Kuching Set to Host International Culinary Stars
KUCHING, Sept 10: The bustling city of Kuching is gearing up for a spectacular culinary event as the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival takes center stage. On September 15, from 11 am to 1 pm, the Sarawak Cultural Village will transform into a vibrant hub of culinary innovation and cultural exchange, showcasing a unique collaboration between local and international chefs.
This year’s festival, which forms part of the Creative Cities Forum, will feature an exciting culinary exchange program titled F.E.A.S.T (Food Escapades About Sarawak Traditions). The event will see six esteemed international chefs paired with six local Sarawakian chefs, engaging in a creative exploration of traditional dishes from across ASEAN+ countries.
A Fusion of Culinary Expertise
International and Local Chefs Team Up
The Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival will be a showcase of diverse culinary traditions and techniques. International chefs from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and China will collaborate with Sarawakian chefs in a dynamic fusion of flavors and cooking methods. This program, curated by Marian Chin of WhatMatters and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), aims to celebrate and innovate traditional dishes while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Dato Wee Hong Seng, Chairman of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Kuching, highlighted the significance of this culinary exchange in promoting Kuching’s UNESCO designation and the broader goals of the Creative Cities Network. “Our Sarawak chefs will gain invaluable skills and share our traditional ingredients and techniques with their international counterparts,” he said. “We encourage the public to witness the fusion of Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage with the expertise of renowned chefs from around the world.”
Local Culinary Icons
The festival will feature a lineup of prominent local chefs, including Julian L Henry of Little Hainan, Chef Tay of the Sarawak Club, and Jordan Wee of Jordan’s Signature Catering. They will be joined by Chef Valentino Ngabong Peter of Babaganoush, Chef Karen Yap, and the celebrated Sarawak ‘jungle chef’ Saloma from Saloma’s Village Stay. Together, these chefs will demonstrate traditional cooking methods such as leaf-wrapping, bamboo-cooking, milk-frying, fermenting, and salting, before collaborating on new dishes that blend traditional techniques with innovative twists.
Immersive Culinary Experiences
Curated Visits and Exclusive Dinners
In addition to the festival, the visiting international chefs will enjoy a series of curated experiences designed to highlight Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage. They will dine at some of Kuching’s most beloved establishments, including Junk, a local favorite, and Cove 55, where they will attend the Nyamai Gala Dinner. The chefs will also visit Kantin at the Granary, recognized as one of Malaysia’s top dining venues.
Special attention will be given to Sarawak’s oral literature, weaving culture, and the versatility of sago as a staple food. Adrian Jo Milang, a parap specialist, will discuss the importance of oral traditions, while Ezra Tekola of At Adau will introduce the sape and nose flute, integral to Sarawak’s musical heritage. Batik Linut and the Tun Jugah Foundation will showcase local weaving traditions.
A Culinary Highlight: From Market Stall to Dining Table
One of the festival’s standout events will be the special dinner at Kyujin Restaurant, featuring a collaborative 5-course menu curated by Chef Alex and Karen Yap. This event, titled “From Market Stall to Dining Table,” will highlight the evolution of Sarawakian cuisine, incorporating influences from Joongla, a restaurant from Bandung known for its dedication to uncovering Indonesia’s culinary treasures.
Experience the Fusion of Cultures
The Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival promises to be a celebration of culinary artistry and cultural exchange, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Sarawakian and international cuisines. For more information about the festival and Kuching’s role in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, visit Kuching Creative City or Nyamai.