Kuala Lumpur's reputation as a culinary haven has been reaffirmed with its winning bid to host the Worldchefs Congress in 2018.

"In its 86-year history, this prestigious congress will be held in Southeast Asia for the second time," Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) said in a statement here today.

The event aims to generate some RM11 million in revenue with 1,000 delegates coming from around the world, it said.

Organised by the World Association of Chefs' Societies, or Worldchefs, the prestigious congress gathers culinary heavyweights from around the world to discuss developments in the culinary field.

Trade shows are held to showcase the latest offerings in the food and beverage scene.

According to Worldchefs, Malaysia's bid was successful not only because it met the requirements, but also because it was able to whet delegates' appetites.

"We were impressed by the presentation and the culinary diversity available in Malaysia. Our delegates were able to get a small taste of the country at this year's Congress, and we found ourselves wanting more.

"As such, Malaysia was a natural choice for the 2018 Worldchefs Congress," said Rick Stephen, Worldchefs Continental Director, Asia.