GEORGE TOWN: Penang is planting its flag on the world’s food map before anyone else stakes its claim. The state government will gazette 10 dishes and six cultural practices, including food culture, as unique facets of Penang’s intangible cultural heritage. In addition, six intangible cultural heritage items will be sealed in the gazette. CLICK TO ENLARGEOn the food list, Penang Chefs Association president Audee Cheah said: “This is the best way to ensure that our food pride will not be ‘hijacked’, like kaya toast or nasi lemak.”He was referring to kaya toast in Singapore becoming the 42nd best bread in the Top 100 Breads in the World list in 2024. He said that the food list was a work-in-progress and as more dishes were researched, those with definite Penang roots would be added.

Source: The Star January 31, 2026 02:13 UTC