Johor, April 16, 2025 — The global spotlight shines on Johor today as it hosts the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA), a bold initiative to highlight Halal culinary excellence across the region. The 2025 regional launch took place at Rimbunan, the Mall of Medini, bringing together leaders from Johor and Singapore’s food, tourism, and hospitality sectors to celebrate innovation, authenticity, and cross-border collaboration.
The HTGA 2025 Media and Partners Briefing brought together an influential mix of restaurateurs, media, tourism stakeholders, past HTGA Singapore winners, and rising culinary talents, all poised to elevate the Halal dining landscape in Johor and beyond.
“Johor is an exciting and natural next step for HTGA’s expansion,” said Raudha Zaini, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Projects at HalalTrip. “Its vibrant food culture, deep-rooted traditions, and culinary innovation reflect the values of the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, which stand for excellence, inclusivity, and community.”
This milestone launch comes at a crucial time for Johor as momentum builds around the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With food and hospitality identified as key sectors, HTGA’s presence strengthens the SEZ’s vision of fostering bilateral growth and innovation. The awards ceremony will take place in September 2025 at the Mall of Medini. This initiative is backed by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), and Tourism Johor.
The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2025 will maintain its trusted evaluation process, based on five core criteria: creative presentation, flavor harmony, food quality, menu innovation, and service excellence. Each participating establishment will undergo anonymous, in-person evaluations conducted by experienced assessors, ensuring an objective and thorough review of their dining experience.
Award recipients will be honored in three categories: The HalalTrip Gastronomy Diamond Awards represent the highest recognition of overall excellence. The Best-in-Class Awards highlight establishments that excel in specific aspects of the dining experience. Meanwhile, the Chef Awards pay tribute to individuals who demonstrate exceptional culinary talent, creativity, and leadership in halal gastronomy.
These awards go beyond simply recognizing excellence; they serve as a platform to spotlight innovation, nurture local talent, and inspire the continued elevation of Halal culinary standards in the region.
As Johor is a culinary hotspot for many Singaporeans, during the media briefing, HalalTrip shared insights from the Singapore 2024 evaluations, which revealed excellence in food presentation and taste while highlighting areas for growth in beverage innovation and service consistency. These insights aim to guide Johor-based establishments in refining and enhancing their dining experiences ahead of the awards.
HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards are hosted by HalalTrip in partnership with Singapore Halal Culinary Federation.
Visit this link for the complete press kit here
The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA) is a prestigious culinary accolade celebrating excellence in Halal dining. Launched in 2024, HTGA aims to elevate the standards of Halal gastronomy by recognizing outstanding restaurants, chefs, and culinary innovations. With its expansion to Johor and beyond, HTGA is set to become a global symbol of Halal culinary excellence.
Website: https://www.halaltrip.com/halaltrip-gastronomy-awards/
HalalTrip (HalalTrip Pte. Ltd.) is a leading online consumer platform and mobile application dedicated to serving the unique needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a firm commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences in accordance with Islamic principles, HalalTrip offers a comprehensive range of services and features tailored specifically for the Muslim community. From halal-friendly accommodations and dining options to prayer times and Qibla direction, HalalTrip ensures that Muslim travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind. HalalTrip is committed to enhancing the travel experiences of Muslims worldwide and fostering a greater sense of connection and exploration within the global Muslim travel community.
Website: https://www.halaltrip.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalalTrip/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/halaltrip/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/halaltrip/
Singapore Halal Culinary Federation (SHCF) is a registered society geared towards the objectives of sustainable application and growth. We are an organization managed by an Executive Committee of volunteers. Our Executive Committee consists of cooks, chefs, and F&B professionals who are committed and passionate about reaching out, educating, and collaborating with businesses and communities. We believe in bringing a new direction with our progressive affiliation. This is seen in the many services provided, including Food Service and Development Consultancy, Masterclasses and Culinary Clinics, Research and Development, Project Management, and Community Outreach.
Website: https://www.singaporehalal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halal.sg/
Strategically located in the heart of Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia, Mall of Medini is a vibrant family-oriented lifestyle destination that serves as the main gateway to LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort. Designed to offer a seamless blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences, the mall features a colonnade-style retail setting with naturally ventilated spaces, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of dining options, from international fast food chains to local eateries, as well as retail outlets offering fashion, gifts, and souvenirs. With its family-friendly amenities, including interactive play zones and convenient access to nearby attractions, Mall of Medini continues to be a favored destination for both locals and tourists seeking a comprehensive leisure experience.
Nur Hazirah Jamaludin
[email protected]
+65 9438 8896
Daniswara Nugroho
[email protected]
+65 9175 3125
