Penang International Food Festival 2023
To say that Penang has a decent hawker food scene is an understatement. Be it local street grub, comforting hawker fare, posh cafe meals, or fancy foreign cuisine, the island always delivers with its tantalising array of culinary offerings.
Spotlighting this melange of food in Penang is the annual Penang International Food Festival (PIFF). Known as the largest food event in the state, the festival is where locals and tourists alike can feast on a diverse range of culinary gems in Penang throughout the month of June.
Plethora of local and international cuisine
Image credit: @penanginternationalfoodfest via Instagram
If your life goal is to feast on every dish possible in Penang, you’ll want to mark your calendars for the Penang International Food Festival – the largest food event in Penang held annually – which is set to take place from 3rd till 25th June 2023.
In line with the Penang state government’s Jom! Experience Penang and The Opposite Side of the Island-Seberang Perai campaigns, this major food festival celebrates the vibrant food scene in the Pearl of Orient and its modern authenticity in a backdrop of scenic landscapes across the state.
Image credit: @penanginternationalfoodfest via Instagram
The month-long gastronomic festival will take place in full gusto at several areas across the island and mainland. As announced on PIFF’s website, there will be five mini festivals and three main events for their 2023 event, with each weekend featuring various themed food festivals in different hotspots across Penang.
Image credit: @penanginternationalfoodfest via Instagram
The five mini festivals are:
- 5th June – Wonderfood at Hin Bus Depot
- 11th June – Malam BBQ at Kampung Terus, Penanti
- 14th June – Rasa Rasa Lama at Farlim Night Market
- 16th June – Santai Under The Sky at Batu Maung Foodies
- 17th June – Seafeast at Batu Kawan Stadium (car park)
And the three main events are:
- 3rd and 4th June – Bertam Tasty Trails at Vision Park
- 9th and 10th June – Gourmet Stars of Penang at Fort Cornwallis
- 24th and 25th June – Penang Food Festival at Setia Spice (rooftop garden and car park)
What you can expect
Image adapted from: @penanginternationalfoodfest via Instagram
From legendary Penang hawker stalls and traditional Malaysian delicacies to Michelin star-awarded delights and seafood extravaganza, this food fiesta is nothing less than heaven for foodies.
The festival also has more than just a bite to eat in store for visitors. When you need a break from running around the festival in search of your next food to try, sit back and enjoy the slew of entertainment activities and vendors that PIFF will also be hosting. This includes live performances, workshops, and retail vendors.
Image adapted from: @penanginternationalfoodfest via Instagram
Penang International Food Festival is the largest food event in Penang
With food critics and world-class gourmets consistently raving about the state’s culinary scene, you won’t want to miss the chance to feast on Penang’s treasure trove of gastronomy delights. So join in on the food fest with an empty belly and tuck into luscious grub for a satisfying, tummy-filling June.
For more food recommendations in Penang, check out these 9 ice cream places in Penang and Penang’s famous hawker spot, Chulia Street Night Hawker.
Cover image adapted from: @penanginternationalfoodfest via Instagram