A soulful blend of culture, cuisine, and compassion took centre stage at QIU recently as the Soto Lamongan Charity Food Tasting Festival brought authentic Indonesian flavours to the heart of Ipoh — all for a noble cause.
Held at QIU’s Envee Restaurant, the festival introduced Ipoh’s very first authentic Soto Lamongan — a beloved Indonesian dish with golden chicken broth and signature herbs — under the warm guidance of Soto Lamongan advocate W.H. Mok and Geraldo Gelian. More than just a gastronomic event, the two-day celebration served a higher purpose: 100% of the proceeds were donated to Ray of Hope, a local charity that empowers youth with special needs.
The restaurant buzzed with visitors eager to taste the rich flavours of Soto Lamongan while making a difference in the lives of others. Attendees were also treated to an inspiring showcase by the students of Ray of Hope, who displayed their creative talents with pride and joy, reminding everyone of the transformative power of inclusive education and support.
Adding to the weekend’s energy, QIU’s Open Day on May 10 welcomed prospective students and families. With guided tours, faculty meet-and-greets, and programme briefings, the event offered visitors a deeper insight into QIU’s practice-oriented, industry-relevant academic environment.
Our School of Hospitality students played a central role in the event, from the kitchen to the front of house. The experience is sure to be beneficial in their future careers, providing more hands-on opportunities to sharpen their skills. They were guided by Mr Gelian and Mr Mok—the latter of whom is also our industry advisor for the ACCA programme.
More than just a bowl of soup, Soto Lamongan represents centuries of culinary tradition and emotional connection. With its rich golden chicken broth and signature Indonesian herbs, it delivers ‘a sip of home, across a thousand miles’.
As the final bowl was served and the final smile shared, the Soto Lamongan Charity Food Tasting Festival left behind more than satisfied palates — it left behind a legacy of kindness, culture, and community spirit.
