Understanding the Meja Rasa Signature Guide & the STAR Ranking Assessment

Meja Rasa Signature Guide is an independent food and beverage recognition programmed dedicated to celebrating, promoting and elevating outstanding dining establishments across Sabah and, in the future, throughout Malaysia. Through a professional STAR Ranking Assessment conducted by independent Mystery Judges, the guide recognizes establishments that consistently deliver exceptional food quality, outstanding hospitality and memorable dining experiences.

The founding idea behind the Meja Rasa Signature Guide was conceived by Mr Alfred Allen Ginsos, widely recognized as "The Food Fest Guy." He is the Managing Director of Favstyle Media, publisher of FAVSTYLE Magazine (Print & Digital) and Favstyle Essentials News Blog. Mr Alfred is also the founder of The Signature Food Fest, one of Kota Kinabalu's most recognized and successful food festivals, dedicated to bringing together the food, hospitality and tourism industries while promoting Sabah's vibrant culinary scene.

The Meja Rasa Signature Guide also builds upon the strong foundation of the Meja Rasa food and lifestyle blog, established in 2012. Over the years, the platform has grown into a trusted source for food discoveries, restaurant features and culinary news, recording more than 692,250 page views, making it one of Sabah's recognised food and lifestyle blogging platforms that continues to connect readers with authentic dining experiences and local culinary gems.

The purpose of the Meja Rasa Signature Guide is to provide a trusted reference for both local diners and visitors while encouraging participating establishments to continuously improve their standards in food quality, customer service, cleanliness, innovation and overall dining excellence.

Benefits to Participating Establishments

Participation offers far more than recognition. Establishments receive extensive exposure through the Meja Rasa Signature Guide Booklet, editorial features, professional photography, promotional video production, digital publications and strategic marketing campaigns across the Favstyle Media network.

Businesses awarded a STAR Ranking gain an independent mark of quality that enhances brand credibility, builds customer confidence, strengthens their reputation and increases visibility among both local residents and international visitors. The recognition also serves as a valuable marketing asset, helping businesses differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive hospitality industry.

Brand Statement

S.T.A.R. represents the four pillars of the Meja Rasa Signature Guide evaluation: Service Excellence, Taste & Quality, Ambience & Authenticity, and Recognition. Every STAR awarded reflects an establishment's commitment to delivering memorable dining experiences and outstanding hospitality.

Terms & Conditions of Participation

1. Eligibility

Participation is open to all legally operated Food & Beverage (F&B) establishments in Malaysia, including but not limited to:

• Restaurants

• Halal Restaurants

• Muslim-Friendly Restaurants

• Cafés

• Lifestyle Cafés

• Theme Cafés

• Bistros

• Bars

• Hotel F&B Outlets

• Local Delight Kopitiam

• Food Kiosks

• Vendor Kiosks

• Other food and beverage establishments approved by the Organizer.

2. Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for participation, applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

• The business must have been in operation for a minimum of three (3) months.

• Possess a valid Business Registration and valid Trading License issued by the relevant authority.

• Operate with a minimum of three (3) staff.

• All food handlers must possess a valid Food Handler Training Certificate and Health Card as required by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

• Maintain acceptable standards of cleanliness, food safety and customer service throughout the assessment period.

3. Complimentary Submission

• Submission of participation is FREE OF CHARGE.

• Submission does not guarantee selection into the Meja Rasa Signature Guide or STAR Ranking Programmed.

• The Organizer reserves the right to accept or reject any application without assigning any reason.

4. Full Participation Package

Selected establishments wishing to participate in the official Meja Rasa Signature Guide STAR Ranking Programmed are required Participation Fee of RM2,500 nett.

Participation Benefits	Estimated Market Value (RM)
Official Meja Rasa Signature Guide STAR Ranking Display Panel (Custom Wooden Engraved)	RM450
Official Certificate of Participation	RM100
Professional STAR Ranking Assessment by Independent Mystery Judges	RM1,500
Professional Editorial Content Writing (Print & Digital Publication)	RM600
Professional Photography Session (Restaurant & Signature Dishes)	RM800
Promotional Video Production & Editing (One Session)	RM1,500
Marketing & Promotional Campaign across Meja Rasa Signature Guide, Favstyle Media & Media Network	RM2,000
Featured Listing in Official Meja Rasa Signature Guide Booklet (Print & Digital)	RM1,200
Three (3) Complimentary Printed Guide Booklets	RM150
Digital Publication & Online Promotional Exposure	RM800