Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival returns this July 26-27 at SCV
Nancy (third left) performs the symbolic launch of the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2025. Also seen are (from left) Jane, Shepherd, Nazrul, Anthony, and Gordan. – Information Department photo
KUCHING (May 17): The Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival returns this year on a larger scale from July 26 to 27 at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) near here.
This special Sarawak Day edition of the festival is expected to attract at least 20,000 visitors and will feature 200 carefully selected vendors across seven key categories.
Minister for Women, Family, and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the festival, which began as a small celebration of Sarawak's culinary heritage, has now grown into a true reflection of Sarawakian identity.
'Nyamai is more than just food. It represents who we are – our heritage, creativity, and the spirit of the Sarawakian community.
'We must continue to preserve and elevate this culinary heritage, not only for ourselves but for the world,' she told a press conference here today.
Nancy also recalled Kuching's recognition as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy in December 2021 – a significant achievement that now comes with the responsibility of preserving and promoting Sarawak's culinary heritage on an international scale.
She said this year, Kuching City of Gastronomy and the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) remain strategic partners for Nyamai.
This includes the prestigious Nyamai Awards, which recognises individuals and organisations contributing significantly to the creative, sustainable, and authentic advancement of Sarawak's food culture.
Among the highlights of the Nyamai Sarawak Gastronomy Festival 2025 are traditional food demonstrations, craft art workshops, live music performances, cultural showcases, family-friendly activities, and interactive zones that display Sarawak's culinary diversity.
Additionally, an exclusive '2 Days 1 Night Nyamai' accommodation package has been introduced in collaboration with Damai Beach Resort, Damai Lagoon Resort, and Permai Rainforest Resort.
Moreover, an icon design competition has been launched in conjunction with the festival, where the winner will receive a cash prize of RM5,000, and their design will be turned into a permanent sculpture at SCV.
Nancy also encouraged local entrepreneurs in the food, craft, beauty, and lifestyle sectors to participate as vendors and sponsors.
'This is the best platform to showcase your products to 20,000 visitors,' she said, adding that registration is available through the official website www.nyamai.com.
Entrance to the festival will be free, and visitors can redeem their passes via Nyamai Sarawak's official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Also present at the press conference were SCV chief executive officer Jane Lian Labang, UCCN director Karen Shepherd, Damai Lagoon Resort and Damai Beach Resort general manager Anthony Lasong, Permai Rainforest Resort general manager Nazrul Nasihin, and Carus Sport & Event director Gordan Chung.
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