ISLAMABAD: The magic of Malay prevailed over food lovers when the Malaysian food festival opened in the capital on Friday night.

Islamabad Serena Hotel hosted the ‘Flavours of Malaysia’ festival in partnership with the Malaysian High Commission.

The festival will continue till September 21, the orgaisers said.

The festival also featured Malaysian music and a dance performance projecting the vibrant Malaysian culture.

The food festival was inaugurated by Malaysian High Commissioner Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, which featured food by renowned chef Rizal Bin Masir especially flown/brought in from Malaysia.

The organisers said the seven-day food festival represents a bond that dated back to 66 years marking friendship and support. In addition to a delectable feast, the event also featured a mesmerising cultural dance performance, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

The artists performed Melayu, Iban, Melanau, Bidayau and Orang Ulu dances, representing different regions and cultures of Malaysia.

Otto Kurzendorfer, General Manager Islamabad Serena Hotel, said: “Serena is delighted to welcome Chef Riezal Bin Masir, who is responsible for the superb meals and dancers who came from Malaysia to promote Malaysian culture and cuisine among Pakistanis. We are happy to work with the High Commission of Malaysia for bringing this amazing cuisineand cultural performances to Pakistan.”

High Commissioner Mohammad Azhar Mazlan said Malaysia and Pakistan have been enjoying an excellent relationship and cooperation because of mutual understanding, shared values as well as common interest in multifaceted areas.

“A taste and glimpse of Malaysian cuisines and culture by the Malaysian chef and cultural group from Sarawak Arts Council from the State of Sarawak would bring closer the cultures and traditions of Malaysia to the brotherly people of Pakistan,’ he added.

“My favourite part about the Malaysian food festival is people coming together like family,” the high commissioner said. Some of the culinary delights included kuey teuw cantonese, crispy chicken belacun sauce, kari ikan goreng which is fried fish curry.

The event is part of the month-long Independence Day celebrations in the Malaysian High Commission.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2023