2018 MALAYSIAN FOOD BAZAAR AT RUMAH MALAYSIA IN PARIS
PARIS: The Malaysian Ladies Association (PERWAKILAN) Paris led by their chairperson Puan Lilis Surianty collaborated with the Embassy of Malaysia in organizing the Malaysian Food Bazaar in Paris on April 7, 2018. This is the second Malaysian Food Bazaar organized in the last three years. In between, various Ramadhan Food Bazaars have been organized by PERWAKILAN.
The bazaar was held at Rumah Malaysia, Residence of the Ambassador of Malaysia to France. It was a fund raising effort with some of the proceeds channelled to assist Malaysians in distress in France. During the bazaar, the garden of Rumah Malaysia was filled with many guests savouring the available assortment of authentic Malaysian cuisine prepared by PERWAKILAN and the staff of the Embassy. Guests were delighted to savour authentic dishes, drinks, and deserts such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa Johor, Curry Mee, Char kway teow, Murtabak, Teh Tarik, and Cendol. Anticipating the high demand for souvenirs from visitors, Malaysian handicraft was also sold at the Malaysian Food Bazaar.
As the aroma of mouth-watering food permeated the grounds ofRumah Malaysia, HE Datuk Ibrahim Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to France, bade farewell to the crowd in his welcoming remarks since the 2018 Malaysian Food Bazaar is the last event hosted by him in his capacity as Ambassador. Noticing many are eager to get a taste of Malaysian food, HE Datuk Ambassador promulgated that food is the bridge linking people, places, and understandings. With the relatively recent social media firestorm sparked by criticism from Masterchef UK Gregg Wallace directed at Malaysian contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin that her chicken rendang was not crispy, HE Datuk Ambassador acknowledged events such as this bazaar could foster better appreciation, acceptance, and awareness of traditional food from other regions.
In addition, exposure was given to the diverse population of Malaysia through the various songs played throughout the Bazaar. Promotion of Malaysia was also done through the distribution of brochures and goodie bags.
The Bazaar attracted more than 900 guests who were drawn to the event with their families and friends. Among the crowd included ASEAN Ambassadors; members of the French and international women associations in Paris; the French public; and the international community including Malaysians in France.
HE Datuk Ambassador was enamoured with the success of the Food Bazaar as reflected in the high turnout of guests resulting in most of the food and drinks being sold out. He congratulated PERWAKILAN for this initiative as this event is a crucial component of soft diplomacy efforts to raise the profile of Malaysia in France. The finale of the Bazaar was a Raffle draw offering many attractive prizes including 4 return trip tickets to Malaysia courtesy of Oman Air.
Embassy of Malaysia, Paris
13 April 2018
The Malaysian Food Bazaar was well received by those who attended.
Guests at the entrance of the Malaysian food bazaar.
HE Datuk Ambassador delivering the welcoming speech.
HE Datuk Ambassador (centre) handing out the grand prize of return air tickets sponsored by Oman Air.
Puan Lilis Surianty, President of PERWAKILAN (left); and Puan Farisha Salman, Vice President of PERWAKILAN.
Guests eager to get a taste of Malaysian food.