Phuket Local Food Fair starts tonight at Saphan Hin

PHUKET TOWN: Woks will be steaming at Saphan Hin tonight when the ‘Local Food Fair’ kicks off with an opening ceremony at 7pm.

Now in its second year, the five-day event is organized by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO), which is providing 1.5 million baht in funding.

The fair will feature over 100 stalls. Besides selling local food, there will be ‘One Tambon One Product [OTOP]’ goods for sale, demonstrations of ice and fruit carving, folk theater, a beauty contest and staged musical performances. There will also be exhibitions showcasing the achievements of the PPAO and Phuket Public Health Office over the past year.

A sure highlight will be the preparation of the world’s largest serving of kaeng phoong pla, a spicy southern-style soup made from fish maw.

PPAO President Paiboon Upatising said food prices will be kept low as vendors are not being charged stall rental fees. He has asked for cooperation from food vendors in clearly marking prices for each dish and not overcharging tourists.

The fair is expected to generate 15 million baht in trade, he said.

Those who want to wash down the delicious offerings with sweet, creamy beer will have to bring their own, however.

In order to keep the focus on culinary skill, there will be no alcoholic products on sale on the fair grounds.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan