IPOH: With food being a unifying factor among the country’s various races, the Jom Makan Ipoh 2026 Expo is seen as an ideal platform to showcase the diversity and richness of the nation’s food heritage.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the expo served not only to preserve the nation’s culinary heritage but also to educate people about local food culture while serving as a tourism attraction for Ipoh.
“We have organised the expo in conjunction with Merdeka month because food is not only a tourism product, but also a catalyst for national unity.
“Food plays an important role in uniting our multiracial community, in line with our slogan, Malaysia, Truly Asia,” he told reporters after officiating at the programme’s pre-launch yesterday, Bernama reported.
Nga, who is Kepayang assemblyman, said the expo was organised by his constituency service centre and several strategic partners.
The three-day programme will run from Aug 28 to 30, from 5pm to 11pm, at Palo 101.
Some 50 food and agricultural product stalls featuring 12 Ipoh specialities, a selection of street food, as well as various food and agricultural products will be on display.
Nga noted that visitors would have the opportunity to enjoy a combination of traditional and innovative dishes that reflect the gastronomic identity of Ipoh.
Among them are laksa buyong, Ipoh white coffee, bean sprout chicken rice and soya pudding.
“To introduce the history and evolution of local food culture, the festival also features six Ipoh Food Culture Galleries such as Ipoh White Coffee, tin mining-era food culture, kacang putih, Sambal & Ulam and various other culinary heritages synonymous with this city,” he added.
Stage programmes will also be held throughout the three days, including cultural performances.
There will also be a Food Talks Ipoh session, launch of the Ipoh QR Digital Food Map, lucky draws and a fireworks display during the closing ceremony.
