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Noor Shobahiyah Abu Bakar is the Professional Chef champion of Lotus's Chef Challenge 2026, winning with a family nasi daging recipe from Kedah and a fusion instant noodle dish. The final ended on 1 November at Lotus's Ampang, and her win now takes her to Bangkok next year. (Bernama)
The winning plates
Noor Shobahiyah, 31, is a mother of three with 10 years of cooking experience. Alongside the nasi daging, she presented an instant noodle dish featuring smoked beef in a masak lemak gravy, a playful fusion of a store-cupboard staple and a classic Malay coconut sauce.
The Young Chef title went to Loi Kee Yeong, 20, who has been interested in cooking since primary school.
Looking back on the contest, the champion said, as quoted by Bernama: "Whether I win or lose, the experience is something money cannot buy."
How the contest worked
This was the competition's second year, under the theme "From the Kitchen to the Stage". It drew 87 participants across two categories. Young Chef, for ages 18 to 30, was judged on 31 October, and Professional Chef, for ages 25 to 40, on 1 November.
Lotus's Malaysia ran it with the Professional Culinaire Association Malaysia and TAEM Academy, and the event carries recognition from the World Association of Chefs' Societies, better known as Worldchefs.
Each category's champion received a RM3,000 Lotus's cash voucher, with RM2,000 for second place, RM1,000 for third and RM300 each for eight consolation prizes.
What comes next
The top three in the Professional Chef category will represent Malaysia at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2027 in Bangkok. For Noor Shobahiyah, it will be her first time competing outside the country. The top three Young Chefs move on to Culinaire Malaysia 2027.
Why we like this one
Big culinary contests can feel a long way from the family kitchen, but this year's top prize started with a recipe passed down at home. It is also a good reminder of how much talent sits outside the restaurant headlines. If a plate of Malay comfort food is now on your mind, have a browse through our Kuala Lumpur listings.
Sources
- Family Recipe Brings Success To Lotus's Chef Challenge 2026 Winner — Bernama, 2026-11-01