The chef team of SuperStar Libra emerged victorious at the 1st Battle of the Halal Chefs 2014. Together the culinary talent bagged a total of 17 awards at the sizzling culinary battle held from Jan 17-19 at Setia SPICE, Penang, Malaysia.

SuperStar Libra, currently homeported in Penang, has eight food and beverage outlets serving a variety of international and Asian cuisines and delicacies on board. Led by Executive Chef Saifol Iskandar Ikhsan, the team has won two gold, five silver and five bronze medals as well as five diplomas over the three-day event.

Mr. Shah Irwan Omar, the 32-year-old Sous Chef of SuperStar Libra, made a successful competitive debut at the Battle of the Halal Chefs by winning a gold medal in the Plated Main Course Seafood Category. He impressed the judges with his innovative and mouth-watering dish — Poached Cod Fish with Cepes Butter Accompanied with Broad Bean Puree, Topped with Seafood Symphony and Tobiko Cream Sauce Served with Crustacean Bisque and Seasonal Vegetables. He also brought home the Best Outstanding Chef Award.

Another gold medal was won by 22-year-old 2nd Cook Ms. Karmila Erwan with her masterfully crafted Dessert Trio of Bubur Pulut Hitam Durian, Maja De Ube, and Mango Coconut Mousse with Sago Kasturi under the Asian Plated Dessert Category.

The five Silver medals went to Mr. Shah Irwan Omar (Plated Main Course Poultry), Mr. Zulkifly Akhir (Plated Main Course Poultry), Ms. Karmila Erwan (Plated Main Course Beef), Mr. Muhammad Quzair (Plated Main Course Seafood) and Mr. Mohd Razif (Plated Main Course Lamb).

The Bronze medal winners are Mr. Zulkifly Akhir (Plated Main Course Seafood), Mr. Muhammad Quzair (Plated Main Course Lamb), Mr. Mohd Tahrim (Traditional Malay Cuisine), Mr. Shah Irwan Omar (Traditional Malay Cuisine) and Mr. Mohd Razif (Plated Main Course Seafood).

SuperStar Libra’s chef team also snatched five additional diplomas — Mr. Mohd Husni (two diplomas) (Practical Main Course Seafood and Traditional Malay Cuisine), Ms. Karmila Erwan (Traditional Malay Cuisine), Mr. Zulkifly Akhir (Traditional Malay Cuisine), Mr. Pradeep Mohan (Traditional Malay Cuisine).

Managed by the Chefs Association of Malaysia (Penang Chapter), the 1st Battle of the Halal Chefs 2014 attracted more than 100 participants to vie for the highest accolades in six categories.