KUCHING, July 18: In conjunction with the closing ceremony of Sarawak Gastronomy (Sago) Incubator 2022, The Hills Kuching will host the ‘Forage@The Hills’ food festival from July 22 to 24, showcasing F&B selections by Sago’s foodpreneurs, as well as new food innovations featuring a variety of local flavours.
According to a press release, the food festival commemorates Kuching’s designation as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.
Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that Kuching’s designation as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to Sarawak’s rich natural resources, talented F&B ecosystem, and unique diversity of cultures.
“Food is more than just a source of sustenance for us Sarawakians; it is a celebration of our unity, diversity, and sense of community, and ‘Forage@The Hills’ is a platform to celebrate and showcase this,” he added.
The press release revealed the festival will also see other food vendors, performances by local artists, and activities such as workshops, cooking demonstrations, discussions, and talks by key local F&B influencers.
“There will also be competitions with cash prizes of up to RM5,000, such as an ‘Aglio-Olio Eating Contest’, ‘Teh O Peng Relay’, ‘Quiz Night’, and ‘Social Media Creative Content Contest’.
“A gallery will also showcase Kuching’s application to the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN), as well as other highlights such as Sarawak’s unique native ingredients, our relationship with food and nature, the evolution of our food culture, and a melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines,” it disclosed.
Sago Incubator is an 11-week intensive programme which provides food entrepreneurs with the skills and networks they need to grow their food businesses and succeed in the digital economy.
“This year’s nine food entrepreneurs were carefully selected from more than 30 applications by Sago’s selection committee of experienced professionals from the industry.
“They are Claudia Nasha Chai (The Abraham’s Kitchen), Ezi Firhan (Emillies Diner), Kimberley Ling (Tacos by Bojio), Marthineus Langi Michael (Stardust Cafe), Mohd Rozairie Ramlie (Flip and Fold Grill), Nur Fadzila Sarkawi (Aek Kunyit Manjakani), Nur Shaqhima Hamden (Queen’s Kitchen by Sheemadean), Ooi See Bee (Cloud-99 Ice Cream), and Saw Yee Ken (Billy Goat Coffee).
“Besides mastering food innovation skills from resident mentor Chef Achang Libat, this year’s nine foodpreneurs have also been learning business development and marketing know-how to elevate their food businesses,” the press release read.
‘Forage@The Hills’ is organised by The Hills Kuching, Work and Travel Sarawak (WAT Sarawak), and Retrospective Discovery in collaboration with the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, TEGAS Digital Village, Supreme Group, Pullman Kuching, Green Buddy, Kedey Kamek, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Foodpanda, Suara Sarawak, and New Sarawak Tribune. — DayakDaily
