CHAOZHOU – Kuching South City and Chaozhou in China have taken steps to strengthen their partnership in gastronomy, highlighting the role of food culture in fostering international ties and preserving heritage.
During a recent visit to Chaozhou, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng met with Chaozhou Mayor Cai Danqun to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two cities.
Both Kuching and Chaozhou are recognised as UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, a designation that celebrates their rich culinary traditions and cultural diversity.
The meeting underscored the growing relationship between the two cities, with discussions focusing on exchanges among chefs, culinary professionals and food entrepreneurs. These exchanges aim to share techniques, traditions and innovations, while also promoting sustainable food practices.
Dato Wee described the visit as particularly meaningful, noting that both cities share deep cultural links shaped by food heritage. “Food has the power to bring people together. Through gastronomy, our cities can build stronger friendships and deepen cultural understanding,” he said.
Chaozhou is renowned for its refined culinary craftsmanship and historical influence across Southeast Asia. According to Dato Wee, traces of Chaozhou’s food culture can be found in Kuching’s multicultural culinary landscape, where Malay, Chinese, Dayak, Indian and indigenous communities contribute to a vibrant and distinctive scene.
The leaders also discussed the importance of documenting and preserving culinary heritage, including traditional recipes and local ingredients that reflect community identity.
Both cities expressed interest in participating in each other’s food festivals, exhibitions and gastronomy-related programmes, while exploring collaboration in education, research and training.
As part of strengthening cooperation within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), Dato Wee extended an invitation to Mayor Cai and his delegation to attend the 3rd Annual Assembly of UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, scheduled to take place in Kuching from 3 to 7 August 2026.
The international assembly will bring together gastronomy cities worldwide to exchange ideas, share best practices and explore collaborative initiatives centred on gastronomy as a driver of sustainable urban development.
Alongside the assembly, a UCCN Pavilion will be held in Kuching from 3 to 9 August, offering participating cities the chance to showcase their culinary traditions to both the public and international delegates.
Dato Wee also invited chefs and food entrepreneurs from Chaozhou to present authentic Chaozhou delicacies at the pavilion, giving Sarawakians the opportunity to experience the distinctive flavours of Chaozhou cuisine.
He expressed confidence that cooperation between Kuching and Chaozhou would continue to flourish through their shared appreciation of food culture.
This partnership reflects a broader trend of cities using gastronomy as a platform for cultural diplomacy, economic growth and community engagement. By deepening ties through food, Kuching and Chaozhou aim to strengthen their international presence while preserving culinary heritage for future generations.
