By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 24: Visitors to the Kuching Festival Fair 2026 will get the chance to experience one of Sarawak’s traditional beverages through the festival’s first-ever Tuak Corner.
Announcing the new attraction during the opening of the festival tonight, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the initiative aims to showcase Sarawak’s unique heritage alongside its renowned food culture.
“For the first time, we will also feature the Tuak Corner, where visitors can enjoy a Tuak Buffet and experience the rich flavours of Sarawak’s traditional tuak,” he said.
Wee said the addition reflects the festival’s evolution beyond a food fair into a broader celebration of Sarawak’s identity, culture and community.
The Kuching Festival Fair 2026, now in its 40th year, features more than 425 food stalls, close to 100 trade booths and nearly 30 programmes covering sports, culture, music, youth activities, STEM education, family events and community engagement.
The festival’s cultural showcase will also be expanded this year with performances by friendship cities from China, Japan and South Korea, while Kuching will host delegates from 30 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from Aug 3 onwards.
To complement the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy meeting, MBKS will introduce a UNESCO Gastronomy Pavilion featuring chefs from 10 UNESCO Creative Cities showcasing their signature dishes.
Wee said Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy has strengthened the city’s international reputation and provided a platform to showcase not only its cuisine but also its hospitality, multicultural harmony and Sarawak identity. — DayakDaily
