By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 7: Breadfruit, or sukun, has untapped global potential if transformed into innovative snack products like chips, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Wee said food is one sector that continues to thrive despite challenges, and innovation remains key in ensuring its continued vibrancy.
He pointed out that many eateries in Kuching and across Sarawak have become heritage outlets by staying true to their specialties while embracing new ways to market themselves through traditional, online, or new media platforms.
“Recently, we discovered a snack made from pomelo skin. Traditionally discarded, the skin is now turned into a sweet-salty treat with a unique fragrance. It tastes pretty good, although a little pricey.
“That’s innovation – rethinking the use of something once considered waste,” he shared during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook Live session today.
Encouraging entrepreneurs to further harness local ingredients, he cited sukun as a fruit that can be found in Sarawak yet underutilised.
While some already deep fry it like banana fritters, Wee believes slicing it thinly and making it into chips — similar to potato or banana chips — could appeal to a broader market.
“Everyone loves chips. Breadfruit chips are a true culinary delight and could be marketed globally, provided we have enough supply for mass production,” he said, noting the current lack of sukun tree cultivation in Sarawak.
“If it is unique to Sarawak, even better — we just need to promote it well and ensure market penetration.”
He pointed to dabai fruit (Sarawak olive) as a successful example of a local product gaining popularity due to its versatility — eaten plain with soy sauce, in fried rice, or as a condiment.
However, he added there is still room to innovate further with dabai-based products.
Wee concluded by encouraging Sarawakian food entrepreneurs to think creatively, explore underappreciated local ingredients, and develop unique offerings that could attract both local and global consumers. — DayakDaily
