PENANG always prides itself when it comes to renowned food, and the Foodicious Food & Beverage Expo 2024, starting today and running until Sunday at Concourse (Level 3), SPICE Arena, is another platform to enhance this image.
State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), Wong Hon Wai, said the expo, as one of the largest food exhibitions in northern Malaysia, has attracted renowned food and beverages stakeholders from across Malaysia and overseas, which includes Indonesia, Australia, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Visitors will be spoilt for choice as 220 booths offer a wide array of delicious treats, such as chicken nuggets, tiger prawn rolls, cashew nuts, coffee, frozen food, Ai-Cha ice cream and tea, oats, butter cakes, grains, honey juice, mushroom products, rojak sauce, among others.
“From iconic street food to trendy cafes, traditional Nyonya cuisine to modern Western fare, and casual “Kopitiam” to Michelin-starred restaurants, Penang caters to every palate. Whether you’re a local seeking authentic flavour or an international traveller craving a refined dining experience, Penang is your culinary playground.
“Therefore, PETACE will remain committed to promoting Penang’s culinary heritage, ensuring it remains a major draw for tourists,” Wong said in his speech before launching the expo, alongside Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer (CEO) Ooi Chok Yan, and Foodicious Sdn Bhd CEOs Aleex Quah and Daniel Nah.
Wong said this year, Penang once again garnered international recognition when “Lonely Planet” named it the second-best solo travel destination in Southeast Asia.
“As “Lonely Planet” highlighted, the meal-centric hawkers often operate for short hours only, with some showing up for breakfast, and others for dinner. These seasoned masters will quickly whip up a bowl of wonton (dumpling) noodles or Penang Laksa (spicy noodles) for hungry diners. Popular venues include New Lane, Kimberly Street and Chulia Street.
“Solo diners can enjoy budget meals for less than RM10, and the makeshift seatings encourage tables to be shared, so it’s a great opportunity for some chat with fellow diners.
“Food is at the heart of Penang’s tourism industry. As Malaysia’s food capital, Penang attracts visitors from around the world with its endless array of culinary delights. The city’s rich food culture offers a unique experience that is a major draw for tourists,” Wong added.
He said Penang’s famous hawker centres and night markets are a haven for food lovers, who could savour authentic local dishes such as Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow, Laksa, and Nasi Kandar.
To protect its flavour and authenticity, he said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has decided to ban foreign cooks in all hawker stalls, food courts and coffee shops starting next year once a new policy is adopted.
This ban applies to 13 types of local hawker food, namely nasi lemak, asam laksa, pasembor, mee sotong, char koay teow, koay teow soup, Hokkien mee, curry mee, wan tan mee, loh bak, chee cheong fun, char koay kak and oh chien.
The state government had previously implemented a ban on foreign cooks for all hawker centres and food courts belonging to MBPP. The ban was introduced in 2014 and implemented since 2016.
Penang, Wong said, is a coffee lover’s paradise. With its vibrant arts scene and rich coffee culture, Penang’s cafes offer a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer a cosy cafe in a historic building or a trendy spot on Penang Hill, you’ll find the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee.
He mentioned that Penang also caters to those seeking fine dining experiences.
“With two Michelin-starred restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand establishments, and 34 Michelin-selected restaurants, Penang’s culinary scene is world-class. Many are located in historic buildings or offer stunning coastal views, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
“Penang is a true gastronomic melting pot. From humble street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, Penang offers a diverse and unforgettable culinary experience. As we continue to promote Penang’s food culture, we aim to attract more visitors and solidify the city’s reputation as a global food destination.”
He said food enthusiasts can look forward to a large-scale food festival in both Penang Island and Seberang Perai this November. This festival will be a collaboration between the state government and various stakeholders.
Quah said his company, which started the expo in 2022, has grown to become a major player in the industry.
He said this year, Foodicious has successfully attracted a diverse array of overseas exhibitors, including Indonesia, Thailand and China.
“The participation of these exhibitors underscores our commitment to nurturing international partnerships within the F&B sector.
“We strive to be a one-stop solution hub for local and international F&B players by providing a platform for collaboration as well as an opportunity for exposure and innovation. We aim to drive the growth and success of the F&B industry both regionally and globally,” Quah said.
Another Foodicious Food & Beverage Expo is planned to be held at the same venue from Dec 13 to 15.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong