By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 28: Kuching is bidding to be labelled as a Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Creative City for gastronomy among seven other categories.
Such a recognition will make Kuching the first Unesco Creative City for gastronomy in Malaysia.
Society Atelier Sarawak president Edric Ong said Kuching now aspires to obtain another international recognition because there are enough ingredients in the city with a variety of cuisines the different races have to offer.
“We have enough ingredients here in Kuching with our variety of cuisines from our indigenous cultures, the Peranakan Chinese and of course the strong culture of Malay food, to place us on the world map as the centre of gastronomy.
“Gastronomy means food, and it’s a trend now for everybody to be always on a lookout for good food when traveling,” he said.
On top of that, he asserted that Sarawak has all the natural ingredients as well, other than the prepared food.
“Where else can you find terung asam, or where else can you find buah dabai? Not to mention the salt from Bario, famous Sarikei pineapple and so on.
“All these are now starting to be available in the capital city of Kuching, and that is why we are positioning Kuching as the Unesco recognised Creative City for gastronomy,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said that it would be the glory of all Sarawakians if Kuching were to take down this recognition.
“In getting this whether successful or not, it is not only on the government, private sector or any association, this glory will go to every Sarawakian. So, let’s work together and give our best,” he urged during a press conference at the MBKS chamber today.
Together with him at the committee meeting were also Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, Society Atelier Sarawak advisor Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain and Sarawak Culinary Heritage and Arts (SCA) chairwoman Datin Donna Drury Wee. —DayakDaily
