OKINAWA, JAPAN — (AVRUPA AGENCY - AVA) — The 2026 International Asian Gastronomy Competition (J-IAFBC), held in Okinawa, Japan, was held with the participation of 421 professional competitors from 10 countries. Despite the challenging weather conditions caused by Typhoon Shadler, representatives of the international gastronomy world gathered on the island of Okinawa on August 27.
The event, organised by the Japan Tourism and Gastronomy Cultural Exchange Association and the Asian Chefs Association, was represented by Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, Türkiye, England, Singapore, Vietnam and Finland.
Various competition categories were held, including traditional Japanese wagashi sweets, pastry, Chinese cuisine, coffee, professional cocktail preparation and different food presentation categories.
Turkish chefs from Liverpool to Okinawa: Kemal Coşkunçay and Ali Kavlak
Well-known international British and Turkish chef Kemal Coşkunçay from Liverpool, England, was also among the international jury members of the organisation. Coşkunçay was accompanied by Ali Kavlak and İhsan Yeşil from the Turkish gastronomy sector, while journalist Vatan Öz also followed the competition in Okinawa on behalf of the British media and conducted interviews as part of the organisation. He also supervised the chefs.
British Northwest Chefs Union and Association in Japan
Coşkunçay and his colleague Ali Kavlak, who travelled from Liverpool to Japan, participated in the organisation by special invitation. The two chefs are known for their work in the Liverpool gastronomy sector, as well as their activities within the British Northwest Chefs Union and Association.
Coşkunçay and Kavlak also continue their work with Casa Rima Restaurant in Liverpool.
Thus, Turkish gastronomy representatives from Liverpool, England, met with chefs from different countries on the same platform at the international organisation held in Okinawa, Japan.
Taiwan participated with a 100-member team
One of the teams that attracted attention in the competition was Team Taiwan, representing Taiwan.
British Northwest Chefs Union and Association President Kemal Coskuncay from Liverpool and organiser, Head Chef and team captain Chen Chi-Wen
The professional gastronomy team of approximately 100 people, led by Head Chef and team captain Chen Chi-Wen, participated in the competition in Okinawa. Despite the challenging weather conditions in the region due to the typhoon, the Taiwan team continued its programme at the organisation.
2026 Japan Best Foreign Chef Award winner Turkish chef İhsan Yeşil from Tokyo, organisation President Yuka Takano and famous Master Chef Kemal Cokuncay
Organisation President Yuka Takano thanked the representatives of Taiwan during the opening and evaluated the culinary work presented by the team and its performance in the competition.
World-famous chefs and jury members Ali Kavlak and Kemal Coskunçay, who continue their work with Casa Rima Restaurant in Liverpool, with journalist Vatan ÖZ from London.
Team Taiwan’s large-scale participation also increased the visibility of Taiwanese cuisine on the international gastronomy platform.
Gastronomy cultures meet in Okinawa
The J-IAFBC provided an opportunity for culinary cultures from different countries to come together under the same organisation.
Barista Coffee and cocktail categories attracted attention
Professionals competing in different fields, from traditional Japanese sweets to Chinese cuisine, and from pastry to coffee and cocktail categories, were presented for evaluation by the jury members.
The organisation held in Okinawa demonstrated the international nature of Asia-based gastronomy competitions.
It also highlighted the presence of Turkish gastronomy professionals participating from Türkiye and England on this platform.
This participation from Liverpool to Okinawa also drew attention to the international reach of the gastronomy activities of Turkish chefs working in England.
International British and Turkish chef and jury member Kemal Coşkunçay and Ali Kavlak will participate as jury members in the next competition in Taiwan.
