KUCHING: The upcoming Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival aims to set a record in the Malaysia Book of Records by showcasing the most types of ulam. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that 70 different types of ulam will be featured at the festival. He expressed his love for ulam and was surprised to learn that there were so many varieties available.
Ulam, a traditional dish made of fresh plant shoots and leaves, fruits, vegetables, and local herbs served raw or blanched with sambal, will be a highlight at the festival. Some of the ulam to be showcased include paku uban (jungle fern), tepus (wild ginger shoot), tapioca leaves, bunga kantan (torch ginger flower), and dabai (Sarawak olive).
The record-breaking attempt for the most types of ulam will be made on the final day of the festival, scheduled to take place at Aiman Mall in Kota Samarahan from May 10 to 19. Abdul Karim mentioned that the event will also feature 83 stalls selling local food and crafts, as well as cultural performances like bermukun, Chinese orchestra, Iban traditional drumming, and Bugis music.
In addition to the ulam display and cultural showcases, the festival will include various activities such as a cooking competition featuring local fish like terubok, a pineapple eating challenge, and a talent contest. Abdul Karim emphasized that the festival aims to attract visitors to Samarahan, highlighting its transformation from a neglected area to a thriving food production hub near Kuching.
During the previous edition of the festival in 2022, it drew in 98,819 visitors over the course of a week. The success of the festival in previous years has set the stage for an even more vibrant and engaging event this year, promising a delightful blend of traditional food, cultural performances, and exciting activities for all attendees to enjoy.
