KUCHING: Sarawak is all set to host the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2024 on September 14th and 15th at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) here.
With 150 vendors preparing for the festival, it is anticipated that between 5,000 and 10,000 attendees will come together to celebrate Sarawak’s rich culinary traditions, innovative food experiences, cultural diversity, and creativity.
Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, mentioned that the event will embody the spirit of Malaysia Day.
“The theme emphasizes unity, pride, and innovation as we mark Malaysia Day, uniting communities through their shared love for food, arts, and crafts,” she expressed during a press conference held at the Waterfront Hotel on Tuesday (Aug 27).
Nancy also expressed her hope that attendees will dress in traditional attire to align with the Malaysia Day celebrations.
“We are delighted to collaborate with UNESCO Creative Cities Network Kuching, which will bring together representatives from 12 creative cities across the Asia Pacific region, enhancing our festival with engaging forums, culinary demonstrations, and various enriching activities,” she added.
Event director Gordon Chung stated that the festival will integrate five distinct elements, such as Vendor Participation, Vendor Passport Activation, Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Awards, Sponsorship Opportunities, and a Best Dressed Competition themed around Traditional Costumes.
“Our upcoming vendors are not limited to gastronomy. While food is a focal point, we also welcome vendors specializing in arts, crafts, media, and other exhibitions.
“These vendors will be distributed across all seven traditional houses within the SCV,” he explained.
Gordon added that the Nyamai Vendor Passport will be introduced as a key component, showcasing not only the participating vendors but also our sponsors and partners.
“All participating vendors will be featured in the passport and on nyamai.com,” he elaborated.
He further noted that the passport will be distributed to all attending children, who are encouraged to collect stamps from each vendor.
“If attendees are unable to collect all the stamps during the event’s two days, they can continue visiting vendors after the festival to complete their passports.
“In the Nyamai 2025 Edition, those who have collected a full passport will receive a special prize,” he revealed.
Moreover, he mentioned that the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Awards, designed to celebrate the local F&B industry, business innovation, and culinary excellence, will introduce 12 prestigious categories, with registrations open at nyamai.com.
“These 12 awards include the Nyamai Sarawak Culinary Excellence Award, Sarawak Hawker Stall of Distinction, Sarawak Culinary Heritage Excellence Award, Culinary Fusion Excellence Award, Excellence in Culinary Innovation, Outstanding Contribution to Sarawak’s Beverage Culture, Excellence in Branding Conceptualization – Digital or Physical, Exportation Excellence Award, Excellence and Innovation in Catering Service, Nyamai Cottage Business Award, Nyamai Sarawak People’s Choice Award, and finally the Sarawak Local Ingredient Excellence Award,” he detailed, adding that a panel led by Sarawak Gastronomy Association president Datuk Edwin Abit will manage the screening process.
“The winners will be honoured in grand style during the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Award and Gala Dinner 2024 on September 13th at CORE55,” he announced.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the organizers are still open to sponsorship opportunities.
“For example, our gold sponsor, RECODA, supported the Iban Longhouse at SCV and brought over 10 vendors from various development agencies,” he disclosed.
Additionally, attendees are encouraged to wear traditional costumes to the event, with around 100 traditional costumes available for rent.
“People can simply show up at the event, rent a costume, and enjoy the festival while dressed traditionally. We will also be hosting a Best Dressed Competition with the theme of traditional costumes,” he added.
On Saturday, September 14th, the UNESCO City of Gastronomy, under the patronage of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, will bring together 14 creative cities for a morning forum.
“Meanwhile, on Sunday, September 15th, the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president, Datuk Richard Wee, along with his dedicated members, will host 1,000 delegates from West Malaysia and other regions.
“The event will showcase Chinese Lion Dance, Wushu performances, traditional food, and more at the Chinese Farm House within SCV,” he shared.
Edwin Abit mentioned that entrance to the festival will be free on both days as a gesture of appreciation from SCV to the communities and tourists.
