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By Karen Bong and Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, July 29: The 35th edition of the Kuching Food Festival (KFF) recorded 45,606 visitors on its first night on July 28.
This was revealed by Kuching City South Council (MBKS) councillor and festival organising chairman Mok Chuang Ping.
The officiation of the popular festival to mark Kuching City Day, which falls on August 1, was held at the MBKS compound and officiated by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, earlier tonight.
Crowds from all walks of life thronged the food fair to enjoy the unique delicacies offered by vendors and entertained by singers, traditional dancers, and musical performers, both local and abroad.
Vendors and patrons said they all look forward to the festival to enjoy the economic benefits and gastronomical food choices.
Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, insurance executive Jensen Wong and his friends who went to the festival on its opening day and tonight enjoyed the atmosphere and the food.
Wong said he likes the food, like savoury chicken-wrapped dishes and the atmosphere, and that the festival was the highlight of his short stay in Sarawak.
“The food is good, and the people are friendly. I like it personally as we don’t have such a festival in the capital city,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak student Marjorie Michael said it was her first night at KFF, where she spent quality time with her family.
“There is so much to choose from, but it is a bit too (pricey) for me as a student. But this is a festival, and it is alright, as this is one way to help vendors and their businesses after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Marjorie.
A cafe owner from Siburan, Chang, a food vendor at the festival, was happy that his Thai-style dishes elicited a good response from patrons. He thanked the organisers for giving him a second opportunity and a strategic location to sell his savoury dishes.
“We are doing better compared to last year, and I am amazed by the large crowd,” he enthused.
Beverages station operator Jonathan Wong acknowledged that his drinks sold much better tonight than on opening night, and he hoped he would continue to sell more as the festival progresses.
“We serve canned drinks, cordial, fresh fruit juices, and bottled drinking water. If patrons and festival goers want premium drinks like bubble tea and special three-layered tea, do go to our premium drink station as we have a variety of drinks for all taste buds,” he said. — DayakDaily
