Jakarta, El Sky News – The Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta officially launched the “Flavours of Malaysia” culinary festival, aimed at promoting Malaysian culture and strengthening culinary diplomacy between Malaysia and Indonesia. The event runs from November 18 to 26, 2025 at PA.SO.LA restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Food
Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, highlighted that cuisine serves as a strong cultural bridge between the two nations. “Shared history, traditions, ingredients, and cooking techniques reflect our close cultural ties,” he said.
Culinary Highlights
Chef Aik Choon Ng leads the kitchen, serving authentic Malaysian dishes including:
- Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s iconic coconut milk rice with sambal.
- Seafood Laksa – aromatic and spicy noodle soup.
- Roasted Chili Padi Chicken – traditional spicy Malaysian chicken.
- Snacks such as kueh pie tee, karipap ayam, and lumpia sayur.
- Salads like kerabu timun sambal belacan and rojak pasembur.
- Roti Canai and curry dishes.
- Desserts including kuih angku, onde‑onde, sago gula Melaka, bubur cha‑cha, pandan & durian ice cream, and ABC dessert.
- Innovative chocolate bites in flavors like hibiscus, mango, coconut, and yam.
The festival also aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s target to attract 4.37 million Indonesian visitors in 2025.
Statement from The Ritz-Carlton
Sumit Joshi, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, emphasized, “Each dish reflects the traditions, skills, and community of multiple generations. Food is a universal language that unites people across cultures.” The festival provides visitors an opportunity to experience authentic Malaysian flavors in Jakarta while celebrating cultural exchange between the two neighboring nations
