KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 8): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is bringing back the one-month long KULinary campaign, which aims to discover hidden "gems" that are situated at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and klia2 in Sepang, for a third year.

The campaign will run from Nov 8 to Dec 8.

In a statement today, MAHB said the event is in collaboration with Fried Chillies, an online food media company, to make anonymous reviews of more than 100 food outlets and evaluate not only the dishes served but also the total dining experience, including the ambience and restaurant service.

The campaign features the KULinary Top Food Outlet Award 2018, which recognises the top 20 food outlets at the two terminals for their outstanding performance in food quality and overall dining experience.

Award-winning food outlets for this year’s KULinary included Coffee Sandwich Revival; Fukuya; Mamak Nasi Kandaq; Nooodles; OldTown White Coffee; Pantai Timur; Bibik Heritage; Dim Sum; Little Café; Popeye’s; Tampopo; The Bar; The Living Room and Wincaa.

Apart from the 20 winning restaurants of the KULinary Top Food Outlet Award, this year also saw a new special category of Judges Choice award being introduced.

Winners of the Judges Choice awards were Sama-sama Express klia2; Flight Club; Grandmama’s; The Green Market and Bumbu Desa.

MAHb said KULinary is part of the airport operator's efforts in growing and enhancing the total airport experience, where it has translated in an increase in the airport service quality (ASQ) at KLIA and klia2.

ASQ for restaurant and eating facilities increased 4.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) for the third quarter of 2018, as well as an increase of close to 1.2% quarter-on-quarter. Food and beverage sales at both KLIA and klia2 in 2017 also saw an increase of 13.6% y-o-y.

MAHB said raising the overall retail profile of international airports in Malaysia is expected take three years to complete by end of 2021.