The High Commission of Malaysia and ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia organised Taste of Malaysia Food & Culture Festival between September 21 to 26, 2019.
The festival, held at The Pavilion Restaurant, ITC Maurya Hotel, showcased a diverse Malaysian dinner menu. ‘Taste of Malaysia’ presented the best dining experience from a wide range of Malaysian cuisine.
This festival is organised to celebrate 62 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and India. Two chefs from Malaysia had been specially invited to New Delhi to prepare and create the magic of authentic Malaysian food for this festival. Rojak Buah, Ayam Goreng Rempah, Keropok Ikan are amongst the food served on the exotic menu.
“We are very grateful as the cultural troupe from Sarawak Tourism Board performed during this festival and they showcased different forms of dance and played some traditional musical instruments,” said Dato’ Hidayat Abdul Hamid, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India.
He added, Malaysia is one of the few countries that has people from different backgrounds and religions living together. They celebrate festivals of other races with same enthusiasm as they celebrate their own. The country is known for its exceptional cuisine infused with spices and herbs that are deeply rooted in traditional home-style cooking, where fresh, top-quality ingredients and the flavours of each dish speak for themselves.
In 2018, tourist arrivals from India to Malaysia stood at 600,311, an increase of 8.6% compared to the previous year, with RM 2.7 billion in tourist receipts. In January until June 2019, a total of 354,486 Indian tourists visited Malaysia, a 15.2% increase compared to same period last year.
Tourism Malaysia aims to bring in 728,000 Indian tourists to visit Malaysia this year. The Malaysian government has eased visa requirements with the introduction of eNTRI and eVISA since March 2016 in a bid to welcome more Indian tourists.
“ITC Hotels believes in presenting the culture and ethos of a destination through culinary interpretation; a platform for cultural exchange through cuisine. I am sure the skilful Malaysian chefs are going to guide our Chefs at ITC Maurya in presenting authentic flavours from the heart of South East Asia to the heart of New Delhi said,” Benita Sharma, Area Manager North Luxury Hotels & General Manager, ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi.