Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Fest set to highlight cultural, culinary prowess of Score region

KUCHING (Sept 13): The Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) is set to highlight the cultural and culinary prowess of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) region in the upcoming Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2024, Malaysia Day Edition.

The festival will be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village here from tomorrow (Sept 14) until Sunday (Sept 15), Recoda said in a statement yesterday.

The Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2024 aims to celebrate Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage, bringing together a vibrant array of traditional foods and local delicacies from Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, it added.

Recoda’s vendors, who will be stationed at the Iban longhouse, will be showcasing a diverse display of delicacies representing various communities from the vast Score region, including the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda), the Highland Development Agency (HDA), and the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).

Representing the Urda region, Geena’s Kitchen will offer Iban specialities like Ayam Pansuh, Ikan Jelawat Pansuh, Penyeram and Kerabu Midin.

Restoran Bahek, representing the HDA region, will serve an array of Orang Ulu delicacies, including Pitoh (Steamed sticky rice wrapped in leaves), Dinuh (sticky rice fritters dipped in gula apong syrup), cassava cake, Nuba Laya and Daun Kesum minced chicken meat.

From NRDA covering the Limbang and Lawas regions, Bisaya Kitchen will present a variety of Bisaya dishes such as Samcam Daging Kerabau, Sancam Daun Ubi, Tahai Salai, Nobor Lopot and Penganan Punti, while Teratak Lasme will highlight Malay cuisine with Nasi Goreng Sambal Tahai, Mee Goreng Sambal Tahai, Nasi Goreng Belutak, Mee Goreng Belutak, Kebab Belutak Roll and Kelupis Tradisi Utara Sarawak.

In addition, Dapur Melanau from Mukah will serve an enticing selection of Melanau dishes, including Tumpik Lemantak, Umai Ikan Jaq, Umai Udang, Umai Obor-Obor, Linut and Sambal Belacan.

Min Catering will also delight festival-goers with traditional Melanau food such as Tumpik Sago, Seit Panggang, Linut and Sambal, Pekasam Ikan, Umai Ikan and Sago.

According to Recoda chief executive officer Datu Ismawi Ismuni, this festival is not only a celebration of Sarawak’s rich gastronomy, it is also an opportunity for Recoda to boost the profile of local socio-economic developments in the Score region, through the promotion of these traditional food businesses.

Further adding to the diversity of offerings, several other businesses will join Recoda at the Iban longhouse, showcasing products that are uniquely Sarawakian.

Carus Eco Plants will be selling their Pure Coconut Drink and Carus Pepper, offering visitors a refreshing and spicy taste of Sarawak.

Lembaga Koko will tantalise chocolate lovers with their chocolate products, featuring a chocolate fountain, chocolate ice cream, chocolate bars, kek batik Sarawak, pralines and other such chocolatey treats, many of which are from a single-origin from farms in Sarawak.

Reka Jaya will also be present, selling their coffee products, including whole beans, powder and ice cream, while MYGINHO Company will offer Sacha Inchi nuts and teas, further enriching the festival’s culinary landscape.

“By bringing together these diverse culinary traditions and local businesses, Recoda aims to provide a platform for Score region entrepreneurs and other local companies to gain exposure and showcase their unique products,” Ismawi said.

“Recoda is deeply committed to transforming rural Sarawak into an economic powerhouse through various food-related socio-economic development initiatives. These efforts include the development of the Food Basket programme, which features collection, processing and packaging centres (CPPC) in Sungai Baji, Sarikei and Spaoh, Betong.

“Additionally, the 260-acre ‘Score – Integrated Agropark with Dynamic Modern Farming’ in Igan, Mukah, is set to revolutionise traditional farming in the area.

“Furthering these initiatives, Recoda has established the Integrated Highland Agriculture Station (Ihas) at Long Banga in Ulu Baram, functioning as a highland agricultural research centre using innovative technology for high-value crops and agro-food products from the region,” he added.

Recoda is also facilitating initiatives like the Mozzarella cheese production in Lawas through the Meragang Buffalo Breeding Station (MBBS) by upgrading its facilities, he pointed out.

Additionally, Recoda’s engagement and study programmes with various organisations have facilitated knowledge-sharing on sustainable aquaculture practices, freshwater fish farming, fig tissue culture, stingless bee honey farming and processing, coffee production and polybag rice planting, to name just a few, which will lead to new socio-economic opportunities for the entrepreneurs in Score and better food security for the communities, he added.

For more information about Recoda and its initiatives towards transparent governance, visit www.recoda.gov.my.