MALAYSIA. Malaysia Airports and KL International Airport (KLIA) have announced the winners of the KULinary Dining Awards 2025.
These were selected through a mystery diner approach, with a panel of expert judges comprising culinary professionals and Tatler Dining editors, evaluating restaurants and cafés across four key areas: setting, food and beverages, service and value.
Awards were presented in 12 categories, including Best International Café, Best Local Restaurant, Best International Restaurant and Best Grab & Go.
At the heart of this year’s event was The KULinary Table, a collaborative grazing showcase where winning outlets presented signature dishes for guests to sample. The table was a “literal and symbolic centrepiece” of the evening, highlighting the diversity, creativity and Malaysian pride in KLIA’s dining landscape.
Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager, Commercial Services Hani Ezra Hussin said: “Through KULinary 2025, we are putting our passion for food front and centre. Our goal is to make KLIA a destination in its own right, where the culinary experience is as exciting as the journey itself.
“More than just elevating the time passengers spend at the airport, these dining experiences are also shaping our commercial growth. We want every traveller to see KLIA as a vibrant hub of flavours and a true gateway to Malaysia’s culinary excellence.”
Winners include:
*Best Fast Food: Taco Bell
*Best Local Restaurant: Jibby Chow
*Best International Restaurant: DIN by Din Tai Fung
*Best Local Coffee Brand: ZUS Coffee
*Best International Coffee Brand: illycaffè
*Best Grab & Go Food: Subway
*Best Grab & Go: Beverage: Boost Juice
*Best Local Café: Singgah
*Best International Café: Paul Le Café
*Best Overall – Local: Jibby Chow
*Best Overall – International: DIN by Din Tai Fung
*Best Outstanding Service Award: Asia Street Cooking
*Best Ambience: Kitchen by Open House
The airport company said the accolades celebrate “culinary excellence by honouring outstanding F&B operators and offering guests an immersive journey through the vibrant flavours of the airport’s food scene”.
Since its inception in 2016, KULinary has recognised the leading F&B players at KLIA, through which the airport has delivered “joyful passenger experiences by elevating food variety, quality, service and overall value”.
Alongside the KULinary programme, KLIA is running a series of promotions for its F&B offer.
- KULBites: Exploring KULinary Delights (26 September to 26 November): Travellers can spend a minimum of RM40 (US$9.50) at any participating F&B outlet in either KLIA Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and receive an instant RM10 (US$2.40) discount.
- KULinary Spotlight (29 September to 26 November): This promotion shines a light on the award-winning outlets from the competition. During this period, the winning outlets will offer package deals of their top-rated dishes.
- 15-Minute Meals (September onwards): Participating outlets will feature selected dishes that are freshly prepared and served within 15 minutes.
