-The Star filepic
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will continue to strengthen the state’s position as a regional gastronomic hub through various strategic initiatives that promote culinary diversity and local food heritage, says Wong Hon Wai.
The state tourism committee chairman stated that among the key initiatives was hosting the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF).
"The inclusion of the Michelin Guide Malaysia, which features restaurants and hawkers from Penang, has further strengthened the state’s reputation as a world-class gastronomic destination," he said when responding to a question from Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH - Air Itam) at the state assembly on Monday (Nov 17).
Wong said the state government has nominated ten traditional Penang dishes to the National Heritage Department for gazettal as National Heritage.
He mentioned that the dishes include Nasi Kandar, Pasembur, Char Kue Kak, Hokkien Mee, Jawa Mee, Oh Chien (oyster omelette), Prawn Mee, Mee Sotong, Kerabu Bihun, and Roti Benggali.
Wong said state promotions as a food destination were also done through social media campaigns.
In response to oral questions from Ong Ah Teong (PH – Batu Lancang), Wong stated that, according to Immigration Department records, the number of Chinese tourists arriving in Penang had increased by 520.2% from 26,056 in 2023 to 161,599 in 2025.
He mentioned that the top countries for tourist arrivals in Penang include Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.
Additionally, he said that countries such as China, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, South Korea and Japan represent promising markets for future development.
