Make a date with Rice Heritage Festival from Sept 27 to 29

KUCHING: The inaugural Rice Heritage Festival is scheduled to take place next weekend from Sept 27 to 29 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Lake Park Theatre.

WhatMatters director Marian Chin, whose company is organising the event, said it will feature jungle chefs from Sarawak and Sabah who will be cooking traditional rice-based dishes over fire.

“From Sabah, there will be a delegation of 26 which includes jungle chefs, dancers, rice ritual presenters, a bamboo friction fire demonstrator, and food presented by the Dusun Tatana, Rungus, Dusun Sandayo Murut Binta, Suang Lotud & Dusun Tindal groups.

“And from Sarawak, we will also have 12 jungle chefs, four performers/chanters, and food presented by the Kelabit, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Iban, Melayu, and Kayan groups,” Chin said in her recent statement.

Chin added that the event is an opportunity to sample the flavours and experience the culture of Sarawak and neighbouring state Sabah, all in one place.

Co-organised with Kelab Rekreasi Pengguna & Pengurusan Dewan Serbaguna Kpg Tematu, the Rice Heritage Festival is sponsored by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the event is held in collaboration with MBKS, Kuching Creative City and Sabah Cultural Board.

Entry to the event is free, and voucher booklets are now available at RM50 each for visitors who wish to enjoy the traditional fare from the food stations.

Each booklet contains 10 vouchers worth RM5 each.

The festival follows similar events organised by WhatMatters, which organised Food-Over-Fire Festival in 2022 and 2023.

The company is also known for publishing KINO Magazine and putting local heirloom dishes in cans under the Lifespantree brand.

Contact WhatMatters at 019-252 9576 for more information or to purchase voucher booklets.