GEORGE TOWN, Feb 28 — A Penang International Food Festival that stretches over 16 days will be held at three different locations here in April.
Announcing the inaugural RM1 million festival, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said it will be one of the premier food festivals in South-east Asia.
“It will showcase Penang’s famous food and the festival will be held over three weekends,” he said at a press conference at his office today.
Penang Global Tourism general manager Ooi Chok Yan said there will be three different themes and pocket events throughout the 16-day festival.
The festival will start with a Street Food Festival with the theme “Savour the Past” on April 15 at Beach Street.
“We will be bringing the experience of enjoying Penang’s hawker food back in the 1970s in the Savour the Past Street Food Festival where there will be a 1970s feel to the street,” Ooi said.
In the following week, on April 22, a Taste of Penang with the theme “Enjoy the Present”, will feature hawkers and food trucks along Kelawei Road between 5pm and 11pm.
The food festival will end with the Fringe Food Festival, themed “Relish the Future”, at Gurney Paragon Mall between April 28 and 30.
Ooi said the Fringe Food Festival will showcase the skills and knowledge of innovative chefs, baristas and mixologists in creating new dishes and drinks.
“There will be a latte art championship, cocktail-making competition and cooking competition during that event,” he said.
He said there will also be over 20 pocket events in conjunction with the festival such as workshops, tours and artisanal markets.
“We will be revealing the full lineup of events as the festival draws near,” he said.
The Penang International Food Festival is organised by TLM Event and endorsed by the Penang state government with the support of Penang Island City Council and Penang Global Tourism.
Find out more about the festival at www.piff.com.my.
