“There are 3 ways to my heart- Buy me food,
make me food, be food.” I have always been proud of Malaysia’s capability to
satisfy the most demanding appetites. Being brought up in this country, I am
spoilt for choice. Therefore, it is very difficult not to relate to food
because Malaysia is food!
My sister and I |
Our country’s food scene boasts variety and
taste. Some of the best being camouflaged as street food behind alleys or as village
stalls. How can we bring them together to our fellow tourists? If only we could
gather our nasi lemak royale from Alor Star, Ipoh chicken rice, satay celup
from Melaka, mee kolok from Sarawak, longan drink from Petaling Street and keropok
lekor from Kemaman for the American tourists who need to be taken away from the
doughnut staple or the English travelers who has tried enough fish and chips.
Kuala Lumpur Big Kitchen 2015 |
The Kuala Lumpur Big Kitchen’s intention is
exactly that. Smack in the heart of the city at Dataran Merdeka, the Ministry
of Tourism and Culture staged an international standard food fair. The whole
field transformed into a melting pot of 60 food counters that represents the
best of Malaysian gastronomy. Another initiative of the like that I know of is
the Lot10 Hutong at Jalan Bukit Bintang. Malaysians’ favourite food stalls from
all over the country are invited to set up a branch at the food court. Being a
tourist checkpoint, Lot10 Hutong offers the convenience of indulging in the
best Malaysian foods all under one roof. Kuala Lumpur Big Kitchen is a 3-day
event spanning from 29th-31st May 2015. When I got its
invitation as media, there was a blend of pride and curiosity.
Marquee at Dataran Merdeka |
Live performances |
Huge venue for the event |
Parking
When I arrived at the food scene, my first
challenge was to get a parking space. We were denied entry at the underground
parking at Merdeka Square and the guards had no idea where our alternative car
park could be. The public parking at the vicinity of the Royal Selangor Club
definitely could not accommodate the crowd it was aiming. My sister, who was so
kind to go with me, had to go rounds before discovering that the nearest
alternative parking was at Daya Bumi. Organizers perhaps were too busy in the
kitchen that traffic concerns seemed overlooked.
Finally found parking! |
Entrance
There was only one entrance to the huge
field. It was easy to identify and provided a focal point for exits and
entrances. However, it was not so convenient having no option to exit the place
especially when the car is parked at the other end of the field or when one
decided to end the visit at the opposite end of the entrance.
Sudah makan? |
Registration
The registration for media was a big let-down.
I received my media tag but was not ushered to the event hall. Knowing that I
have to attend the opening ceremony, I enquired my way in to the main hall.
There were no ushers despite the many staff in red uniform. At the event hall,
the members of the media were confused to where we should be seated. We were
repeatedly asked if we have registered despite already wearing the media tag.
There were two halls for the opening ceremony- one for the Queen, which we
definitely cannot have access to and one for the media. The confused media
flocked together in tiny groups asking for directions and were let to different
incorrect destinations. After a few inquiries and half an hour later, I was
still loafing outside the two halls, unable to be let into the correct media
hall.
Well there was consolation to the disorder.
While waiting for the opening ceremony, top chefs assembled for a photography
session. I took the opportunity to meet chefs like Chef Wan, Chef Norman Musa,
Chef Ismail Ahmad and Chef Anis Nabilah in person.
Media tag |
The assemble of chefs |
With the famous Chef Wan |
The
Opening Ceremony
Finally we were let inside the media hall.
The opening ceremony was officiated by our Queen, Seri Paduka Baginda Raja
Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah. The rain could not wait and it poured
before the arrival of Her Royal Highness. I waited patiently admiring water
trickling down the window panes backdroped by the classic Sultan Abdul Samad
building.
After an hour and a half later the Queen
arrived at last! Her Royal Highness and I were separated by an LED screen. We
watched her officiate the event from the other room. We were then served
sandwiches, desserts and MAS satay.
Patiently waiting while looking out at the Sultan Abdul Samad Building |
The Queen officiating the event |
The
Food Fair
My sister and I gallivanted at the fair, visiting
the booths. All food was halal. There were 8 zones all together:
·
The Negeri Zone sells specialty
cuisine from different states.
·
The Warung Zone showcased the
country’s best street food fare
·
The Manisan Zone served sugary
delights
·
The Food Trucks Zone allowed
mobile eateries to present their food
·
The Warisan Zone demonstrated
age-old recipes
·
The Samplings Zone offered
samplings from 5-star restaurants
·
The Dulang Zone served a
communal eating area
·
The Mayor’s Courtyard offers
gourmet dining experience with top chefs
The Big Kitchen was showcased as a foodie’s
haven. However, even to a non-connoisseur like me, I did not find it much of a
haven. The marquee was grand and publicity was great but the variety displayed
was not the full representation of Malaysian food. To the locals, food was
pretty easily available outside the food fair. To the tourist eye, of course it
was an experience to bring home.
Strolling on the field gave a relaxing feel. If it was not for the wet grass that made our toes squishy with mud, the atmosphere was charming.
Strolling on the field gave a relaxing feel. If it was not for the wet grass that made our toes squishy with mud, the atmosphere was charming.
Stalls at the food fair |
Keropok lekor |
The
Sampling Zone
The sampling zone attracted my sister and
I. The huge sign gave us the impression of free food at first. However, upon
entrance, the price tags revealed the truth. Visitors could taste food ala
carte from 5 star restaurants for the fraction of the full price. My sister and
I ordered an oyster each from the buffet spread of Federal Hotel for RM9nett.
The zone was interesting but there was lack of participating restaurants.
Samplings at a fraction of the price |
The mini buffet spread of Federal Hotel |
Tried the oyster for RM9nett |
Bijian was participating too |
The Manisan
Zone
Another zone caught our eye. The sweet zone
offered a pretty fair deal of sugary delights. We noticed the decoration was of
pompoms and balloons that capture the rich and vibrant repertoire of Malaysian
desserts. However, I still opine that there were many more interesting desserts
that were absent.
The sweet decoration |
Durian delights |
Seri muka for tasting |
Japanese ice-cream Pino |
Sangkaya from The Curve |
Apom with Nestum instead of peanuts |
The Food
Truck Zone
The Food Truck Zone was at the end of the
field. There were four food trucks for people on the go. The area could be more
welcoming if there were some seats for people who want to enjoy the moonlight
and stars. It would be charming too to have the Milo truck giving away little free sips of chocolate drink.
Food truck |
Despite the few setbacks I am proud that Malaysia has inaugurated its first national level food fair. It is indeed an effort to boost Malaysian tourism and an event to grandstand our cuisines. It is inspiring to see Malaysians abroad coming back to contribute to the country. Chef Norman Musa, a UK based chef has returned to specially curate the event. Everything has its first. I sincerely hope that the Big Kitchen will be a legacy and will be more successful than before.
KL Big Kitchen glowing by night |
All the best to the next KL Big Kitchen! |
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