Jofliam ranks among World’s Top 100 Pizza Chefs

Social media influencer and pizza maker, Jofliam, has been named the 99th best pizza maker in the world at the prestigious The Best Pizza In The World 2024 competition held in Milan, Italy. This victory was attributed to Jofliam’s signature creation, the Wagyu Pizza, which has earned international acclaim for its unique combination of high-quality ingredients and inventive presentation.

The official Instagram account of the competition, @top100pizza, celebrated Jofliam’s achievement, placing him alongside renowned pizza chefs from across the globe. Representing Malaysia on the global pizza stage, Jofliam, whose real name is Jofli Abu Bakar, proudly waved the national flag.

Jofliam’s journey to success

Before receiving this international recognition, Jofliam had expressed his aspirations to bring Malaysia to the forefront of the global pizza scene. His Wagyu Pizza, featuring tomahawk ribs with marbling 8 Wagyu beef, became a standout dish, praised for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and Malaysian-inspired sweet and spicy sauce.

In 2023, the same pizza earned the 4th spot in The Best Top 100 Pizza Awards, with its crust resembling Malaysia’s national flower, the Rafflesia. The signature puffed crust and the unique blend of flavors set Jofliam’s pizza apart from competitors. He also earned the title of Outstanding ASEAN Pizza Chef 2024, cementing his status as one of the region’s most creative pizza chefs.

Exclusive Pizza, Extraordinary Experience

Jofliam’s Wagyu Pizza is so sought-after that customers must stay vigilant on his Instagram for the opportunity to order. He posts a special code in his Instagram stories, which disappears within seconds due to high demand. Lucky fans who manage to secure a slot for the RM150 pizza pick it up at a secret location.

The pick-up experience itself is unique, with stalls offering free food and drinks such as Nasi Ayam, fries, coffee, and chocolate drinks to keep waiting customers entertained. Those who order six or more pizzas receive VVIP treatment, which includes fine dining experiences and premium cinema outings with Jofliam himself, creating a close-knit community of pizza lovers.

Inspiration for Malaysia’s culinary scene

Jofliam’s success has inspired many in Malaysia’s food and beverage industry. As one of the few Malaysians to make a mark in the global pizza competition, his journey showcases the potential for local chefs to excel internationally.

According to The Best Chef website, the competition’s participants, including food journalists, critics, bloggers, photographers, and influencers, have been voting for pizza chefs since 2022. The competition, which started with 70 pizza makers, has since expanded, welcoming entries from across the globe.

Notably, the top spot for The Best Pizza Chef 2024 went to Franco Pepe of Pepe in Grani, Italy, but Jofliam’s Wagyu Pizza has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the international stage.