The World Chefs Championship (WCC) saw 115 contestants successfully break the Guinness World Record for the longest queue of tarts, which had stood for seven years, formerly held by We R Family Foundation Limited (Hong Kong), at Lok Fu Plaza in Hong Kong, China, on 9th December 2018.
Fruit tarts prepared by chefs from 17 countries including Malaysia for the event set the record on its opening day as one of its objectives besides the competition of 225 culinary categories and breaking Malaysia Book of Records for the Most Dishes Category that is expected to happen in its three days tournament from 29th to 31st of May at the Persada International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru.
The attempt was declared a success by Guinness World Records verifier, Sonia Ushirogochi after observing the 4,399 fruit tarts that were arranged in a line measuring 221.63 metres (m), surpassing the previous record of 2,333 tarts, measuring 186.64m recorded in 2018, during the opening ceremony of WCC 2025.
The State of Johor is hosting this world-class event for the third time, jointly organised by Tourism Johor and the Malaysian Culinary Masters Association, from 29th to 31st May 2025.
Johor Unity, Culture and Heritage Committee Chairman, K. Raven Kumar, representing Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in the opening ceremony said that, “This was the third time the World Chefs Championship had been held in the state and are proud that Johor has been chosen as the host for such historic milestones, addressing the attempts of breaking Guinness Book of World Records and Malaysia Book of Records.”
“This championship is more than just a culinary contest. It is a platform to showcase the best of what Johor has to offer to the world. Through events like this, we strengthen global networks, deepen cultural understanding, and drive tourism growth,” he said, adding that Johor is not just a destination but also an experience waiting to unfold, listing touristic destinations in the state from islands in Mersing, sandy beach in Desaru Coast, rainforest adventures in national parks as well as world-class theme parks like LEGOLAND and shopping hub like Johor Premium Outlets.
“Beyond the competition, this event presents an invaluable platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovation among culinary professionals. It is through such engagement that we elevate food culture and inspire the next generation of gastronomic leaders.”
“This tournament was never just about winning. It was about sharing ideas, making new friends, and celebrating the incredible world of food that brings us all together. I hope you leave Johor with more than just trophies and medals. I hope you take home stories of new friendships, fresh inspiration, and maybe even a few secret recipes, though I am not promising you will get them out of anyone easily,” said Raven.
Tourism Johor in its statement said, WCC 2025 is seen as the best opportunity to further elevate the gastronomic tourism sector to a higher level, in addition to improving local culinary standards and strengthening the exchange of culinary expertise at the global level.
With the presence of participants, the diversity and richness of culinary heritage are celebrated from various corners of the world.
This championship will witness fierce competition between world-renowned chefs with the participation of local and international participants from 17 countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United States, Australia, India and others by showcasing their skills in 225 different categories.
The championship achieved a world record for the largest Johor-style fried noodles in 2024, as well as the largest char kway teow dish in 2023.
 saw 115 contestants successfully break the Guinness World Record for the longest queue of tarts, which had stood for seven years, formerly held by We R Family Foundation Limited (Hong Kong), at Lok Fu Plaza in Hong Kong, China, on 9th December 2018.){kind=link}