The Penang International Food Festival 2023 (PIFF 2023) concludes at the SPICE Rooftop Garden in Bayan Lepas today, after taking food-loving visitors on a month-long culinary adventure that allowed them to experience Penang through food in various places on the mainland and island.
The PIFF 2023 finale was graced by the presence of Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
The two-day (June 24 and 25) PIFF 2023 finale also brought together the best of food trucks, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and signatures vendors from the island and mainland under one roof, providing foodies with the unique opportunity to sample the entirety of Penang’s world-class culinary delights under one roof while also shining a spotlight on Bayan Lepas, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Yeoh said PIFF 2023 promoted two interconnected concepts that were in line with the Penang2030 vision and the Penang Tourism Master Plan.
“The two concepts are diversity and inclusion. To stay competitive in the global travel market, we must continue applying creativity and diversifying our tourism products to lure visitors to discover the hidden gems in Penang.
“Hence, PIFF ensures its ongoing appeal by introducing the unique food culture on the island and mainland throughout the month-long festival,” he said in his speech.
Yeoh added that this year, PIFF 2023 held its mini festivals at multiple locations to involve the local community and encourage them to be part of the international festival.
“At the same time, we bring the crowd to lesser-known places so that we can generate important spillovers to the wider economy.
“We took the bold step of hosting the opening weekend in Bertam, Kepala Batas, and introduced the smoky flavours of Kampung Terus, Penanti, homemade treats of Batu Maung, seafood delights at Batu Kawan, and even cooking sessions at our creative spot at Hin Bus Depot.
“We even infused Michelin eateries with our historical landmark at Fort Cornwallis to celebrate Penang’s best offerings,” he said.
Chow said since its inaugural edition in 2017, Penang International Food Festival has played an important role in promoting the state as a destination of choice for tourists who want to experience Penang through food.
“Festivals such as PIFF offer a common space for families to sit together and enjoy a hearty meal in the presence of other fellow Penangites as well as local or foreign tourists, which further fosters a sense of community well-being.
“Looking at the selection of food on offer and the visitors from all walks of life, I am very happy to say that Penang is on track to become a Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation,” Chow said in his speech.
Chow said the state strives to become a destination of choice for local and international travellers.
“The Penang government will continue to ensure the comfort of our guests with new or improved infrastructure and attractions.
“New hotels such as the Ascott Gurney, Citadines Connect Georgetown, Amari SPICE Penang, and The George Hotel are now open on Penang island to provide quality accommodation to our growing number of travellers,” he said.
Chow added that, at the same time, the state government is also focusing on a balanced development on the island and Seberang Perai.
“Development projects are gradually emerging in the Seberang Perai too.
“The recently launched Citadines Prai Penang and Bertam Resort are now ready to accommodate more foreign and Malaysian visitors who are keen to explore the Seberang Perai,” said Chow.
At the end of his speech, Chow thanked everyone who has contributed their time and effort to make PIFF 2023 a success.
“Your contribution and dedication have propelled Penang’s gastronomy even closer to the centre of the global stage.
“Let us continue working together towards making Penang the preferred destination,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat