An unforgettable evening unfolded at Rumah Bumbu as The Signature Food Fest 5th Edition continued its culinary judging journey with a rich exploration of authentic Nusantara flavours.

Among the 16 participating establishments, Rumah Bumbu stands proudly as the only venue presenting genuine Indonesian cuisine crafted from treasured family recipes passed down from the chef’s maternal heritage originating from the Kalimantan border, beautifully blended with Sabahan warmth from the father’s side. Every dish carried a story, every aroma felt like a passport stamp from the Nusantara archipelago. 

The judging evening was led by Head Judge Datuk Gordon Leong alongside Permanent Judge Rory Richardson, SME Advisor & Judge Adjunct Prof Jessie Jong Chun Jin (A.S.D.K), KOL Miao In Sabah, Mr Jimmy from POUND, Writer On-The-Go Lorena Binisol, MY KKCity representative Omar Willie, Sabah KOL Media Alliance representative Belinda Faith, and Ben Liew Delicious Borneo.

The heart of the evening belonged to Head Chef “Cikgu Kath,” who generously curated almost the entire Rumah Bumbu menu for the guests to fully experience the depth of Indonesian home-style cooking. A spectacular lineup of 14 dishes was presented, including the restaurant’s celebrated signature dish, Sup Konro. 

The menu journey featured:

• Sup Konro
• Soto Medan
• Gulai Daging Salai Urat Keting
• Ikan Kembung Jagoan
• Ayam Lengkuas
• Kambing Bubuk
• Tong Seng Sapi
• Nasi Goreng Special
• Wantan Goreng
• Sate Lilit
• Chicken Boxing
• Sayur Buncis Butter
• Mee Jawa
• Bubur Rumah Bumbu

Throughout the evening, guests immersed themselves in bold spices, slow-cooked broths, smoky aromas, and comforting heritage recipes that reflected generations of culinary tradition. 

An exclusive interview session with Cikgu Kath also gave the judges and media deeper insight into the origins, inspirations, and cultural roots behind each remarkable dish. As a token of appreciation, Lorena Binisol, representing The Signature Food Fest, presented the Certificate of Participation to Cikgu Kath in recognition of her outstanding effort and warm hospitality in making the evening truly memorable.

To conclude the night, everyone gathered for a meaningful group photo session, capturing not just smiles, but a shared celebration of culture, food, friendship, and the beautiful spirit of Nusantara cuisine.