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Yeoh to bring Michelin Guide to Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has time and again topped the chart as a world food destination over other places.

And state Tourism and Creative Economy chairman Yeoh Soon Hin is working on having the Michelin Guide in Penang as its footprint can promote the local culinary scene, making the state a profound gastronomic destination in the world.

Yeoh said following the signing of an agreement between the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and the Michelin Guide, he was working on bringing the Michelin Guide to Penang.

"Penang is a well-known food paradise of Malaysia, which has been continuously recognised by the international medias.

"For example, the Penang Assam Laksa was ranked seventh in CNN's World's 50 Best Foods 2020. And our char koay teow, cendol and nasi kandar are some of our delicacies that brought visitors to our shore.

"While Penang organises the International Food Festival annually, I kept dwelling on the fact that we are missing out from the Michelin Guide.

"It is my vision and mission to have the world's most prestigious gastronomy guide - the Michelin Guide to come to Penang," he said. Penang, according to Yeoh, is famously-known as the top gastronomy destination in Malaysia.

He said the presence of the Michelin Guide would further reinforce the state's stature in the global gastro-tourism scene.

Yeoh added that Penang would present an indelible food scene from its melting pot of culture and people, who deeply share the passion and love for food.

"Bringing the Michelin Guide to Penang is a very strategic move to align with the Penang State Tourism Master Plan 2021-2030.

"The recognition by Michelin will bring more visitors to Penang to try out the renowned culinary experience of the state.

"More and more tourists are searching for destinations that have a strong gastronomy presence.

"By going through the Michelin Guide, they are able to see the spotlights in Penang, which will indefinitely influence the tourists' decisions to come to Penang," he added.

Yeoh said the Michelin Guide was not only restricted to fine dining and high-end establishments.

Street food and local establishments, he pointed out, could also receive 1 Michelin Star or bib gourmand as well.

"The dynamism in our food culture has created several notable Michelin chefs from London to Singapore.

"And now is the perfect time for our talented chefs to come to Penang, attaining their Michelin Star in their home country," he said.

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