Johor’s thriving Halal culinary scene took centre stage as the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA) 2025 Johor unveiled its winners during a gala dinner held at Rimbunan @ Mall of Medini.
Marking Johor’s debut in the awards series, this year’s HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards expands its celebration of Halal culinary excellence across two cities: Singapore and Johor. The Singapore edition concluded last week with 25 winners recognised for their innovation and excellence, while tonight’s Johor edition continues the momentum by spotlighting the region’s finest Halal establishments and culinary professionals.
The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2025 Johor honored establishments and chefs across four categories: Diamond Awards, Best-in-Class Awards, Gastronomy Showdown, and the Legacy Award. Together, they showcase Johor’s unique culinary diversity and growing prominence as a Halal gastronomy destination in Malaysia.
As Johor makes its debut in the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, this year’s winners represent the creativity, authenticity, and diversity that define the state’s evolving Halal food culture. Each establishment was evaluated based on food quality, culinary innovation, service, ambiance, and its overall contribution to enhancing the Halal dining experience across the state.
Diamond Awards
The Diamond Awards honoured Johor’s leading Halal establishments for their exceptional quality, innovation, and consistency in creating memorable experiences that blend tradition with modern flair.
Winners: ABBU BAKAR | ALINA Cafe Bakery | Beriani Bonda House | Cookies & Ginger Restaurant | Halaman by Dapur Western | Hijrah Dim Sum JB | Ikhwan Coffee | Klasik Kopitiam | Laman Puteh by Coffee Texas | ME’NATE STEAK HUB | MEE NA MI | Nasi Kerabu Cikgu CT | Nenek In Forest | Petals & Bakes | Rumiplace | Salai Valley by KUJDT | Serambi Uda Café | The Burgers
Best-in-Class Awards
The Best-in-Class Awards recognise outstanding eateries that exemplify excellence within their respective categories.
Winners:
● Best Concept Restaurant/Café: Rumiplace
● Best Ethnic Restaurant/Café: ABBU BAKAR
● Best Specialty Café/Kiosk/Bakery: ALINA Cafe Bakery
● Service Excellence Award: Cookies & Ginger Restaurant
● Best Halal Restaurant Chain: Oriental Kopi
Gastronomy Showdown
The Gastronomy Showdown celebrates culinary professionals who exemplify creativity, leadership, and innovation in the Halal gastronomy scene. This year’s competition culminated in a chef cook-off held onboard StarDream Cruises on 2nd October 2025, bringing together talented chefs from Johor and Singapore to showcase their innovation and craftsmanship in a unique cross-border culinary exchange.
Winners:
● Best Forward Chef: Jannahtul Akhma Binti Juraini, Chef de Partie, Pawana Restaurant Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort
● Most Promising Chef: Muhammad Riezafi Bin Jamri, Demi Chef, Suasana Suites Café
HalalTrip Gastronomy Legacy Award
The Legacy Award celebrates individuals and institutions that have made a lasting contribution to Johor’s Halal gastronomy through years of craftsmanship, leadership, and passion. This special recognition celebrates those whose work has shaped the state’s culinary landscape, inspired future generations of chefs and restaurateurs, and strengthened the growth of Halal dining across the region.
Winner: Kluang RailCoffee
Reflecting on the awards’ growing influence, Raudha Zaini, Director of Operations at HalalTrip, said, “The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2025 Johor celebrates the passion, creativity, and innovation that continue to shape Johor’s rich and vibrant Halal dining landscape. Each winner represents the soul of Johor’s culinary identity, where heritage meets modernity. As Johor makes its debut in the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards series, we are inspired by the energy and commitment of its chefs and restaurateurs in elevating Halal gastronomy to new heights.”
“The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2025 Johor marks an exciting milestone in showcasing Johor’s culinary excellence on a regional stage. As a catalyst for sustainable growth and ecosystem development, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) is proud to support initiatives that celebrate local talent and innovation while strengthening Johor’s position as a leading destination for Halal gastronomy and tourism. Through platforms like this, we continue to foster collaboration among industry players, entrepreneurs, and creative communities, driving economic vibrancy and elevating Johor’s unique cultural identity in the global marketplace,” said Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/Chief Executive Officer, Iskandar Investment Berhad.
The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2025 Johor was held in partnership with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Tourism Johor, Johor Chef Association, and Mall of Medini. Together, these partners share a commitment to advancing Halal culinary excellence, empowering local talent, and building Johor’s reputation as a top-tier Halal dining and travel destination.
Following the success of the Singapore edition, the Johor event marks a significant milestone for HTGA 2025, reinforcing the awards’ mission to celebrate halal culinary innovation and inclusivity across the world.
For more information about the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2025 Johor, visit: https://www.halaltrip.com/halaltrip-gastronomy-awards/
