KUCHING: The Hills Kuching is set to host the FORAGE Food Festival from July 22-24 this year.
This event will be held in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Gastronomy (SAGO) Incubator 2022.
FORAGE@The Hills is a celebration of Kuching being recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Minister of Tourism,Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to the rich natural resources of Sarawak, talented F&B ecosystem and the unique diversity of cultures of Sarawak.
“Food is not just a sustenance for us Sarawakians, but a celebration of our unity, our diversity and our sense of community.
“FORAGE@The Hills is a platform to celebrate and showcase this”, added Karim.
According to a statement, the three-day festival will showcase F&B selections by SAGO’s food-preneurs including new food innovations boasting a diversity of local flavour.
In addition, it stated that there will be other food vendors, performances by local artists and activities such as workshops, cooking demonstrations, discussions and talks by key local F&B influencers.
“There will also be competitions with up to RM5,000 worth of prizes to be won, including an ‘Aglio-Olio Eating Contest’, ‘Teh O Peng Relay’, ‘Quiz Night’ and ‘Social Media Creative Content Contest’.
“A gallery will also display Kuching’s application to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and other highlights including the unique native ingredients of Sarawak, our relationship with food and nature, the evolution of our food culture, and a whole melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines”, it said.
The SAGO Incubator is an 11-week intensive programme that equips food entrepreneurs with the skills and network to grow their food business and succeed in the digital economy.
This year’s nine food entrepreneurs were carefully selected from more than 30 applications by SAGO’s selection committee comprising experienced professionals from the industry namely Claudia Nasha Chai (The Abraham’s Kitchen), Ezi Firhan (Emillies Diner), Kimberley Ling (Tacos by Bojio), Marthineus Langi Michael (Stardust Cafe), Mohd Rozairie Ramlie (Flip and Fold Grill), Nur Fadzila Sarkawi (Aek Kunyit Manjakani), Nur Shaqhima Hamden (Queen’s Kitchen by Sheemadean), Ooi See Bee (Cloud-99 Ice Cream) and Saw Yee Ken (Billy Goat Coffee).
“Besides mastering food innovation skills from resident mentor Chef Achang Libat, this year’s nine food-preneurs have also been learning business development and marketing know-how to elevate their food business.
FORAGE @ The Hills is organised by The Hills, WAT Sarawak and Retrospective Discovery in collaboration with the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, TEGAS Digital Village, Supreme Group, Pullman Kuching, Green Buddy, Kedey Kamek, SEDC, foodpanda, Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune.
