If you’re a fan of Malaysian culinary experiences or are in the midst of making your holiday plans, there’s plenty to look forward to at the “Eat, Love, Go Malaysia” Festival.
The event hosted by Tourism Malaysia Auckland aims to promote Malaysia as a destination of culinary adventures among its many attractions says its director Noorazrin Abdullah.
“There are many reasons to visit Malaysia, but food is one of the biggest reasons for people to do so as our unique cuisine is packed full of spices and flavour,” Noorazrin said.
Malaysia is known for its tropical climate and multicultural diversity, and of course being a food heaven. Its cuisine ranges from Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian and each state has different unique flavours to offer with regional variations and versions.
The Southeast Asian nation is a popular holiday destination for Kiwis. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, upwards of 50,000 visitors from New Zealand visited Malaysia annually - but that number dipped to just 18,000 in 2022.
Eat, Love, Go Malaysia is a tourism promotion initiative to “get Kiwis hungry to visit Malaysia again”, Noorazrin said.
Malaysia is an amalgamation of three main races - Malay, Chinese and Indian - and its culinary fare has influences from Thai, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Arabic.
Cynthia Sim, the festival’s ambassador, said the event would feature 10 vendors that would be selling unique and heritage dishes from Malaysia - most of which are not easily found in restaurants here.
These include Nasi Kerabu Air Mata and Laksam, dishes which has its origins from the East Coast of Malaysia by Mira and Musa, and durian drinks and cakes by Twentea and Chachacha.
Abby and Zul, from Malay Tiffin, will be serving Penang Nasi Kandar and satay at their stall while Shelly from Shelly’s Kitchen will be selling her childhood favorite curry puff, taufu fa and pisang goreng.
There will also be dodol, pineapple tart cookies and other homemade Malaysian cookies by Cik Aini and the ever-popular nasi lemak bungkus by Alimteh.
Other highlights will be the Malacca-style Portuguese egg tarts and rojak buah by Yuan Taste and curried chee cheong fan and lobak by Treasure Kitchen.
Cynthia Sim, who owns Agak Agak Food, will be bringing her specialty Sarawak laksa to the event.
“The event will be a great opportunity for foodies to discover and enjoy some Malaysia’s delicious culinary offerings before booking their holiday,” Cynthia said.
“It will also be great for Malaysians who miss the taste of some of these special dishes to get reconnected with the taste of home.”
House of Travel St Heliers is the official agent-partner for the event. Be the first 15 to book your Malaysian holiday with a $50 deposit at Eat, Love,Go Malaysia and become sure winners of mystery hotel stays.
Mark your calendars fo Eat.Love.Go Malaysia Festival. Saturday 14 September, 10am to 3pm, Park City 261 Morrin Road, St Johns.
