The Woman Who Cooks from Memory: Celebrating Puan Sri Nisa Bakri
Some people cook to feed. Others cook to express. And then there are the rare few who cook to remember — to honour a lineage, to carry a culture forward, and to share something of themselves with every single person who sits at their table. Puan Sri Nisa Bakri belongs to that rare few. At the ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2026, held at the Manhattan Ballroom of Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, she was named the AFT Personality of the Year (Culinary Excellence & Leadership) — a recognition that feels less like a surprise and more like an inevitability for anyone who has followed her remarkable journey. Spice…
Welcome to JP&Co cafe – A Fusion of Cultures, Passion, and Culinary Experience
At JP&Co cafe, food is more than just a meal – it’s an experience, a journey, and a celebration of cultures. The journey of JP&Co cafe began with a vision to create a space where culinary traditions from around the world could harmoniously come together. At the heart of our kitchen is our talented chef, who brings inspiration and expertise from his time in Australia. With a deep passion for Australian cuisine, he has mastered the art of crafting wholesome, fresh, and vibrant dishes that reflect the essence of healthy living. And our journey doesn’t end there. Inspired by Malaysia’s rich heritage and the refined artistry of Japanese cuisine, we’ve…
From Hospitality to Entrepreneurship: A Culinary Journey That Redefined Success
Food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience. Having worked in the hospitality and aviation industries, I have always understood the importance of high-quality, authentic cuisine that caters to diverse palates. Little did I know that my journey from being a hotel waitress to becoming an entrepreneur in the ready-to-eat food industry would lead me to where I am today. A Humble Beginning: From Hotels to the Skies Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, I spent my early years working in the hospitality sector, gaining first-hand experience in food service and customer experience. As a student, I worked part-time as a waitress in renowned hotels such as Hotel Flamingo, Kelab…
Chef Johari: A Culinary Maestro’s Journey Through Five Decades
With a distinguished career spanning five decades in the hospitality and food industries, Johari has held esteemed positions in both corporate and culinary leadership. His journey includes roles such as General Manager at SMTC Sdn. Bhd., Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Tradewinds Corporation, Executive Assistant Manager at Crowne Plaza Shanghai, R&D General Manager at Ayamas Food Corporation, and Executive Chef at numerous international hotels across Malaysia and beyond. A professionally trained chef, Johari is an alumnus of prestigious institutions, including UiTM, AHMA, and Cornell University. From his humble beginnings as a kitchen apprentice, he has honed his craft in renowned five-star establishments across Malaysia, Switzerland, and China. Beyond…
The Olive Tree Group: Revolutionising Malaysia’s F&B Scene Under the Visionary Leadership of Leslie Gomez
Leslie Gomez, Founder and Managing Director of The Olive Tree Group, is a dynamic leader whose entrepreneurial vision has driven his company to the forefront of Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality scene. Since its founding in 2003, The Olive Tree Group has evolved from a single outlet to a renowned hospitality empire with 30 restaurants and bars across 7 states and 2 countries. With over 700 employees, the company is a leader in diverse culinary offerings and extraordinary dining experiences. Leslie’s journey began in India, where he gained invaluable experience working in various hospitality roles. His career reached new heights at The Taj, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. During this time,…
