The Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival aims to make a record-breaking attempt by showcasing the largest variety of ulam (raw vegetables) and securing a place in the Malaysia Book of Records. With over 70 types of ulam on display, this festival is a celebration of Sarawak's traditional food and rich culinary heritage. Join us at Aiman Mall in Kota Samarahan from May 10 to 19 for a vibrant showcase of ulam, traditional products, local culture, and exciting activities.
Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival: Showcasing the Largest Variety of Ulam
( Credit to: Theborneopost )
The Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF) is gearing up to make a record-breaking attempt this year. The festival aims to showcase the largest variety of 'ulam' (raw vegetables) and secure a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
The Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, revealed that the festival plans to exhibit at least 70 different types of ulam.
A Vibrant Showcase of Ulam, Traditional Products, and Local Culture
The ulam exhibition will take place on the final day of the festival, which is scheduled to be held at Aiman Mall in Kota Samarahan from May 10 to 19. The festival organizers are working diligently to gather a diverse collection of ulams for display.
Some of the ulams that will be showcased include 'paku uban' (jungle fern), 'tepus' (wild ginger shoot), tapioca leaves, 'bunga kantan' (torch ginger flower), and 'dabai' (local olive).
Abdul Karim expressed his enthusiasm for ulam and was surprised to discover that there are more than 70 types available. He believes that this record-breaking attempt will help promote Sarawak's traditional food and showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Traditional Performances and Cultural Experiences
In addition to the ulam exhibition, the festival will also feature traditional products and local culture. Visitors can explore 83 stalls selling a variety of local food and crafts, as well as offerings from telecommunication, automotive, and banking vendors.
Throughout the 10-day festival, cultural performances such as 'bermukun' (singing, dancing, and pantun recital accompanied by drums), the Malay Zapin Sindang dance performance, Chinese orchestra, Iban traditional drumming, and Bugis music performance will be showcased.
Exciting Activities and Contests
The SFCF will take place from May 10 to 19 at Aiman Mall in Kota Samarahan, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry's Kota Samarahan Municipal Council. In addition to the ulam exhibition and cultural performances, the festival will also host various activities including a cooking competition featuring local fish like terubok, an eat-all-you-can pineapple challenge, and a talent contest.
Abdul Karim is confident that the festival will attract a significant number of visitors to Samarahan. He mentioned that the previous edition of SFCF, held from December 10 to 16, 2022, attracted 98,819 visitors. The festival serves as a platform to showcase the region's potential and attract tourism.