Nepali Chefs Head to Malaysia for Asia’s Premier Culinary Competition

Kathmandu, September 22, 2025 – Nepali Chefs Head to Malaysia for Asia’s Premier Culinary Competition, Culinaire Malaysia 2025, one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious culinary competitions. The event, taking place from September 23 to 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), will bring together more than 1,000 chefs from across the globe to compete in a celebration of gastronomic skills, artistry, and innovation.

This year, Nepal will be represented by chefs Sanil Dangol, Padam Bahadur Magar, and Chattra Bahadur Thapa Magar. The team is led by Chef Padam Bahadur Ale Magar, a seasoned culinary professional who currently serves as the Secretary General of the Chefs Association of Nepal. Known for his leadership in promoting Nepali cuisine internationally, Chef Padam Ale Magar has long championed the participation of Nepali chefs in global forums, ensuring that the unique flavors and traditions of Nepal gain international recognition. Each member of the team brings years of professional experience and a shared vision to present Nepal’s culinary heritage in a modern, competitive context. Their participation reflects not only individual talent but also the growing ambition of Nepal’s gastronomy industry to compete at an international level.

Culinaire Malaysia has established itself as Southeast Asia’s premier culinary competition, organized by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Professional Culinaire Association of Malaysia (PCA), and the Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA). Endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs) and the International Food and Beverage Association (IFBA), the competition has grown into a respected platform for benchmarking culinary excellence. Now in its 17th edition, it is held biennially in conjunction with Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM), the region’s leading trade-only exhibition.

Competitions are staged across multiple categories, including culinary arts, pastry, butchery, hot cooking, food and beverage skills, coffee, and mixology. One of the highlights this year will be the Asian Regional Semi-Final of the Global Chefs Challenge, which offers winners the opportunity to represent Asia at the 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Wales.

For Nepal, participating in Culinaire Malaysia represents an opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse culinary traditions on a respected international stage. From the rich flavors of mountain herbs to the intricate balance of spices in traditional recipes, Nepali cuisine remains one of the most underrepresented in the global culinary landscape. By competing in this prestigious event, Team Nepal not only tests their skills against some of the best chefs in the world but also serves as ambassadors of Nepali gastronomy. Their presence highlights the nation’s growing food industry, its skilled workforce, and its ambition to make Nepal a recognized name in global hospitality.

The participation of Nepali chefs in international competitions such as Culinaire Malaysia is part of a broader movement by culinary leaders and associations in Nepal to promote professionalism, innovation, and global engagement. With the backing of the Chefs Association of Nepal and support from the wider culinary community, Team Nepal is poised to leave a lasting impression in Kuala Lumpur. As the world’s culinary spotlight turns to Malaysia this week, all eyes will be on the Nepali team as they carry the nation’s flavors, culture, and pride to one of the most significant gastronomic competitions in Asia.