By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 23: The Kuching Food Festival (KFF) 2026 got off to a vibrant start on Wednesday night, drawing an impressive 72,596 visitors to the MBKS Community Hall grounds as Sarawakians and tourists gathered to celebrate the city’s rich culinary heritage in conjunction with Sarawak Day.
The strong turnout marked the opening of the festival’s 40th edition, which runs from July 22 to Aug 16 and remains one of Sarawak’s most anticipated annual events.
Visitors thronged the sprawling festival grounds from early evening, soaking in the festive atmosphere while exploring hundreds of food stalls offering an extensive selection of local delicacies, traditional favourites and innovative culinary creations that reflect Sarawak’s multicultural identity and diverse food culture.
This year’s edition is set to be among the largest in the festival’s history, featuring 323 food stalls and international participation, underscoring Kuching’s growing stature as a regional gastronomic destination.
Beyond its culinary offerings, KFF 2026 also features 29 events spanning gastronomy, culture, sports, technology and international friendship programmes.
The festival is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout its 26-day run, providing a valuable platform for local entrepreneurs, food vendors and small businesses to showcase their products while contributing to the local economy.
A variety of activities, cultural performances and family-friendly attractions are scheduled over the coming weeks, promising an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
The remarkable opening-night turnout highlights the enduring popularity of the festival, which has grown into one of Sarawak’s premier food and community events. It also reinforces Kuching’s reputation as a gastronomic destination while further cementing the festival’s status as a cherished annual celebration for both residents and visitors alike. — DayakDaily
