MAY IS THE MONTH TO GET A TASTE OF MALAYSIA
Malaysian food is a reflection of Malaysia's diverse and exotic culture - a vibrant mix
of ethnic Malays, Chinese, and Indian, all together in one big melting pot.
Malaysians take enormous pride in their cuisine, reveling in its interesting potpourri
of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Inspired by its Chinese, Thai, and Indian
neighbors, Malaysian food strikes a delectable balance between all three
Southeast Asian influences.
This May, Tourism Malaysia's three North American offices will be introducing
Malaysia's delectable cuisine in Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver, BC. via
three food promotions:
IN LOS ANGELES:
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way is there to celebrate
than with food? Instead of doing the tried-and-true Sunday brunch or dinner,
come have an exotic celebration at the first annual 'Taste of Malaysia'
Food Festival, hosted by Tourism Malaysia Los Angeles.
The Taste of Malaysia Food Festival will be taking place this year at Santa Monica's
Third Street Promenade, from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, May 11, 2008.
Visitors can savor authentic Malaysian dishes, reminiscent of Malaysia's
famous hawker stall cuisine. Local vendors will be offering a variety of
delicacies at the festival, including satays, curry puff, and banana fritters for
just $5 per plate.
Taste of Malaysia festival attendees will not only get to indulge in the uniquely
flavorful food, but will also get a full cultural experience. The festival
stage will showcase Malaysian dance, music, and a lively teh tarik (pulling
tea) demonstration. In need of a last minute gift for Mom? Tour operators will
be offering special Malaysia vacation packages, the perfect treat for Mom, or for
yourself. A lucky guest may even win a free trip to Malaysia in a special raffle
drawing. The winner will be chosen at 4 PM at the festival (winner must be
present to collect prize).
The Festival Day's Highlights include:
12:30 PM and 2:30 PM - Mothers chosen from the audience will
get a chance to learn and compete in a teh tarik "pulling tea" competition
on stage. Whoever "pulls" the biggest will win a prize!
4:00 PM - Grand Prize Free Trip to Malaysia Drawing! Enter at the
Tourism Malaysia or Malaysia Airlines booths all day up to 4 PM. Winner must be
present to receive prize. Tour package courtesy of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines.
Chances to dance along and learn cultural dances and win trivia contest prizes all day!
If you cannot make it to the festival, there is still a month of promotions for Malaysia
Truly Kitchen Month, launching May 9 at Belacan Malaysian Grill in Redondo Beach.
Guests can try the 'Taste of Malaysia Signature Dish' for $12.95 with free
dessert. Nasi lemak - Malaysia's signature dish - is a platter with coconut steamed rice,
cucumber slices, dried anchovies, roasted peanuts, picked vegetables,
egg, meat, and sambal, a hot spicy sauce. There will be cultural
performances and live music at the launch event as well.
Belacan and three other participating restaurants will be offering the Taste of
Malaysia Signature Dish - Penang Malaysian Restaurant in West Covina,
Yazmin Malaysian Restaurantin Alhambra, and Satay Malaysian Grille in
Las Vegas, NV. The dish special will be available from May 9 - May 31, 2008.
(Please see list below for full addresses of participating restaurants)
IN NEW YORK CITY:
Malaysia's famous Nyonya cooking -- fusion cuisine that blends all the deliciousness
of Malay and Chinese dishes -- makes its debut in New York. Celebrity
Chefs Florence Tan and Ismail, as well as Chef Amy Koh and other
supporting check from Melaka and New York, will be featured at the United
Nations Delegates Dining Room from May 12 - 23, 2008.
The Malaysia - Melaka Food Festival at the United Nations will provide the 300-500
daily visitors to the Delegates Dining Room with a taste of the Southeast
Asian country's remarkable fusion foods. The selection process for this
honor is very competitive. In 2007, Tourism Malaysia New York was also
chosen to host the Malaysia-Kelantan Food Festival at the United Nations, from
which they received accolades from high-ranking officials, ambassadors
and others from the New York diplomatic community.
This opportunity allows for Malaysia to showcase its rich and colorful cuisine to a
sophisticated and diverse set of palates. The Festival also includes a Chef's
Table -- Journalists' Reception on May 13 and a Launching of Food Festival
by the Honorable Chief Minister of Melaka and Wife on May 14.
The appearance and contribution of Celebrity Chef Florence Tan is an added treat for
this Festival. Ms. Tan is famous for her nyonya recipes. She has appeared
in national broadcasts and in-person cooking demonstrations, and is a
household favorite in Malaysia.
Celebrity Chef Ismail, who has hosted shows such as Aroma, Sri Murni,
Kuih Raya, Hey Good Cooking, Wok and Roll, Makan Tapi Diet and more in
various channels in Asia, will also be on hand to demonstrate his Malaysian
cooking finesse. Chef Ismail is also the co-owner of the Restoran Rebung
(Chef Ismail), a delightful restaurant located in Kuala Lumpur.
Tourism Malaysia New York will work in conjunction to the Permanent Mission of
Malaysia to the UN and PERWAKILAN New York (Ladies Association of the
Permanent Mission of Malaysia) for the Food Festival.
IN VANCOUVER, BC:
In addition, Tourism Malaysia Canada will take part in the Food Network's 'EAT!
Vancouver' festival from May 23-25, 2008. The popular annual event, in
its sixth year, will host a Malaysian cooking booth as part of its delicious
festival. 'Eat! Vancouver' is Canada's largest consumer food, beverage and
cooking festival and will take place at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Tickets are available now online
For more information, please visit Tourism Malaysia Canada
TASTE OF MALAYSIA -- PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Belacan Grill
2701 190th St # 100
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(310) 370-1831
Penang Malaysian Cuisine
987 S Glendora Ave
West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 338-6138
Satay Malaysian Grille
3755 Spring Mountain Rd # 102
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 362-2828
Yazmin Malaysian Restaurant
27 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801-3514
Phone: (626) 308-2036
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