ONE hundred and eighty booths are currently taking part in the “Tastefully Food & Beverage Expo” at the Spice Arena in Relau from today until Sunday.
The expo, which is held once a year in Penang since 2015 by Lanceford but twice this year, showcases not only local delights but also foodstuff from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and other countries.
“I congratulate Lanceford on the successful organising of this expo,” state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who was representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said when officiating the event today.
Also present were Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, Lanceford Exhibitions marketing manager Esther Fong and Setia Spice Convention Centre senior manager Yeoh Kheng Ho.
“I think it’s most appropriate to hold such an F&B expo in Penang. As you all know, Penang is called a food paradise,” Zairil said.
“This is because of our history. Our port city has attracted people from all over the world to trade and of course, many of them settled in Penang. Over the years, their cultural influences have resulted in the very exceptional variety of food that is available in Penang.”
Zairil said the influence came from places like India, East Asia, Nusantara region and even European countries.
“Penang has become world famous. According to ‘The Lonely Planet’ guide, we’re the No. 1 destination for food in the world, and according to ‘Fox’ magazine, Penang ranks No. 3 in the world in street food.
“Such events like the ‘Tastefully Food & Beverage’ expo actually complements not only the food industry but also all the other festivals organised in Penang. Hopefully, Lanceford could continue to hold the event twice a year.”
Zairil and Lee, accompanied by Fong and Yeoh, later toured the expo.
Visitors have a variety of choices such as health drinks, fruit juices, tea, cakes and buns, biscuits, honey, snacks, traditional herbal broth, mashed potatoes, Japanese food, Japanese ice-cream, organic ginger, frozen food, coffee powder, seabird nest, spiced squid, nasi lemak and char koay teow. The booths operate from 11am to 9pm.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting