Bendigo and the central Victorian region’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is celebrated in a new SBS Food TV series presented by celebrity chefs Adam Liaw and Poh Ling Yeow.
Adam and Poh’s Malaysia in Australia cooking series brings the two celebrity chefs together for the first time on-screen, travelling around Australia combining their Malaysian heritage with the best of Australian produce.
The six-part series, broadcast on SBS Food from 7 October, will also be promoted and aired in Malaysia and across Asia in 2022, targeting millions of potential viewers.
City of Greater Bendigo is partnering with Tourism Australia to fund the show as part of the Australia Now series.
During the series, Liaw discovers Bendigo and the region’s diverse food culture and produce. The celebrity chef visits award-winning restaurants Malayan Orchid and Masons of Bendigo and spends time at micro greens producer B&B Basil.
Liaw also tours the Great Stupa, the Bendigo Community Thursday Farmers Market, and finds a spot in Chancery Lane to cook up a famous Malaysian herbed rice salad using local produce to make a unique Bendigo dish.
City Manager Tourism and Major Events, Terry Karamaloudis said the City was heavily involved in the initiative to promote Bendigo and the region’s City of Gastronomy status as part of a new marketing drive to attract visitors from across Australia and to inspire Malaysian and Asian tourists to visit Greater Bendigo and the region in the future.
“The Australia Now program is an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to raise Australia’s innovative and creative reputation internationally, and Bendigo was selected as the only city in Victoria to be featured in the show to celebrate our status as a City of Gastronomy.
“Bendigo’s wonderful food culture and unique attractions will be seen by viewers in Australia and across Asia, and we hope that once international travel opens up next year more tourists from Asia will have Bendigo as a must-see destination on their travel itinerary.”
Liaw said, “At a time when international travel, tourism and trade has been so acutely affected, it’s more important than ever that we don’t forget our regional relationships.
“I hope we can help to promote Australian products and businesses into Malaysia and the Asia region generally, but also help keep Australia top of mind for potential visitors when tourism returns.”
