Padungan set for revival as Kuching’s heritage, street food hotspot

KUCHING (Jan 7): Kuching’s push to revitalise Padungan into a vibrant heritage and street food hub is gaining momentum as the city prepares to take on a leadership role as a Creative City of Gastronomy for the Asia-Pacific region.

Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the transformation of the century-old Padungan area is part of broader efforts to strengthen the city’s standing under Unesco’s Creative Cities Network, with international participation expected to debut at the Kuching Festival 2026.

“We have been tasked to lead the Creative City of Gastronomy in the Asia-Pacific region, and at the Kuching Festival 2026, you will see a big difference, with international participation coming in,” he told a press conference here.

Wee said Padungan’s growing street food scene and renewed night market initiatives reflect early signs of success, adding that such efforts are essential to restoring vibrancy to the historic district.

“You already have established street food. There have been attempts to create night markets before, and when they approached me, I thought it was worth trying.

“You have to start and see the response,” he said.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Wee said the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will conduct structural assessments of Padungan, which is more than 100 years old, before applying for heritage street recognition.

“Next week, I will be gathering engineers to study Padungan and make sure everything is intact. It should not only be heritage in terms of buildings or architecture — it must have a soul,” he said.

He added that the council has proposed decorative lighting, landscaping and infrastructure upgrades, with a detailed concept to be presented to the state government for budget consideration.

However, the mayor stressed that community participation is key to sustaining Padungan’s revival.

“Without your participation, whatever infrastructure we contribute will not last long. The council cannot do business, but we support businesses.”

Wee noted that increasing night-time activity in the area has also drawn the attention of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, following heavier traffic flow in the vicinity.

“People used to joke that Padungan was the earliest-closing Chinatown in the world, but now businesses are coming back, street food is established, and the area is busy again,” he said.

He urged traders to focus their efforts in Padungan, positioning it as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists, particularly given its proximity to Kuching’s hotel belt.

Acknowledging challenges ahead, including temporary inconveniences from road closures, Wee called for unity and cooperation among stakeholders.

“There will be inconvenience before you enjoy the fruits, but if we work together, Padungan will no longer close at 8pm. Instead, it can truly become the Chinatown of Sarawak,” he said.