The Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) is making its highly-anticipated return this month from tomorrow, 20 to 28 August 2022! Visitors to the island and mainland should expect nothing less than the best in show when it comes to Penang’s myriad gastronomic offerings. The nine-day festival is a must for foodies, as it promotes Penang’s unique cuisine and strives to unite people through its shared love of good eating.
This year, PIFF 2022 features two main events, six mini-festivals, and three cooking demonstrations spread over the island and mainland, aimed at highlighting Penang’s world-renowned and diverse food scene! Having been named ‘Asia’s Next Great Foodie City’ by Condé Nast Traveler, Penang has earned global recognition for its wide and culturally globalised cuisine.
What to expect at Penang International Food Festival 2022
Street Food Festival (SFF)
PIFF is kicking off their opening weekend on 20 and 21 August with the first main event — the Street Food Festival — which draws attention to Penang’s famed hawker treats from both the island and the mainland to Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan. A wide variety of authentic street foods, from char koay teow and laksa to roti canai and satay, are available from hawkers who have honed their recipes over many generations.
Series of mini-festivals
Picnic @ Roof Garden, 22 August
Picnic @ Roof Garden is exactly what it sounds like: an opportunity to enjoy a sunset while snacking on finger foods and drinks made by the Golden Chef Culinary Academy (GCCA) and eating al fresco in the fresh air. For the perfect night’s finale, be ready to be serenaded by live music performances.
Gertak Sanggul Food Truck Rally, 23 August
The food truck culture in Penang’s streets is becoming increasingly popular. If you’re in a hurry but still want to indulge in some tasty treats, try some of the greatest grab-and-go options, which offer a unique twist on both contemporary and traditional favourites at the Gertak Sanggul Food Truck Rally at Gertak Sanggul Beach.
Mini Curry Festival, 24 August
If you’re a die-hard curry fan, the mini–Curry Festival at KOMTAR Walk might be worth venturing into. Slurp-inducing curries from cuisines as varied as Nyonya, Japanese, Mamak, and more will be available at this festival and will leave you wanting more.
Thirsty Thursday, 25 August
Come Thursday, relieve your workweek stress with live music and cold drinks at Hin Bus Depot’s Thirsty Thursday. There will also be live performances, so bring your family, friends and picnic mats!
RM2 Mini Food Festival, 26 August
Head over to the RM2 Mini Food Festival at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka to enjoy delectable treats in miniature quantities for just RM2 from vendors who have been specially chosen for the festival.
Santai Morning, 27 August
Santai Morning at Tropical Spice Garden is one for the early birds. Bask in the early-morning sunshine as you take in the breathtaking sea view and live music amidst a lush, verdant setting. Food and drinks will be served.
Cooking classes
Those looking for a more hands-on activity can expect cooking workshops where you can learn how to prepare flavourful local foods like Assam Laksa, Roti Jala, and others. This will be held on 21, 25, and 26 August 2022 at Golden Chef, SPICE Arena, and Tropical Spice Garden.
Taste of Penang (TOP)
The second main event of PIFF concludes with the Taste of Penang, which will place along Kelawai Road on 27 and 28 August. Visitors can try out a wide variety of contemporary dishes at the many booths set up by local cafés, restaurants, and hotels. This event will also showcase the finest of Penang’s contemporary foodscape, like Instagram-worthy must-try food to coffee that is out of this world.
