ASEAN SUMMIT: TRADITIONAL 'KUIH MUIH' AND 'NASI LEMAK BUNGKUS' TAKE CENTRE STAGE AS MALAYSIA’S FOOD DIPLOMATS

By Samantha Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) — The inviting aroma of nasi lemak and traditional Malaysian kuih-muih welcomed delegates attending meetings ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to take place from tomorrow until Oct 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

This embodies Malaysia's “soft power”, where diplomacy does not necessarily take place at the negotiation table, but can also begin with “food diplomacy” — through a packet of nasi lemak and a piece of kuih.

As meetings and policy discussions take place, Parkview Cafe on Level 1 of KLCC offers delegates a space to enjoy a cup of coffee and create new memories that are sure to be cherished.

Secretary of the ASEAN Main Logistics Secretariat Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nuryante Mohd Yazid, stated that the concept being highlighted is to provide comfort and a sense of closeness to the guests through traditional Malaysian cuisine.

Speaking to Bernama today, she said the initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen the promotion of small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs), local products, and to showcase Malaysia’s culture and identity.

Nuryante explained that the traditional Malaysian menu has been expanded this year, following the positive feedback received from the 46th ASEAN Summit held last May.

"Previously (during the 46th Summit), only five types of kuih were served, but now there are seven or eight. Among them are tepung bungkus, kuih cara, and kuih kacang. The most interesting, however, is the nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaf, which is synonymous with the people's breakfast, and we want the delegates to enjoy it."

“In previous events, nasi lemak was also served, but this time it is presented wrapped in banana leaves to make it more appealing and offer a new experience to the international delegates,” she said.

Nuryante said that two classic Malaysian desserts, ABC and cendol, remain on the Parkview Cafe menu after receiving a warm response from delegates at previous events.

In addition, she said the delegates were also served local ice cream, Inside Scoop, with several flavours through a creative collaboration, such as the Twiggies bread flavour from Gardenia, Spanish Latte flavour from Zus Coffee, and chocolate flavour from Beryl's.

Meanwhile, Thailand Embassy officer Wiyaporn Chooyok said her morning coffee break turned into a memorable experience of Malaysia’s warmth and hospitality, especially with a packet of nasi lemak that caught her attention.

"It's spicy and tasty. In Thailand, our food is also spicy, but this one (nasi lemak) is balanced with spice and sweetness. I love it," she said.

For Timor-Leste delegate Natalia Sarmento, she found familiar flavours in Malaysia's traditional delights.

"It's tasty and really good," she said with a smile after sampling steamed palm sugar cake (kuih talam gula melaka).

Sarmento said she was delighted to see how closely the cuisines of the two countries are connected.

"We have similar dishes but in Timor-Leste our food has more of a Portuguese and Indonesian influence. That's why Malaysian food feels familiar, it reminds me of home," she added.

Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025 under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability" will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28, bringing together leaders from all 10 ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan and India. 

The summit is expected to be the largest ASEAN gathering since the organisation's establishment in 1967, reflecting the region's growing prominence and the increasing global interest in ASEAN's strategic role.

This will be Malaysia's fifth time chairing ASEAN, following its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.

-- BERNAMA