PUTRAJAYA: Five hundred talented chefs from Asia, including Malaysia, Europe, America and Africa are set to battle it out in iCHEF Malaysia 2017 – a culinary art competition held as part of the Putrajaya International Food and Cultural Festival at Dataran Putrajaya from this Friday to Sunday.
Hosted by top Malaysian master chefs Zubir Zain and Moh Johari Edrus, better known by his moniker "Papa Joe" (both were the chief jury of top Malaysian cooking reality series, Masterchef Malaysia), the competition will serve as a good platform to promote Malaysia’s rich food heritage to local foodies and tourists alike.
Good food aside, the fun-filled festival, which runs from 7.30am to 11pm for three consecutive days, will also feature Malaysian traditional music, dance and pop culture.
Celebrity chef Datuk Fazley Yaacob, radio DJ Linda Onn, TV host Maznah Zolkifli and pop star Ezyln will also make special appearances at the event.
The festival will be officially launched by Federal Territory Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor on Saturday.
Tengku Adnan, who is also member of Parliament for Putrajaya, said the international festival aims to showcase the colourful side of the administrative capital.
"I would like to welcome everyone to Putrajaya for the festival," he said.
"Look at what Putrajaya has got to offer!"
Jointly organised by Badan Amal Kasih Ibu Wilayah Persekutuan and Perbadanan Putrajaya, the Putrajaya International Food and Cultural Exchange Festival is supported by the Federal Territory Ministry and the Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Entrance to the three-day festival is free.