THE Penang International Food Festival (PIFF), after coming to a halt due to the Covid-19 restriction for almost two years, makes its comeback this year offering a unique set of gastronomic experience for food lovers.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Commitee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this time, the event – ‘Experience Penang @ PIFF’ – will be taking place in an exclusive manner at three different venues, namely The Habitat Penang Hill, Kampung Agong (Seberang Perai) and Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion.
“The festival will kick off with “Dinner @ Cheong Fatt Tze The Blue Mansion” on Dec 17 and will enable visitors to savour the refined flavours of modern gastronomy while soaking in the splendour of the Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion.
“Then, on Dec 18 the “Afternoon Tea @ Kampung Agong” is an invitation for foodies to experience the idyllic kampung atmosphere at every turn, all while sipping fresh coconut water and enjoying the traditional Malay satay.
“Lastly, the food enthusiasts can indulge themselves in tantalising pastries amid 130-million-year-old-rainforest of the UNESCO-designated Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, 800 metres above sea level in “Breakfast @ The Habitat Penang Hill” on Dec 19.
“They can also participate in a ‘paint-and-sip concept’ class under the guidance of an aspiring local artist,’’ said Yeoh.
As the state exco for tourism, Yeoh said it is vital for him to ensure that Penang can safely receive tourists to revive the economy.
“This explains the launch of the “Responsible Tourism” campaign in July 2020 and the “Covid-19 Safety Accreditation Programme”, both of which are aimed at strengthening preventive measures undertaken by Penang’s tourism industry players.
“These initiatives are the first of their kind in Malaysia to re-instil confidence among travellers when visiting Penang.
“Keeping in mind, of course, that the fight against Covid-19 is not over, I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone to practise responsible tourism, so we can all experience Penang’s fantastic diversity safely and responsibly.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to PFF,’’ he said.
Yeoh added that the PIFF would be held in a smaller scale this year due to the Covid-19 situation and he expressed hopes that next year, the festival could get bigger.
The PIFF 2021 is organised by TLM Event, endorsed by the state government, and is fully supported by Penang Global Tourism (PGT).
Meanwhile, TLM Event managing director Jack Wong, said the PIFF 2021 is limited to a total 150 participants.
“For the “Dinner @ Cheong Fatt Tze The Blue Mansion”, the space is only limited to 40 people. This is to ensure that social distancing is maintained.
“Then for the event that will take place at the Habitat Penang Hill, it will accomodate 50 people.
“Whereas,for the afternoon tea at Kampong Agong, the participant limit is 50 but we would be dividing the visitors into two groups if more than 50 people register for the event.
“The PIFF for this year is being incorporated with the elements of ‘Experience Penang’ as it provides visitors the chance to indulge in its culinary offerings while experiencing the state’s renowned attractions,’’ Wong added.
Also present during the press conference were PGT chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, The Habitat Penang Hill managing director Allen Tan and Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion executive director Loh Lim Shen Yi.
For more information, follow Penang International Food Festival on Facebook (Penang International Food Festival) and Instagram (penanginternationalfoodfest).
Details of the events are as follows:
Dinner @Cheong Fatt Te – The Blue Mansion
Date: 17 December 2021
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Venue: Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
Fee: RM230 per pax
*Inclusive of a five-course dinner
Afternoon Tea @ Kampung Agong
Date: 18 December 2021
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Venue: Kampung Agong
Fee: RM40 per pax
*Inclusive of entrance fee and snacks
Breakfast @ The Habitat Penang Hill
Date: 19 December 2021
Time: 9am – 12pm
Venue: Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk @ The Habitat Penang Hill
Fee: RM98 per pax
*Inclusive of fast lane funicular train passes, entrance fee, art painting and breakfast
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Tan Kean Ming