Embassy of Malaysia celebrates Eid with cultural culinary fusion in partnership with Department of Tourism

MANILA, Philippines — In a vibrant celebration of Eid on April 10, the Embassy of Malaysia, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism, held a unique cultural and culinary event.

This year's celebration is not just about marking the end of Ramadan but also a reflection of the deep-rooted connections and shared histories between Malaysia and the Philippines, underscored by the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations.

The event, which coincides with the Filipino Food Month, highlighted the similarities between the cuisines of Malaysia and Mindanao, with a special focus on roti jala, chicken curry, sinulabay and chicken linigil.

The celebration, which took place at the Malaysian Embassy in Manila, commenced with the Eid prayer, followed by the food demonstration, provided an immersive experience into the rich culinary traditions that Malaysia and the Mindanao region share.

The chairperson of the Ladies Association of the Embassy of Malaysia, Siti Sadiah Ahmad Zaidi Adruce and chef Tahir Ayunan Malikol expertly demonstrated to the crowd how to make the delicacies.

Roti jala, often referred to as “lace pancakes,” is a traditional Malaysian delicacy that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. This intricate creation involves a batter of flour, eggs and coconut milk, poured through a small container with multiple holes to form delicate, net-like crepes.

These are then expertly folded and served alongside a hearty and aromatic chicken curry. The curry, rich with spices like turmeric, cumin and coriander, slow-cooked with tender chicken pieces, potatoes and coconut milk, offers a creamy and spicy complement to the soft, absorbent roti jala.

Together, they embody a culinary harmony, presenting a blend of textures and flavors that are deeply rooted in the Malaysian gastronomic tradition, cherished for their ability to bring people together over shared meals and cultural heritage.

On the Philippines’ end, sinulabay can be considered the local version of the Malaysian roti. Made with flour, coconut milk and a dash of turmeric, the mixture is prepared on a hot grill into a crepe-like shape.

The hot flatbread is accompanied by a hearty serving of chicken liniggil, a type of dry curry prepared with chicken, herbs and chillies cooked in turmeric, chicken liver, coconut milk and the star of the show—the palapa.

Palapa is a unique Filipino condiment, sweet and spicy on the palate, and is made with pounded ginger, turmeric, labuyo chili, toasted coconut and the sakurab, a kind of white scallion endemic to the provinces of Cotabato and Maguindanao. The palapa beautifully rounds off the linigil, giving it that uniquely Filipino flavor.

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, in his speech, expressed his enthusiasm: “This is a landmark year for Malaysia-Philippines relations, and what better way to celebrate this milestone and the shared joy of Eid than through the universal language of food. Our culinary traditions tell the story of our shared heritage, influences and the bonds that have been nurtured over six decades of friendship and diplomatic relations.”

“Eid is a celebration that signifies the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, a season of giving and a period of reflection and unity. It symbolizes the core values that both Malaysians and Filipinos hold dear, family, community and the spirit of togetherness. In the same vein, food plays a central role in our cultures, not just as sustenance, but as a means to bring people together, to share in our heritage and to express our love and hospitality.”

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, represented by Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar of the Office of Muslim Affairs and Mindanao Promotions shares this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of culinary diplomacy in bridging cultures.

“Food is a powerful medium that brings people together, transcending borders and linguistic barriers. This event is a testament to our shared values, history and aspirations. It’s a celebration of unity, diversity and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Malaysia, and it is perfect to have it during an auspicious day such as Eid, while also coinciding with our own Filipino Food Month.”

Guests also feasted on an elaborate spead prepared by ambassador’s chef, Ammar Syafiq bin Ayob and officers and spouses at the Embassy which included nasi minyak, lemang, rendang ayam, sambal udang, lontong, kuah kacang and satay.