Singapore, January 15, 2025 — Singapore continues to spearhead innovation in Halal culinary experiences with the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA) 2025 launch, the second edition of the prestigious awards celebrating excellence in Halal dining. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, HTGA 2025 expands its reach beyond Singapore, with Johor as the first confirmed region in its global journey. This expansion marks a significant milestone in HTGA’s mission to elevate Halal gastronomy worldwide.  

The announcement was made today at the HTGA 2025 Media and Partners Briefing, held at the Luzerne Venue. Key stakeholders attended the event, including media representatives, food industry leaders, last year’s Diamond Award winners, and Chef Cook-Off champions.  

HTGA 2025 aims to set international benchmarks for Halal culinary excellence. The inclusion of Johor as the first new region underscores the strong cultural and economic ties between Singapore and its closest neighbor. This move is further amplified by the recent announcement of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, which aims to foster collaboration and innovation across various sectors, including gastronomy.  

“We are thrilled to bring HTGA to Johor, a city with a vibrant Halal food scene and deep cultural connections to Singapore,” said Raudha Zaini, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Projects at HalalTrip. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to celebrating and elevating Halal dining experiences worldwide.”  

Additional cities will be announced in the coming months as HTGA continues to recognize and inspire culinary excellence worldwide.  

HTGA 2025 will maintain its rigorous evaluation criteria, ensuring that only the finest Halal dining establishments are recognized. Restaurants will be assessed based on five key pillars:  

– Creative Presentation 

– Flavor Harmony

– Food Quality  

– Menu Innovation  

– Service Excellence 

The awards will feature similar categories as last year, including the coveted Diamond Awards, Best-in-Class Awards, and Chef Awards. These accolades honor not only culinary excellence but also the creativity and dedication of chefs and restaurateurs who push the boundaries of Halal cuisine.  

At the media briefing, HalalTrip also shared key insights from the 2024 HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, based on the in-person anonymous evaluation of more than 100 restaurants in Singapore. The evaluations revealed strong culinary presentation and taste performances, showcasing the industry’s dedication to delivering high-quality dining experiences. However, areas for growth were highlighted, particularly in beverage offerings, where establishments could innovate with greater variety and creativity to meet the evolving preferences of halal diners.

The Dining Experience category also emphasized the importance of service consistency, with feedback pointing to opportunities for improvement in staff attentiveness, cleanliness, and ambiance. These insights aim to guide participating establishments toward enhancing their overall customer experience. Of the evaluated restaurants, 16 were awarded the prestigious 1 Diamond rating in 2024, setting a high standard for others to aspire to in the upcoming awards.

“The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards are more than just an accolade; they are a celebration of culinary innovation and a tribute to the diverse, rich flavors that Halal cuisine offers,” said Chef Kamal, President of the Singapore Halal Culinary Federation. “With HTGA 2025, we aim to set new benchmarks in Halal culinary excellence, inspiring chefs and establishments to elevate their craft constantly.”  

Visit this link for the full press kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_Mtmoj6VfKHDgi4ZjX7x9sz72oT9KdE6?usp=sharing