Nicky performing the mask-changing act during the food festival.
THE Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) is back for another vibrant celebration of food, culture and community.
Held at the Armenian Park with the theme “Penang Hawkers & Street Food,” the launch of PIFF transformed the historic heart of George Town into a culinary wonderland.
The launch brought together the sights, sounds and scents that make Penang’s food culture world-renowned, from sizzling woks to traditional music echoing through the heritage quarter.
Visitors choosing ‘dim sum’ at a stall.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying launched the event.
Hon Wai said the festival was the gateway to Penang’s golden tourism season, marking the start of two months of festivities that will draw visitors from across Malaysia and beyond.
(From left) Tan, Teh, Yuee Harng, Hui Ying and Hon Wai enjoying the foods at Armenian Park during the Penang International Food Festival in Armenian Park. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star“In November and December, Penang comes alive with excitement and tonight, we begin our year-end tourism season with the most universal language of all –food.
“Through the Penang International Food Festival, we celebrate not only our culinary heritage but also the spirit of unity and creativity that defines our state.”
The park was all abuzz as visitors tucked into local and international favourites such as assam laksa, char kuey teow, apam balik, takoyaki, Taiwanese fried chicken, burgers and halal dim sum.
The festival offered more than just a gastronomic experience, it was also a cultural showcase featuring a mask-changing act by seven-year-old Nicky Lim Quan Yee as well as energetic live band performances.
The event also featured eye-catching and instagrammable decorations, together with over 50 food traders.
Also present were assemblymen Wong Yuee Harng (Pengkalan Kota), Joseph Ng (Air Itam), Ong Ah Teong (Batu Lanchang), Teh Lai Heng (Komtar), Connie Tan (Seri Delima), veteran politician Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and other guests.
A tourist from the United Kingdom, who wanted to be known only as Amelia, 19, said she enjoyed wandering around the park, deciding what to taste.
“I have been here for close to a month and the food, especially the hawker fare, is amazing. I wish I could eat more.”
The festivities had begun earlier in the day at the nearby Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park, where the “Coffee & Dessert” weekend theme added a modern twist to the traditional food festival.
The highlight was the Coffee Rave, a lively daytime party where visitors sampled artisanal brews and pastries while grooving to electronic beats by a deejay.
PIFF will run over three weekends this month, each offering a unique exploration of Penang’s culinary diversity.
Hui Ying said this weekend would feature innovation and entrepreneurship with Creative F&B and Live Cooking zones at COEX @ Hin Bus Depot in Jalan Gurdwara and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal at the Weld Quay.
She said the festival will culminate on Nov 15 and 16 along Beach Street, where restaurants, cafés, hotels, hawkers and street food vendors will bring together the best of Penang’s dining scene.
“The closing event will feature celebrity chef demonstrations, interactive tastings and a special appreciation segment honouring the sponsors and participants.”
