Selera Malaysia Food Festival in Hanoi blends flavor, culture, and diplomacy
The festival opened this week at the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, offering Vietnamese diners an immersive experience of Malaysian cuisine and culture, featuring heartwarming dances and delicious curries.
THE HANOI TIMES - Running until August 3, the five-day event is a celebration of people-to-people diplomacy, regional friendship, and the growing cultural ties between Vietnam and Malaysia .
Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam, kicks off the event on July 30. Photo courtesy of the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
Hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Vietnam, the annual food festival delights taste buds and serves as a platform to promote tourism, intercultural understanding, and diplomatic goodwill.
This year's event coincides with Vietnam's 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN, marking a significant milestone in the two countries' commitment to regional unity and cooperation.
"I’ve always believed in people-to-people diplomacy, and a big part of that is sharing our food and culture," Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam, said in his welcoming speech.
"There is a Malay saying: 'Tak kenal maka tak cinta' — to know something is to love it. Through Selera Malaysia, we hope our guests will come to know and love Malaysian culture,” he stated.
A vivid art performance showcases the rich culture of Malaysia.
The festival gathered two distinguished Malaysian guest chefs: Mohd Mustaqim Bin S Samsudin and Ku Muhammad Gbrail, who have curated a menu that captures the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic culinary identity, a harmonious blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences.
Chef Mustaqim shared with The Hanoi Times that Malaysian cuisine is like a journey through the country's land, climate, people, and history.
“Each dish reflects a region, a tradition, and a story, from Penang’s fiery street food, like udang sambal cili merah, to daging rendang dendeng from Perak, a slow-cooked delicacy known as the ‘art of patience,’ often enjoyed during festive family gatherings,” he stated.
Chef Mustaqim serves the laksa dish at the gastronomic event.
For those with a sweet tooth, the festival also features desserts such as sago gula melaka, sago pearls soaked in palm sugar and coconut milk, offering a nostalgic taste of Malaysia’s tropical indulgence.
Beyond the kitchen, guests were treated to a cultural performance by the DBKL Dance Troupe which showcased Malaysia’s unique blend of ethnic traditions.
In his remarks, Ambassador Tan extended heartfelt congratulations to Vietnam on three decades of ASEAN membership and acknowledged the country’s vital role in building a cohesive and forward-looking Southeast Asia. "Malaysia is proud to have Vietnam as a close partner in keeping ASEAN central, united, and progressive. Vietnam’s dedication has strengthened our regional family through economic integration, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Flavorful salad specialties from East Malaysia.
Since its first launch in 2017, the Selera Malaysia Food Festival has grown into a highly anticipated event in Hanoi’s cultural calendar. It celebrates not just cuisine, but also cultural identity, bilateral friendship, and tourism exchange.
