Kita Food Festival: A culinary conversation

Kita Food Festival, now in its third year, is a celebrated annual event in Malaysia that spotlights culinary innovation while addressing crucial issues like biodiversity, carbon impact, food security, and waste management.

Co-founded by renowned local chef Darren Teoh of Dewakan, Leisa Tyler, owner of Weeds & More farms, and Adrian Yap from Tiffin Culinary, the festival has achieved immense success since its inception.

This year’s festival is grander, encompassing dining events in Sarawak, Penang, the Klang Valley, and even Singapore, spanning several months, commencing in September with dining events in Kuching, Sarawak, and culminating in KL on October 30.

Darren Teoh, acclaimed for his imaginative menus at Dewakan, has earned international recognition, including a Michelin star. His cuisine, rooted in Malaysia’s biodiversity, is the epitome of culinary innovation.

Annual celebration of culinary innovation

In 2023, Kita Food Festival‘s growth knows no bounds, with events spanning Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching, and Singapore. Chefs from 17 host restaurants in these cities, alongside esteemed counterparts from the Asia Pacific region, come together to craft meals inspired by local ingredients.

The festival’s inclusive theme underlines its commitment to fostering a supportive culinary community. Notably, it presents Conversation events where experts delve into essential subjects, including food security and sustainability in the F&B industry.

Looking ahead, the festival founders perceive vast potential in elevating South East Asian cooking and food culture. Their belief in the potential of young chefs to lead the industry forward underscores their commitment to nurturing and promoting emerging talents.

The festival’s emphasis on biodiversity, sustainability, and local sourcing reinforces its mission to redefine and celebrate modern Malaysian cuisine while propelling the future of the culinary world into the hands of talented young chefs.

Foster collaborative efforts in the industry

Kita Food Festival is more than a mere culinary event; it’s a dynamic force shaping the narrative of South East Asian cuisine and its connection to sustainability, tradition, and innovation.

The festival’s expansion to various cities, including Singapore, signifies its commitment to uniting culinary communities across the region. By bringing together chefs, experts, and food enthusiasts, the event acts as a melting pot of ideas, conversations, and culinary expertise.

Darren Teoh’s dedication to ingredient-based cuisine, which utilizes Malaysia’s rich resources and biodiversity, epitomizes the festival’s ethos. Dewakan’s recognition on Asia’s Top 50 Restaurants list and its Michelin star validate the innovative approach of South East Asian cuisine.

The inclusion of Conversation events highlights the festival’s conscious effort to engage with essential topics, promoting food security and sustainability in the F&B industry. These discussions serve as a bridge connecting the culinary world with the critical issues that impact it.

In the evolving culinary landscape, the festival’s role is twofold: to celebrate and rejuvenate the authenticity of local ingredients while nurturing young talent, thus driving innovation and fostering collaboration.

As the Kita Food Festival continues to expand its footprint and impact, it is poised to become a beacon of culinary innovation in South East Asia. The festival’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and the elevation of local cuisine ensures a promising future for the culinary arts in the region.

For more information, click this link. Or visit the Kita Food Festival’s Facebook page