(Bandar Seri Begawan, 24th) Brunei’s inaugural food festival, “Makan Fest 1.0,” successfully brought together food vendors from both Brunei and Malaysia, aiming to promote a diverse range of dining options to the public while supporting and strengthening the development of local businesses. The event was met with an enthusiastic response.
The event was held around the National Stadium, allowing visitors to enjoy an array of dishes including traditional, modern, and trendy favorites. More than 130 food vendors participated, offering a wide variety of local and international cuisines, delivering a rich and unique culinary experience to the public. In addition to serving as a promotional platform, the festival also provided businesses with a valuable opportunity to expand their operations and increase brand awareness.
The food festival commenced on January 21, 2026, and will continue until this Sunday, January 25. It is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. The opening ceremony was officiated by Acting District Officer of Brunei and Muara, Awang Amat.
Since opening, the event has drawn huge crowds from day until late at night, becoming one of the most highly anticipated festivities in the area. The food festival not only boosts corporate promotion but is also bringing positive benefits to the local economy, especially in the food and commercial sectors, aligning with government initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and enhance local trade activities.
Rosina, a visitor from Bang-Jo National Housing Scheme, said in an interview that the event venue is spacious and comfortable, making it easy to choose from a variety of food. She praised the excellent location and ample parking, which enhanced the overall participation experience. However, she also suggested increasing the number of dining seats and setting up tents in the future, so visitors can conveniently find shelter from the sun or rain and enjoy their food on-site. She hopes the food festival will continue to be held in the future, becoming an important platform to support local businesses and promote national economic development.