Everything You Need to Know About the New HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2024

I’ve just returned from an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night cruise aboard the Genting Dream Cruise, where the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards Cook-Off Showdown took center stage. Sailing from Singapore to Penang and Port Klang, this cruise was not just a journey through scenic waters but also a chance for us to witness and experience the pinnacle of halal dining. Here’s an in-depth look at the newly launched HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2024 and the memorable cruise experience.

The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards

The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, a collaboration between HalalTrip and the Singapore Halal Culinary Federation (SHCF), are designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding halal dining experiences in Singapore. This prestigious accolade focuses on culinary excellence, evaluating eateries on plating creativity, flavor balance, food quality, menu innovation, and the overall dining experience. Establishments can earn one to three diamonds based on their scores, symbolizing top-tier culinary distinction. At the end of last year, HalalTrip held a media launch at the amazing Mr Biryani located in Singapore to share more about The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards.

The awards also include Diamond Awards and Best-in-Class Awards, honoring standout eateries in various categories such as Best Ethnic Restaurant or Café, Best Concept Restaurant or Café, Best Newcomer, Best Hotel Restaurant or Café, and Best Specialty Café, Kiosk, or Bakery. Halal dining has evolved significantly, embodying creativity and innovation. The awards celebrate eateries that push the boundaries of traditional halal cuisine, offering unique and diverse culinary experiences that cater to modern palates.

The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards Cook-Off Showdown

During this cruise, we had the unique opportunity to witness the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards Cook-Off Showdown — an event that showcased the best of halal culinary talent. This was our first time witnessing a cook-off happening right in front of our eyes, and it was an experience like no other. We were captivated by the authenticity of the competition as we watched chefs navigate through the challenge with skill and creativity, free from the cuts and edits typical of cooking shows seen on screen.

Each chef had to prepare seven plates: one for photo-taking and six for the esteemed judges. The cook-off was filled with excitement and anticipation as the chefs were only made aware of the secret ingredient — lemon puree, kumquat puree, or bergamot puree—on stage. They had to decide on the spot how to incorporate this secret ingredient into their dishes. Additionally, the main ingredient, salmon, added an extra layer of challenge as the chefs drew lots to determine which part of the salmon they would be cooking.

What truly impressed us was how the chefs adapted when faced with unexpected challenges and how they utilized the limited time and tools available to them. The variety of tools provided, combined with the chefs' creativity, resulted in beautifully crafted dishes. Among the competitors were Chef Razali Bin Abdullah from Royal Plaza on Scotts, Carousel; Chef Kelvin Soon from Royal Plaza on Scotts, Carousel; and Chef Muhammad Fariz from ASAP & Co. We were also privileged to be in the presence of esteemed judges, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from different organizations. We were honored to be surrounded by such knowledgeable individuals who brought a wealth of insight and discernment to the judging process.

Sponsors and Partners

The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards are supported by numerous sponsors and partners, ensuring a high standard of competition and recognition. These include Official Pantry Sponsors such as Indoguna Singapore, Honey Land International Pte Ltd, Asli Jumain Sataysfaction, and KitchenSq LLP, as well as Official Competition Venue Partner Resorts World Cruises, Official Venue Partner Mr Biryani, Official Beverage Competition Partner Katalyst and Dutch Colony Coffee Co., and Official Competition Dairy Partner Greenfields.

Masterclass Highlights

During the cruise, we also had the privilege of attending masterclasses led by renowned chefs Imran and Jimmy, each offering a unique culinary perspective. Chef Imran's session focused on pasta making, where he showcased the art of crafting Truffle Cream Pasta using original truffle mushrooms, without any artificial flavorings. It was a great session, especially for Fazwan, who typically avoids truffle but found himself indulging in a plate and thoroughly enjoying it for the first time.

In contrast, Chef Jimmy's masterclass centered on the delicate art of buttery croissants. As he shared the origins of croissants from Austria, I was intrigued by the rich history behind this beloved pastry. The session combined theory with a quick practical aspect, allowing me the opportunity to join him on stage in crafting the perfect croissants. The experience brought back fond memories of my time spent baking as a hobby, sparking a newfound desire to reignite that passion.

While I do wish that the duration of the masterclasses were longer so that everyone could get hands-on experience, of course, we have to be realistic as we were on a cruise and time was limited. Nonetheless, it was an extremely insightful session. The opportunity to learn from esteemed chefs like Imran and Jimmy was invaluable, and I left each masterclass feeling inspired and eager to try their recipes once I’m home. The last few days have definitely deepened my appreciation for the creativity and dedication of halal chefs around the world.

The 4D3N cruise was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the innovation and excellence of halal dining. From witnessing the intense competition to savoring the delectable creations, it was a journey that left a lasting impression.

We cannot contain our excitement as we eagerly anticipate attending the Gala Dinner on June 5th, where the winners of the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards will be announced. It promises to be a night filled with celebration and recognition of the exceptional culinary talents that have graced the halal dining scene. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the winners and the continuation of this remarkable culinary journey.

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