Sabah's Signature Food Fest Roars Back for Epic 5th Edition!

29 April 2029

KOTA KINABALU: After nine years in hibernation, The Signature Food Fest returns triumphantly for its 5th edition in 2026, reigniting Sabah's culinary scene in tandem with Visit Malaysia 2026 and the rebirth of FAVSTYLE Magazine as a bi-monthly lifestyle powerhouse.

Launched in 2014, the festival – previously held in 2015, 2016, and 2017 – celebrates Sabah's gastronomy, tourism, and lifestyle through enhanced awards, broader collaborations, and authentic judging.

Esteemed panellists Datuk Gordon Leong and Rory Richardson reunite, joined by Adjunct Prof. Jessie Jong and TVSabah CEOs Suzanne & Dennis.

This year's highlight fuses with SO GOOD FLEA MARKET at Riverson - The Walk, blending culinary tourism, crafts, entrepreneurship, and Sabah culture.

Key Dates:

1st–3rd May: Signature Showcase at Riverson - The Walk, with signature dishes, live music, family activities, and a Kids Zone sponsored by The V by Jesselton International.

1st–31st May: Signature menu promotions, official judging, and weekly events like Ben Uzair's Modern Dining Etiquette Masterclass.

5th June: Exclusive Grand Award Night at Grandis Hotels & Resorts.

Record-Breaking Participation

Boasting 16 venues – the largest ever – across four categories:

Bistro: Grub N Vine

Cafe/Kopitiam: Atukuupi, Chill Taverna, Daya Nyonya Kopitiam, Yi Jia Kopitiam

Hotel: Grandis Hotels & Resorts – Rosea Cafe; Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu – Favola; Sheraton Kota Kinabalu – Burger Box; The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu – Tangerine

Restaurant: Cherry Restaurant, E West Restaurant, Happy Place Restaurant, Little Sulap, Rumah Bumbu, Super & Restaurant, Tasty Wok @ Venition (all by Upper Palace Dining Group where noted)

Brand partners include GG’s, Kadaiku, and Fatt Choi Tenom Coffee.

Dine, Win & Vote Campaign

Public participation is simple:

Collect TSFF stamp forms (10,000 distributed).

Dine at venues and order signature dishes.

Gather stamps (minimum three required).

Submit by 31st May 10pm for lucky draws, with collections on 1st June and prizes at the Award Night.

Prestigious Awards include The Best Signature Menu, Best Plate Presentation, Excellence in Chinese/Western/Fusion/Local/Native Sabahan Culinary, Grand Hospitality Excellence, and specials like TVSabah and Favstyle Prestige Excellence Awards.

Organisers thank Sabah Tourism Board, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, TVSabah, United Intra Resources Sdn Bhd, and all partners for championing Sabah's food, community, tourism, creativity, and pride, especially as Kaamatan season approaches.

"The Signature Food Fest 5th Edition is a grand culinary revival," said Organising Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Alfred Allen Ginsos.

Food lovers, families, and tourists are invited to savour Sabah's finest.