Singapore, 8th April 2026 – Following a landmark year for Muslim-friendly tourism, HalalTrip is proud to announce the return of the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA) 2026. This year, the premier celebration of Halal excellence is expanding its footprint, hosting simultaneous flagship ceremonies across three of Southeast Asia’s culinary capitals: Singapore, Johor, and Jakarta.
The 2026 edition promises to be the largest and most influential to date, spotlighting the visionary restaurateurs, innovative chefs, and hidden gems that are defining the future of Halal dining.
A Legacy of Excellence: Returning and New Categories
HTGA 2026 will continue its tradition of honoring the best in the industry through its prestigious signature categories. This year’s ceremony will once again feature the following top-tier accolades:
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Diamond Awards: Recognizing the absolute pinnacle of Halal dining and service excellence.
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Best-in-Class: Celebrating establishments that lead their specific culinary categories through innovation and consistency.
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Legacy Awards: Honoring institutions that have made a long-standing impact on the Halal food scene over decades.
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Chef Awards: Spotlighting the individual mastery, creativity, and leadership of the culinary talents behind the kitchen doors.
The awards will also introduce two new categories for the Best-in-Class award. Following the trend and growing demand for these, “Innovation in Fusion Cuisine Award” and “Healthy Dining Award” will be added to this year’s HTGA.
HTGA's Journey: Growth Since 2024
Since its inaugural launch in 2024, the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards have undergone a remarkable evolution. What began as a localized effort to recognize quality Halal dining has quickly transformed into a regional benchmark for excellence.
Over the past two years, the awards have seen an incredible increase in participation and a massive surge in engagement. For past winners, HTGA recognition has meant more than just a trophy. Winning this award means a validation and recognition to the restaurants’ commitment to Halal integrity and high-quality gastronomy, resulting in a significant boost in international footfall and an elevated brand reputation that has helped them scale their businesses across borders.
A Unified Celebration of Culinary Diversity
HTGA 2026 will continue to bridge regional Halal food landscapes by honoring excellence across borders. The expansion reflects the soaring demand for diverse, high-quality Halal experiences and the growing sophistication of the global Muslim consumer market.
“The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards was born from a simple but powerful belief, that Halal dining deserves the same level of recognition, rigour, and prestige as the world’s most celebrated culinary awards,” said Raudha Zaini, Director of Operations of CrescentRating and HalalTrip. Bringing the awards to Singapore, Johor, and Jakarta is a move meant to expand that recognition; a move to celebrate the unique culinary identities of the three different cities while championing the global standards of Halal hospitality.
Elevating Standards for a Better Halal Culinary Scene
The HTGA utilizes a rigorous evaluation framework, combining expert judging from industry veterans with verified consumer feedback. This data-driven approach ensures that the awards remain the most trusted benchmark for Halal culinary excellence in the region.
As we look toward the 2026 ceremonies, HalalTrip remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what Halal gastronomy can achieve. By integrating new markets and highlighting sustainable practices, the awards are set to not only celebrate current successes but also shape the next decade of the global Halal food industry. More details regarding the 2026 schedule and participation will be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information on the awards, please visit our website here.
