A seminal volume exploring the culinary heritage of Singaporean Malays, The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels through the Archipelago by Khir Johari, has secured the highest distinction at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, achieving the prestigious “Best Of All” honor and cementing the work’s importance in global gastronomy. The book, published in 2021 following an exhaustive 11-year research period, has consistently garnered top awards since its release, culminating in this unprecedented recognition that spans the award’s three-decade history.
This recent accolade confirms the book’s status as more than just a collection of recipes; it is recognized as a vital cultural repository. Johari’s title has previously been celebrated, earning the “Best in the World” designation in 2023 and the “Best of the Best in Food Culture” in early 2025. This string of international victories reinforces the cultural significance of Singaporean Malay cuisine on the world stage.
A Cultural Chronicle, Not Just a Cookbook
Author Khir Johari emphasizes the book’s mission: “This is not a cookbook. It is the story of a people.” While the volume does feature over 30 traditional recipes—allowing readers to engage practically with the cuisine—its core value lies in its extensive documentation of cultural narratives, historical snippets, illustrations, and archival photographs. These elements trace the evolution and deep historical roots of Singaporean Malay foodways.
The commitment to meticulous research over more than a decade elevates the book beyond typical culinary guides, offering a scholarly yet accessible journey through the archipelago’s culinary landscape. This approach has resonated deeply with international critics and readers alike.
Commenting on the recent “Best Of All” honor, Khir Johari expressed the profound meaning of the recognition. “To receive this latest honour is deeply meaningful. What matters most to me is knowing that the foodways of our region are being seen and understood in a deeper, more nuanced way,” Johari said. He further articulated his hope that the work would inspire cultural preservation: “My hope is for this work to spark reflection and encourage more people to document their own histories.”
Preserving and Elevating Regional Foodways
The success of The Food of Singapore Malays highlights a growing global appetite for culinary histories that prioritize culture and heritage alongside cooking instruction. By presenting the Singaporean Malay food experience through a lens of history and ethnography, Johari has successfully documented a vital part of the nation’s identity, attracting global recognition and appreciation.
For those interested in exploring this celebrated work, the book is available for purchase from local retailers, including Kinokuniya and Wardah Books. Further details about the volume can be found on its official website. This groundbreaking effort serves as a powerful reminder that food, at its heart, is a crucial medium for understanding a community’s history, migration, and collective identity. Its victory encourages a broader worldwide movement toward documenting regional food traditions before they are lost to time.
Resource Information:
- Title: The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels through the Archipelago
- Author: Khir Johari
- Availability: Books Kinokuniya, Wardah Books, and other local book retailers.
- Impact: Elevated the status of Singaporean Malay food heritage in global cultural discourse.