Rice to the occasion: Kimchi Lai mixes her way to global cocktail glory

Malaysia's rising bartender, Kimchi Lai, has won the prestigious Giffard West Cup 2026 in France, crafting two award-winning cocktails inspired by rice. The 26-year-old bartender, who only began full-time bartending a year ago, drew inspiration from a rice cooker and Chinese proverbs. Her winning drinks, "Grain Potential" and "You'll Be All Rice," incorporated local flavors, like toasted glutinous rice cordial and cardamom rice milk.

Lai's success marked her as the second Malaysian to win the international title, following David Hans in 2017, and could potentially make her the first woman to claim the title since the competition's inception in 1997. Despite her recent career transition, Lai emphasized the importance of a supportive community and passion in her bartending journey.