Ensuring traditional food survives the trapping of modernity
Published on: Friday, July 21, 2017
Penampang: Sinalau daging sapi (smoked beef), pinarasakan sada (simmered fish) and hobung (bamboo shoot) cooked with tuntul (freshwater snail) are some of the many traditional food synonymous to the Kadazandusun community.However, the preparation of these dishes could end up being lost to the trapping of modernity if the young generations are not exposed to it.And that is why local entrepreneurs like Haslinah Bilog took the initiative to impart her knowledge and expertise by marketing traditional food.
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"We have been selling traditional food since early this year at the Ranau traditional house in Hongkod Koisaan KDCA," she said when met at the launching of the Sabah Traditional Food Festival, at the Sabah Cultural Centre, here, on Thursday.According to her, traditional food is still popular among the young generation, and even foreign visitors gave a thumbs-up whenever they tasted her dishes."I hope those who wish to start a food business will sell traditional food so that these dishes will not be forgotten."Earlier, the inaugural festival organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Penampang and Sabah Cultural Board was officiated by Penampang Assistant District Officer Henry Idol.
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Idol said more effort should be done to promote traditional food commercially."It is known that there are distinctive ethnic groups in each district and they have their own unique traditional food.
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"If each district takes part in festivals like the Sabah Traditional Food Festival, then we can boost the promotion of the districts through traditional dishes."This festival is a good avenue to showcase our food, especially to tourists," he said.Unfortunately, he said, traditional Sabahan food is nearly non-existent in most menus in restaurants and hotels in the State."It is quite rare to see traditional food in their menus…it would be good if such dishes are included so that foreign tourists will also know about our food."Meanwhile, JCI Penampang President Oliver Galasius said the festival was held with the aim of promoting unity through food."Food unites people regardless of political factions or sentiments as we can always connect with each other through food," he said.Apart from that, he said, the festival which is also held in conjunction with the National Youth Folk Dance Festival 2017 also aims to enhance public awareness on traditional food.JCI Penampang also plans to make the festival an annual flagship programme and they hope the next edition will be bigger and better, especially with next year being designated the Visit Penampang Year.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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