IF you are a chocolate or coffee lover, head to the extension wing of the ground floor at Gurney Plaza where the 2nd edition of the Chocolate & Coffee Festival is taking place from today till July 8 (Monday).
Wong Hon Wai, the state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace), officiated the opening ceremony of the festival at Gurney Plaza today. His office is supporting the festival, organised by TLM Events.
Wong said a variety of activities centered around chocolate and coffee will be held during the five-day event.
“This festival aims to bring the people of Penang together to celebrate the wonderful flavours of chocolate and the rich aroma of coffee.
“Coffee, with its irresistible aroma, holds a special place in Malaysian culture. As of 2021, Malaysians consume an average of 107 cups per person annually.
“But I consume about one to two cups daily, so I exceeded the national average. My maximum is two to three cups,” Wong said during his speech.
He continued: “The cafe culture, epitomised by Viennese coffeehouses, was recognised by Unesco in 2011 for its unique ambiance.
“Viennese coffeehouses are known for their salon-style atmosphere and affordable coffee, inviting patrons to converse, write, play cards, or read numerous newspapers and magazines while enjoying their coffee.
“Visiting a coffeehouse is not just about drinking coffee; it’s about enjoying a communal yet solitary experience. This sentiment was perfectly captured by Viennese writer and poet Peter Altenberg, who famously said, “If I’m not in a café, then I’m on my way to one.
“Penang also has a vibrant coffee culture. For example, Sin Boon Kee Coffee Factory, with over 75 years of history spanning four generations, embodies Penang’s rich coffee heritage.
“This Sunday at 5pm, Jonathan Chan, the fourth-generation heir of Sin Boon Kee, will share stories of Penang’s traditional coffee at one of their establishments,” Wong said.
In the evolving landscape of coffee culture, Wong added that cafe hopping has become a favourite activity for modern travelers and the young.
He said in Penang, you can discover cafes nestled in historic districts or atop lush Penang Hill, with Kopi Hutan on the hill being his favourite after a 4-hour hike from Air Itam Dam.
Wong said beyond coffee, chocolate holds a special place in Malaysia. Despite declining cocoa production, Malaysia remains a key player in cocoa processing, ranking fifth globally and second in Asia after Indonesia.
He mentioned that Beryl’s Chocolate Story, a chocolate museum located on Love Lane in Penang, offers visitors insights into chocolate-making processes and cultural backgrounds, along with opportunities to buy a wide range of premium, yet affordable chocolates.
The activities lined up from July 4 to 8 include exciting workshops such as the Chocolate Cake Decorating Workshop and the Chocolate Showpiece Competition, along with the fun Dress a Ganache Cake Competition.
Visitors can also enjoy immersive experiences at the Coffee Tasting and Experiential Workshops, as well as engaging Brand Sharing Sessions featuring well-known chocolate and coffee brands.
To add to the ambiance, every evening from July 6 to 7, there will be live band performances from 7.30pm to 10pm.
Also present at the opening ceremony of the festival were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, TLM Event managing director Jack Wong, Gurney Plaza marketing communications manager Renee Aw, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters founder Frank Ee Wen Zhe and Golden Cafe College of Culinary Arts & Hospitality executive director Vincent Lee Meng Sen.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong