THE aroma of butter, berries, icing, chocolate and sweet goodness wafted through the corridors of an event hall in Kota Kinabalu recently as about 200 cakes of every shape, size and flavour went on display.
It was Sabah’s first-ever cake “picnic”, where around 150 cake lovers and bakers gathered for an evening of yumminess.
The event organiser, 39-year-old cake enthusiast Noor Rehan Basir, said she wanted to bring together fellow “sweet tooths” to share not only baked creations but also knowledge and inspiration.
“I wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere that allowed participants to exchange ideas, show their creativity, and hopefully inspire more people to take up baking,” she said.
For the inaugural event, many attendees weren’t bakers themselves – just people who loved cakes and desserts.
“We had everything from modern burnt cheesecakes and Korean-style cakes to classic and decorative ones inspired by floral and vintage themes,” said Noor Rehan, who has been baking since 2010.
The displays, she added, were “like cake heaven” – beautifully decorated desserts surrounded by participants dressed in soft pastel colours.
Those who didn’t bake brought along treats from their favourite bakeries, with some even travelling from Sarawak bearing the state’s iconic kek lapis (layer cake).
The event, filled with laughter, good food and positive energy, turned into a joyful celebration of Sabah’s growing baking community.
Following the success of the first cake picnic, Noor Rehan has already been flooded with messages asking when the next one will be held.
“Our next event is set for Dec 6, from 10am to 2pm, at the Ramsar Sites, Kota Kinabalu Wetlands in Likas,” said the entrepreneur, who now runs her business online.
Those keen to join can follow her Facebook page “Reyhan Baseer Brams” for updates.
