By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 27: A pair of giant rubber ducks floating in the lake and a greater variety of gastronomic offerings, with minimal duplication spread across 330 stalls, drew over 38,700 visitors to this year’s Kuching Food Festival (KFF) 2024 on the first day yesterday (July 26).
Excited and enthusiastic residents and tourists continued to flock to the festival ground at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) community hall in Jalan Padungan despite the hot weather, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere as early as 5pm today.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng acknowledged that this year’s crowd did not beat last year’s record due to a concurrent lion dance parade nearby.
“The first day recorded 38,767 visitors. The counting started at about 5pm, but there were people already here way earlier. I am happy that Kuchingites are out in droves and visitors are supporting this annual festival.
“This reflects that this is not only a festival that celebrates the Sarawakian spirit, unity, culture and food but a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary talents and grow their businesses,” he told DayakDaily when met today.
The festival, which runs until Aug 18, offers a diverse array of culinary delights, ranging from mouthwatering street food and gourmet delicacies to traditional and international flavours.
The stalls are adorned with creative decorations and huge signages, including a massive pink octopus and skewers popping atop the stalls’ roofs, which added to the festival’s whimsical charm.
As the sun set, the atmosphere at the festival transformed into a vibrant tapestry of lights and music, captivating visitors of all ages.
Tables and chairs were packed as visitors set off on their gastronomic adventure along the stretches of stalls stocked with an array of delectable treats, ranging from mouthwatering street food and gourmet delicacies to traditional and international flavours.
Whether savoury or sweet, visitors can find something to suit their palate. For international flavours, explore options from Korean street food, authentic Philippine barbecue, Japanese wagyu skewers, and sushi to Mongolian skewers.
Local specialties are well-represented, offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage, Visitors can savour satay, Dayak cuisine famous for barbecued pork and inner parts to local plants, grilled seafood, laksa, barbecued duck, steamy lamb stew, and braised beef.
The diverse range of dishes ensures that there is something for everyone, from adventurous eaters to those seeking familiar comforts.
For those with a sweet tooth or looking to cool off from the scorching heat, there are treats like taro fruit balls, stuffed pancakes, and an array of ice creams, including those with candy floss, Chinese cool cake, yogurt cubes, and croffles. These sweet delights provide a refreshing respite and a perfect way to end a meal.
The Kuching Hainam Association is being featured at the heritage food tent for the first three days, showcasing traditional Hainanese dishes and cultural heritage. This special feature added an educational and historical dimension to the festival, allowing visitors to learn more about the local culture and traditions.
Families can also enjoy rides and games as the festival grounds also feature a vibrant playground where children and adults alike can have fun and create lasting memories. The garden displays, in particular, offer a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
During its opening yesterday, Kuching city experienced heavy traffic from Kuching MBKS grounds all the way to Padungan and the Kuching Waterfront, as the festival coincided with the lion dance parade in the city centre.
The convergence of these two major events created an electric atmosphere, with streets filled with excited festival-goers and colourful lion dance troupes. The lively parade added to the festive spirit, making the opening day of the KFF 2024 a truly unforgettable experience.
With its diverse culinary offerings, vibrant decorations, and engaging activities, the Kuching Food Festival 2024 promises to be a highlight of the year for both locals and tourists.
The event, which will run until Aug 18, not only celebrates the rich food culture of the region but also brings the community together, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. — DayakDaily
