(Kuching, 4th) Kuching has officially launched the 2026 UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Gastronomy Pavilion, offering visitors a seven-day international culinary event that brings together authentic dishes from UNESCO's Creative Cities of Gastronomy worldwide. For the first time, a “Tuak Self-Tasting Zone” is featured, highlighting Sarawak's traditional rice wine culture.
Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, in his speech at last night’s opening ceremony, stated that the pavilion is one of the key highlights of this year’s UCCN Year of Gastronomy event, attracting representatives, chefs, and visitors from around the globe to gather in Kuching.
He said: “For the coming seven days, visitors will have the opportunity to taste authentic cuisine from UNESCO's Creative Cities of Gastronomy from all over the world — all at one location.”
This year’s participating cities include Chengdu and Quanzhou from China, Buraidah and Medina from Saudi Arabia, Iloilo from the Philippines, Belo Horizonte from Brazil, Lucknow from India, as well as the host city, Kuching.
Wee Hong Seng pointed out that participating cities are bringing more than just food.
“Each dish tells the story of its city, reflecting local culture, traditions, and its people. This pavilion truly allows people to embark on a global journey through food,” he said.
As Malaysia’s first and only UNESCO-recognized Creative City of Gastronomy, Wee Hong Seng expressed great honor for Kuching to host this international event. He described food as a universal language that transcends words and borders, able to strengthen friendships and promote understanding and appreciation among different cultures.
One of this year’s new highlights is the first-ever “Tuak Self-Tasting Zone,” where visitors can sample traditional Sarawak Tuak rice wine offered by eight local brewers.
Wee Hong Seng said this activity not only allows visitors to gain deep insight into Sarawak’s traditional food and drink culture but also helps support local entrepreneurs and promote Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
He encouraged visitors to explore the various pavilions, interact with international chefs, and learn about the stories behind each dish. He believes that, upon leaving, everyone will have a deeper appreciation of different cultures and the friendships formed through food.
He also thanked Midea for sponsoring the electrical appliances used in the pavilion, noting that this partnership demonstrates the importance of public-private collaboration in hosting international events.
In addition, he thanked the international delegates for choosing Kuching as the host city and hoped they would experience Sarawak's warm hospitality during their stay and build lasting friendships and meaningful collaborations.
He said: “For the coming seven days, visitors will have the opportunity to taste authentic cuisine from UNESCO's Creative Cities of Gastronomy from all over the world — all at one location.”
This year’s participating cities include Chengdu and Quanzhou from China, Buraidah and Medina from Saudi Arabia, Iloilo from the Philippines, Belo Horizonte from Brazil, Lucknow from India, as well as the host city, Kuching.
Wee Hong Seng pointed out that participating cities are bringing more than just food.
“Each dish tells the story of its city, reflecting local culture, traditions, and its people. This pavilion truly allows people to embark on a global journey through food,” he said.
As Malaysia’s first and only UNESCO-recognized Creative City of Gastronomy, Wee Hong Seng expressed great honor for Kuching to host this international event. He described food as a universal language that transcends words and borders, able to strengthen friendships and promote understanding and appreciation among different cultures.
One of this year’s new highlights is the first-ever “Tuak Self-Tasting Zone,” where visitors can sample traditional Sarawak Tuak rice wine offered by eight local brewers.
Wee Hong Seng said this activity not only allows visitors to gain deep insight into Sarawak’s traditional food and drink culture but also helps support local entrepreneurs and promote Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
He encouraged visitors to explore the various pavilions, interact with international chefs, and learn about the stories behind each dish. He believes that, upon leaving, everyone will have a deeper appreciation of different cultures and the friendships formed through food.
He also thanked Midea for sponsoring the electrical appliances used in the pavilion, noting that this partnership demonstrates the importance of public-private collaboration in hosting international events.
In addition, he thanked the international delegates for choosing Kuching as the host city and hoped they would experience Sarawak's warm hospitality during their stay and build lasting friendships and meaningful collaborations.
