MALAYSIA LEADS REGION IN HERITAGE-INSPIRED, SUSTAINABLE DINING TRENDS - MARRIOTT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's culinary scene is taking centre stage in Asia Pacific's dining evolution, as Marriott International unveiled its Future of Food 2026 report through an immersive culinary showcase, 'Flavours of the Forgotten' in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the nation's growing influence in sustainable and local heritage-driven gastronomy.

According to the report, the Asia Pacific dining landscape is undergoing a transformation driven by comfort-led menus, sensory experiences, including the rise of local provenance and sustainable sourcing.

In Malaysia, these shifts are already evident as Marriott’s survey of Food and Beverage (F&B) teams across 270 properties in 20 Asia Pacific markets found that 68 per cent of Malaysian diners now prefer local Asian cuisine, while 74 per cent of properties serve traditional dishes prepared with heritage methods.

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Meanwhile, 42 per cent reported higher demand for comfort food, compared to a regional average of 29 per cent.

“These findings position Malaysia among the region’s most dynamic culinary markets, where diners crave authentic, approachable experiences that connect deeply to culture and community,” said Marriott in a statement today.

The culinary showcase, curated by Executive Chef Nor Azizi, presented the country's indigenous ingredients such as ulam raja, daun kaduk, daun pegaga and kerdas in a modern fine-casual menu developed in collaboration with Malaysia’s pioneering urban-farm collective, BoomGrow.

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In conjunction with the event, Marriott Bonvoy also featured local partners who played a key role in shaping the country’s sustainable dining future, demonstrating that responsible sourcing and innovation could seamlessly blend with comfort and craftsmanship.

According to Marriott International's Vice President of F&B in Asia Pacific (excluding China), Petr Raba, comfort food is becoming the new symbol of luxury across the Asia Pacific region, and this shift holds particular significance in Malaysia, where food is deeply tied to heritage and storytelling.

“Across Asia Pacific, comfort food is emerging as the new luxury. In Malaysia, that evolution is especially powerful, where every ingredient tells a story and every recipe reflects a legacy. ‘Flavours of the Forgotten’ celebrates that dialogue between heritage and innovation, and reminds us that the most meaningful meals are those rooted in culture and conscience,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

Raba said that collaborations with local pioneers such as BoomGrow, WonderBrew and Korte Chocolate × Hétam+ demonstrate how sustainability, creativity and authenticity are shaping the next era of dining in Malaysia.

The report also revealed that Malaysia leads the region in digital transformation, with 95 per cent of Marriott properties managing bookings digitally and 84 per cent integrating feedback systems to enhance guest experiences.

Other key findings include rising demand for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, a revival of heritage ingredients such as fermented condiments and artisanal salts, as well as the growing influence of local social enterprises in driving sustainability and biodiversity across Asia’s food ecosystem.

While entertainment-driven dining continues to grow across the region, Malaysian diners remain grounded in the familiar of valuing food that comforts, connects and tells a story, reflecting the report’s broader theme that 'comfort is the new luxury'.

-- BERNAMA