You have to taste a culture to understand it. – Deborah Cater
Allow me to take a break from sharing my experiences on communication and branding, at least for this column, because I have interesting discoveries to share. Little did I expect that my recent return to Kuching would become such a memorable experience. The timing of my visit was perfect, just before the 2024 SUKMA Games, when everyone will be busy with their own set of activities.
During this visit, I had the privilege of meeting new friends and enjoying a delightful dinner with them. The hours we spent together have led to unique and fascinating discoveries about Kuching, such as the ethnic groups, food, languages, and more. At a round dining table, eight of my companions were Iban — an ethnic group that comprises the largest percentage of Sarawak’s population. When the majority of the table conversed fluently in their local languages — Iban and Bahasa Sarawak — the conversation became even more interesting. I found myself slightly understanding the latter, but I admit that I am clueless when it comes to Iban.
Moreover, every person I met in Kuching insisted that I should visit the Kuching Festival Food Fair — a festival that one should not miss out on!
So, I did.
The Kuching Festival Food Fair runs from July 26 to Aug 18 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) grounds. It boasts over 300 stalls, offering delectable food varieties for people of all ages and backgrounds. Upon entering, I was immediately wowed, and every sight in this festival truly amazed me. Let me tell you why.
Unlike what you’d find in Peninsula Malaysia, I admire the way Kuching embraces the spirit of unity and harmony. Here, every stall respects one another, sharing a single purpose: to promote and sell their diverse culinary delights to both locals and tourists alike. Beer stalls and stalls selling meat dishes coexist harmoniously with halal stalls. There’s no territorial noise; instead, they celebrate the differences that make this place special.
Beyond that, huge credit should be given for impeccable cleanliness. Despite my initial expectations of chaos, the streets were spotless. I hardly spotted any litter on the ground. People know exactly where to dispose of trash — definitely not in the river or on the road. The whole experience was refreshingly pleasant.
Another plus point is that the food festival somewhat exudes a sense of peace and calm. Unlike rowdy night markets, stalls don’t compete by shouting their favourite chants or ringing bells. Instead, visitors can leisurely explore the array of offerings. And that allowed my eyes to feast on tempting treats while my brain tried to keep up. At the centre of the walkway, there are tables and chairs for diners to eat and chill. It’s interesting and reminiscent of a supper session with friends at Gurney Drive.
But that’s not all. One thing that caught my attention at this festival was the Dayak food. Have you ever considered savouring a live sago worm? At the festival, these small, juicy creatures beckon diners. A single worm fetches RM4. My friends encouraged me to try it, but I’m sorry, guys — the idea of putting a wriggling worm in my mouth remains scary. Perhaps the cooked sago worm would be my first adventurous bite, but not a live worm.
After an awe-inspiring experience at the festival, my friends graciously recommended some must-try food before my return to Kuala Lumpur. This turned out to be one of the best experiences. In my previous visits to Kuching, I had frequented many touristy eateries, so this time, I decided to explore the places where the locals dine — a choice that rarely disappoints.
My culinary adventure led me to Hong Hin Cafe. Following the locals’ advice, I strolled along the bustling Kuching streets, guided by my trusty Google Maps. As I approached the restaurant, a line of eager diners awaited their turn. I knew I was in the right place.
I joined the queue, ordered their signature Kolo Mee, and topped it with more meatballs. To my delight, it exceeded my expectations. Unlike the dry versions I’ve encountered previously, this Kolo Mee was surprisingly flavourful. Paired with a steaming bowl of soup, it made for a hearty and satisfying meal. I even grabbed some takeaways to enjoy back at my hotel.
During my wanderings, I stumbled upon a dim sum shop. The menu caught my eye. Among the offerings, there it was — the steamed butter bun, a rare find. Despite its slightly thicker pao skin, the buttery filling was fragrant and utterly delicious.
I was also embarking on a quest for Gula Apong Ice Cream. Alas, lady luck was not on my side. If you, dear readers, know where I could get this sweet treat in my next visit to Kuching, do drop me a note. And while we are at it, do feel free to regale me with other local cuisine recommendations too.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
