Kuching’s The Gourmand officially opens flagship grocer at Wisma Elica
- BT
- 8 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 5 September 2026: Kuching-based neighbourhood grocer, The Gourmand enters a new chapter with the official opening of its 15,000 sq ft flagship store at Wisma Elica earlier today, bringing a distinctly design-led grocery experience to the city, following the success of its first outlet at Gala City.
Designed by Neuman Studios / One Design Office (ODO) Asia, The Gourmand’s flagship store takes a more considered approach to grocery retail, bringing together food, design and hospitality in a space created for customers to browse, discover and stay awhile with highlights including a casual grab-and-go dining section, complete with a self-serve noodle bar, which allows customers to enjoy products they’ve just picked up. Meanwhile, a demo kitchen and workshop space will host tastings, cooking demonstrations and other experiences in the future.
The grand opening today was graced by the Mayor of Kuching South, Dato Wee Hong Seng, Wisma Elica Managing Director, Dato Bobby Ting and Director at The Merchant Connection (which operates The Gourmand), Vivien Khor, who also toured the store after the ribbon cutting ceremony and lion dance performances.
“Our first store at Gala City taught us what our customers value from a neighbourhood grocer,” said Vivien Khor. “This flagship is us expanding on that same philosophy, but with a much bigger canvas to play with. We wanted to create a space that feels different from a conventional supermarket, a place where the products and experience come together.”
“For us at Elica Equity, it has been a pleasure working with The Gourmand on this project. I would like to thank Mr. Khor and his team for the trust and confidence that they’ve placed in us by choosing Wisma Elica as a new home for The Gourmand. I wish The Gourmand every success and I hope that it becomes a firm favourite for everyone in Kuching,” said Dato Bobby Ting in his speech.
“Economic development must go hand in hand with sustainability. We want our city to grow but we also want to make sure we’re growing responsibly,” said Dato Wee Hong Seng in his officiating speech, commending The Gourmand’s use of self-destructing biodegradable plastic bags. The Kamikaze range by NakedWonders is powered by Lyfecycle’s self-destructing plastic technology, which allows the bags to degrade naturally in open-air terrestrial environments, leaving no microplastics or toxins behind.
“As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kuching has a very strong food identity, which will continue to connect our food heritage with entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, so that our gastronomy can continue to create a greater economic opportunity for our people,” he concluded.
The new flagship store is a significant step forward for The Gourmand, which builds on the neighbourhood grocer concept that first established the brand. At the heart of the shopping experience is The Gourmand's thoughtfully sourced selection of local and international products and produce. The larger format allows the brand to offer a broader range spanning fresh produce, pantry staples, specialty finds, and everyday essentials, bringing together familiar favourites with aisles of products that invite discovery. The Gourmand also works closely with several up-and-coming local artisan brands, championing quality, small-batch products alongside its international selections.
The Gourmand sits on the ground floor of Wisma Elica, the newly revitalised development that brings together hospitality, wellness, and retail under one roof. Located approximately five minutes from Kuching International Airport, the development is also home to voco Kuching by IHG and Care Collective, creating a new destination for both the local community and visitors to the city.
“We're incredibly proud to be part of what Wisma Elica is creating,” added Khor. “There's something very exciting about bringing food, hospitality, and wellness together under one roof, and we look forward to welcoming people into The Gourmand and becoming part of their everyday routines.”
