KUCHING: Sarawak will host the 2026 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Meeting here from Aug 4-6.
The three-day event will bring together UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy delegates worldwide to strengthen collaboration, while promoting gastronomy as a sustainable driver of urban development.
Mayor of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and President of the Kuching Gastronomy Association, Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the meeting is a significant milestone for Kuching, Sarawak and Malaysia.
“As Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kuching has gained international recognition for its multicultural food heritage, indigenous culinary traditions and commitment to preserving local food culture.
“The meeting will feature plenary sessions, policy dialogues, networking programmes, culinary showcases and technical visits focusing on sustainable food systems, gastronomic tourism, cultural preservation and innovation in local food ecosystems,” he said here Tuesday (July 28).
Among the programme highlights will be a panel discussion, “Preserving the Past, Feeding the Future: Gastronomy for Sustainable Cities,” and “Plates with Purpose: The UCCN Charity Dinner 2026,” on Aug 5 at voco Kuching by IHG.
Priced at RM1,000, the exclusive eight-course dinner by local and international chefs will celebrate heritage, culture, sustainability and creativity while supporting charitable initiatives.
“It is an opportunity to showcase our rich culinary heritage, strengthen international partnerships and demonstrate how gastronomy can support sustainable development while benefiting local communities,” he said.
Delegates will also participate in curated visits to several of Kuching’s cultural and heritage attractions, offering them a first-hand experience of Sarawak’s biodiversity, living heritage and unique gastronomy.
Wee added the festival will introduce the Tuak Buffet, featuring eight local tuak producers showcasing one of Sarawak’s most iconic traditional beverages.
Visitors can enjoy tuak tastings for RM50, with each booth offering two 30ml shots.
“Hosting this annual meeting is a great honour and a valuable opportunity to showcase Kuching and Sarawak to international delegates, strengthen our tourism industry, create opportunities for local food entrepreneurs, and ensure every delegate returns home as an ambassador for our food, culture and hospitality.
“This is the best tourism promotion we could ever ask for,” said Wee.
