SRI AMAN – The inaugural Sri Aman Kitchen was launched on September 20, 2025, as part of the Benak Festival 2025, aiming to strengthen the local economy and promote Sri Aman’s culinary heritage.
This initiative provides a dedicated platform for food entrepreneurs, students, and artisans to showcase their products to a broader audience, aligning with the festival’s goal of celebrating community culture and boosting regional tourism.
Sri Aman Resident Mahra Salleh emphasized the significance of integrating local food heritage into the festival, noting that “Sri Aman Kitchen not only celebrates diverse community cuisine but also creates economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in a larger market.”
The initiative features 12 business lots for food, handicrafts, and traditional nganta (local beverage) services, offering vendors a chance to engage with both domestic and international visitors.
Sri Aman District Council Chairman Councillor Anthony Abell Chendan highlighted the broader impact of the project, stating that it elevates local food traditions while supporting small businesses.
The Benak Festival, held from September 19–21, includes additional attractions such as tidal bore regattas, cultural performances, and adventure activities, further enriching the visitor experience.
The Sri Aman Kitchen initiative complements ongoing efforts to position Sri Aman as a key tourism destination, leveraging its unique natural phenomena like the Batang Lupar River’s tidal bore and cultural sites such as Fort Alice and Mount Hosanna Chapel.
