Jia. These sessions not only showcased their culinary prowess but also underscored the quality and innovation that Legumes consistently delivers.

 Kong Pao Chicken in Yam Basket

The chef and the team also prepared a variety of delicious dishes to be served at the event, such as:

The buffet line was impeccably arranged, exuding elegance and charm.

Asam Pedas Grouper

Kapitan chicken

Nyonya Herb Rice

My fav section! The dessert!

Black Glutinuos Longan Panna Cotta! 

Very delicious and unique, I've never had anything like this before. Although panna cotta is a Western dessert, incorporating local ingredients like longan and black glutinous rice transforms it into a fusion dish that is very creamy, sweet, and appetizing.

Nyonya kuih was equally good too! The right taste and texture!

The preview event wasn't solely focused on food; it also featured a showcase of "drop-off catering" services along with a thematic buffet titled "Moonlight Oriental." Additionally, Legumes offers other thematic buffets such as "Great Gatsby" and "Sunshine," providing a diverse array of options to suit various preferences and occasions.

The buffet line was meticulously organized, radiating an aura of luxury, elegance, and charm down to the finest detail.

Guests were delighted to engage in a variety of activities, from crafting DIY flower baskets for mom to playing a themed word search game centered around the Mother’s Day celebration. 

My grazing box! Love this session, so fun to do this arrangement!

DIY flower basket! 

Adding to the fun, a photobooth was available for guests to capture memorable moments, while a social media contest encouraged attendees to share their event photos for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Love the Nyonya inspired decors!

I adore the presentation at the Moonlight Oriental Showcase.

Several fortunate guests had the opportunity to take home prizes, including a vegetable box hamper presented in a stunning LEGUMES cooler bag. Additionally, three lucky winners were bestowed with tickets for a three-person Dining With The Queens Mother’s Day Dinner buffet experience.

It seems I was incredibly lucky that day to win the Grand Prize Dining With The Queens Mother’s Day Dinner buffet experience.Unfortunately, as I was heading back to Johor to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom, I decided to pass on the opportunity to my girlfriend Choy Peng to enjoy the experience on my behalf.

All the lucky winners!

Thank you Legumes Catering for your generosity!

Pic with some of my influencers friends, love how these girls put effort to dress up like a little nyonya 

Dining with The Queens

The Dining With The Queens Mother’s Day Dinner buffet is scheduled from May 10 to 12, also at the Fun Fun Event Space. Guests will have the pleasure of selecting from a delightful array of Nyonya-themed dishes, spanning from poultry to seafood, accompanied by appetizers and desserts. Ticket prices are set at RM168 per adult and RM88 for ages 4 to 12. Additionally, dining is complimentary for children aged 3 years and below.

In addition to celebrating mothers, diners will also be contributing to a noble cause, as proceeds from the event will be directed to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM). Each buffet dinner session will also include games and prizes, adding an element of fun and surprise for the attending mothers. For more information about Legume’s services and initiatives, please visit their website at https://www.legumes.com.my/. 

The preview event wasn't just a glimpse of what's to come; it was a heartfelt tribute to all mothers and the incredible influence they have in our lives. Legumes invites everyone to join in this celebration, promising an experience filled with joy, community, and exceptional cuisine.