If you thought home kitchens were just for weekday dinners and late-night snacks, think again. The IKEA Ultimate Cook-Off 2025 proved that even the most ordinary kitchens can spark extraordinary creativity. Over one thrilling weekend, Malaysia’s finest home cooks brought their A-game to IKEA Cheras, IKEA Tebrau, and IKEA Batu Kawan, battling whisk-to-whisk for the ultimate prize: a RM10,000 IKEA kitchen makeover.
A Celebration Of Flavour, Friendship, And Fun
More than just a competition, the Ultimate Cook-Off was a festival of flavour. Guided by celebrity judges Anis Nabilah, Ceddy, Qi Razali, and Sean Lee, contestants faced challenges that blended Swedish staples with Malaysian flair. Think IKEA’s Swedish meatballs reimagined with local spices, and Eggs Benedict made the Scandinavian way.
The energy was infectious, and the creativity unmatched. Each team showcased what it truly means to make life at home better, the IKEA way.
Meet The Champions Who Stirred Up Success
1. IKEA Cheras: K1 & Friend – Aziatul Fasihah & Wan Rogayah
Once rivals, now partners in culinary crime! These two turned IKEA meatballs into Satay Lilit and wowed the judges with their Bunga Kantan Pasta. Their teamwork and laughter earned them the RM10,000 makeover — and matching kitchen islands to boot.
2. IKEA Tebrau: Cooking Pair – Linnox Ivan Wilfred & Tamilmaaran Sinnaih
This duo’s friendship was the secret ingredient. Their Pan-Fried Herb-Crusted Salmon was a hit, but what melted hearts was Tamilmaaran’s selfless gesture. This gives the entire prize to Linnox for his new home. True kitchen camaraderie at its finest.
3. IKEA Batu Kawan: Soup-ernatural Flavour Chasers – Pearly Lim & Teh Boon Soon
The husband-and-wife team took bold leaps out of their soup comfort zone, blending Swedish and Malaysian elements into their Asam Pedas-inspired Salmon with lingonberry jam. Their creativity and courage proved that the best dishes come with a dash of adventure.
A Toast To Life At Home
The Ultimate Cook-Off was just the grand finale of IKEA Malaysia’s month-long House Party celebration. From live DJ sessions and coffee workshops to podcast chats about food and home, the event reminded everyone that joy doesn’t just live in fancy restaurants, it starts right at home.
As Malcolm Pruys, Country Retail Director of IKEA Malaysia, put it:
“The Ultimate Cook-Off captured our mission perfectly, great food, great company, and celebrating the heart of every home: the kitchen.”
So whether you’re stirring up sambal or plating Swedish pancakes, remember, every great meal starts with a great kitchen. And at IKEA, that dream kitchen doesn’t have to come with a dream price tag.
