A SARAWAK restaurant has won the “Best In-Store Dining Experience” at the inaugural Jewel Fans’ Favourites Awards, a public competition to recognise the most loved brands at Jewel Changi Airport.
As Singapore’s first and only Bornean restaurant, Kantin provides visitors to the airport a glimpse into Sarawak cuisine.
It serves food such as Sarawak laksa, chicken cooked in bamboo (pansuh) and various dishes that are paired with “jungle-inspired” drinks that inherit the essence of Sarawak’s ethnic communities, said Kantin in a media statement.
“We believe that when travellers fall in love with a place, it often begins with food.
“We didn’t build Kantin just to serve meals; it was built to put Sarawak on the world map,” said its founder Carmen Toh.
She aims to serve as Sarawak’s culinary ambassador abroad, introducing the stories, ingredients and spirit of Borneo to international travellers.
“We see Kantin as more than a restaurant. It is a cultural gateway, offering the first taste of Sarawak before travellers even board a plane to our shores.
“We are proud to play our part in strengthening Sarawak’s global tourism narrative through food,” Toh added.
Kantin shone in a field consisting of more than 100 dining brands across nine categories, emerging as the top choice for overall dining experience.
In addition, Kantin also ranked in the Top 5 for “Local/Regional Delights”, further cementing its reputation for showcasing Borneo’s flavours and culture on an international stage.
“As one of the few independent restaurants – and among the few brands from Sarawak – to receive recognition at Jewel, the award marks a significant milestone in Kantin’s journey from Malaysia to Singapore.
“Through every dish, every design detail and every service standard, Kantin expresses who we are as Sarawakians – a true celebration of culture, flavour and experience,” said Toh.
She said her restaurant was also recently nominated for Asia’s Best New Restaurant by the World Culinary Awards.
“This recognition reflects the broader strengthening of Sarawak’s cultural and economic presence in Singapore, led by the Sarawak Tourism and Trade Office Singapore (Statos), established in 2019 as Sarawak’s official international representation in Singapore,” she added in the statement.
A key initiative of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Statos serves as a platform to promote Sarawak’s tourism, trade, investment opportunities and cultural identity, while facilitating partnerships and enhancing global awareness of Sarawak-born enterprises.
