Keeping food court culture alive

Tiffin Food Court, an upcoming food fiesta, aims to reinvent the quintessential Malaysian food court experience, writes

(At the time of writing, Ming Tien food court has moved to a new spot in Bandar Utama).

One of them, who grew up in Petaling Jaya, is Adrian Yap, founder and director of Freeform (organiser of art and music festival Urbanscapes) and founder of Tiffin, a multi-layered platform for varied dining experiences and activities that’s spurred by Malaysians’ unparalleled love affair with food and drink.

“I used to live down the road from Ming Tien. Although it wasn’t my regular hangout place, I did go from time to time. The concept of the food court where you can

(hang out) with your family or friends over affordable food fascinates me,” begins Yap when we meet at his office in The School in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. “What I like about (food court) is the fact that you can get a mix of everything. You can find Malay, Chinese and Indian food all in one location. It’s sad that you don’t see much of that nowadays.”

For that reason, Yap, who founded Freeform 17 years ago, is planning to bring the food court experience back, and more, through his Tiffin Food Court event. Starting Dec 8, foodies will find a deserted warehouse along Kelana Jaya LDP abuzz with a three-weekend long gastronomical fair. Held in collaboration with more than 30 vendors and partners, Tiffin Food Court wants to create the ultimate multi-layered food court experience serving food from every continent including hawker favourites and casual interpretations of haute cuisine, creative cocktails, music, parties, and more.

ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

The food court concept is not unique to us alone. All over the world, every country has its own interpretation of it. For example, NightQuarter at the Gold Coast, Australia has quickly become one of the city’s most iconic food destinations for the past two years. Every weekend locals and tourists flock to the precinct to experience the best in street food, authentic eats, market stalls and live entertainment.

Think Mediterranean back alleys meets street food culture — that’s what NightQuarter is like. Nestled among upcycled shipping containers, visitors can discover a kaleidoscope of global flavours, string lights, street art and over 100 regional vendors within the creative playground.

Set up in an open area across the road from the Helensvale Train Station and Helensvale Westfield Shopping Centre, NightQuarter offers an organic, buzzing