By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 21: Applications for the Kuching Food Festival 2026 have risen, particularly for single and premium stalls, reflecting the enduring popularity of the annual event that attracts at least a million visitors each year.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng revealed that the total number of applications has increased to 765, surpassing last year’s 737, with double-stall applications still open until next Tuesday.
“Last year, in 2025, there were 224 applications for half stalls, and this year there are 236, so it’s roughly similar.
“For single stalls, applications dropped slightly from 288 to 269. But for premium stalls, there’s been a significant jump from 225 last year to 260 this year, suggesting that many single-stall applicants opted for premium slots instead,” he shared during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook live today.
The festival, returning from July 22 to Aug 16 this year, promises to be bigger and more international, with participants from dozens of countries expected to join the celebration of Sarawak’s rich culinary diversity.
It serves as a platform for local vendors to test public reception for their culinary ideas while showcasing Sarawak’s gastronomic culture on a larger stage.
This year’s festival will feature 330 stalls in total, comprising 156 half stalls, 53 single stalls, and 91 premium stalls.
“Half of the half stalls are reserved for newcomers, giving young entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their creativity and test their products with the public,” Wee explained.
Due to the festival being extended by two days, the half stall fee has been increased from RM650 to RM700, while other rates remain consistent: RM1,000 for single stalls, and RM3,900 for premium stalls, with a refundable deposit of RM300 required for all applicants.
“This selection process for vendors is very fair. We encourage everyone to bring their creativity to life. This year is especially significant as over 60 cities from the United Nations Creative Cities of Gastronomy network, representing 35 countries, will attend their third congress in Kuching from Aug 4 to 7 during the festival. We aim to do our best to ensure that the event is a showcase of culinary excellence,” he added.
Kuching, recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021, the first city in Malaysia to receive the title, will use this platform to celebrate its chefs, farmers, producers, and communities for safeguarding its culinary heritage.
Highlights of the programme include a charity dinner featuring 10 international chefs and 10 Sarawakian chefs, and the UCCN Pavilion showcasing cuisines from 20 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
Wee also noted that while the festival hopes to accommodate all interested participants, the selection process prioritises quality and aims to highlight the best culinary offerings.
The Kuching Food Festival remains a premier event to put the city’s culinary excellence on the international stage. — DayakDaily
