On the evening of 6 February 2026, a temporary BBQ stall appeared along the streets of Padungan in Kuching, adding to the lively atmosphere leading up to the Chinese New Year celebrations.
its not like those places we have seen on YouTube. The place is clean, neat and tidy. Individuals are moving to and fro with a large garbage bag to pick up, even a toothpick that accidentally fell to the ground.
Unlike permanent food stalls or night market vendors, this setup felt more like a festive pop-up, appearing only during the seasonal buzz before the Lunar New Year.
A handwritten sign announced the main attraction:
“Crispy Pork Belly Chon – RM15 per 100 grams.”
Large slabs of grilled pork and skewers were neatly arranged on banana leaves while customers gathered around, attracted by the smoky aroma drifting through the street.
The Charcoal Fire Behind the Stall
Behind the counter, the real process could be seen — a whole roll of pork belly slowly rotating above glowing charcoal.
This traditional charcoal roasting method takes time and attention. The skin gradually tightens and crisps while the fat melts into the meat, producing the rich aroma that draws people from a distance.
When ready, the roasted pork is chopped with a heavy cleaver into bite-sized portions, each piece showing layers of crispy skin, fat, and tender meat.
A Seasonal Street Moment
What makes this scene interesting is that it may not be a regular feature of Padungan’s food scene. For this case, the BBQ pit owner and the seller are Filipinos
Instead, it appears to be part of the pre-Chinese New Year street activity, when temporary stalls, festive food, and seasonal vendors appear to cater to the holiday crowd.
During this period, the streets often feel more alive than usual. People come out to shop, eat, and enjoy the festive atmosphere before the New Year arrives.
Small Stalls, Big Cultural Meaning
Scenes like this reflect the human side of city life.
A simple roadside BBQ stall represents:
- small entrepreneurs working late into the night
- traditional cooking methods still practiced today
- people gathering casually over good food
- the festive excitement leading up to Chinese New Year
These small moments may last only for a short period each year, but they contribute to the unique character of Kuching’s street culture.
Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are not found in big restaurants or tourist attractions, but in temporary street stalls where the smell of charcoal and roasted meat fills the night air….but now, where to find this yummy food?
Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) based on the author’s photos and observations. The final content has been reviewed and adjusted by the author for accuracy and context.