PARIS: The Embassy of Malaysia, the Malaysian Ladies Association (PERWAKILAN) Paris, and the Malaysian Association in France (MAF) organized a Malaysian Food Bazaar after a lapse of nearly a decade.
The bazaar was held at Rumah Malaysia, Residence of the Ambassador of Malaysia to France. It was a fund raising effort with proceeds to be donated to charitable organisations which support a range of good causes both in France and Malaysia. During the bazaar, the garden of Rumah Malaysia overflowed with an assortment of authentic Malaysian cuisine.
Guests were delighted to savour dishes such as Nasi Lemak (Malay fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf), Satay (a dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce), Nasi Kerabu (blue-coloured rice with dried fish or fried chicken, crackers, pickles and other salads), laksa (noodles in tangy fish broth), Sabah village chicken stew, Char Kuey Teow (stir-fried rice cake noodles), and home-baked ‘Kuih’. Patrons also had the opportunity to quench their thirst with authentic Malaysian drinks such as Teh Tarik, Bandung, Asam boi, and blended corn.
The spread of Malaysian dishes was prepared by PERWAKILAN, the staff of the Embassy and MAF members. A designated area for the retailing of Malaysian handicraft was provided not only to promote Malaysian products but also to cater for the high demand for souvenirs by visitors. As the delicious aroma of food permeated the grounds of Rumah Malaysia, HE Dato’ Ibrahim Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to France, highlighted in his welcoming remarks that this bazaar is a cause for celebration to commemorate His Majesty the King of Malaysia’s Birthday as well as to showcase Malaysian diversity through its myriad of cultures and cuisine.
In addition, Malaysia's multi-ethnicity had been narrated through the various songs played on a regular basis at Bazaar. Promotion of Malaysia was also done through the distribution of brochures and goodie bags. To reach out to the visitors, Embassy staff and volunteers had been available to provide assistance.
For Malaysians living and working in France as well as many Malaysian students, the event was an occasion to savour familiar Malaysian delicacies and meet their friends from Paris and different parts of France.
Puan Lilis Surianty, President of PERWAKILAN and the Bazaar Committee, acknowledged with deep appreciation to all the French and Malaysians who had fully committed themselves to ensuring the success of the Bazaar. “We are particularly grateful to all those who contributed in either cash or kind for the Bazaar”, she added.
HE Dato’ Ambassador was enamoured with the success of the Food Bazaar as reflected in the high turnout of guests resulting in all the food and drinks being sold out. He congratulated PERWAKILAN for this initiative as it would also enrich Malaysia’s image in France.
The finale of the Bazaar was a Raffle draw offering many attractive prizes including accommodation vouchers at Parisian five-star hotels such as Hotel Meurice, Hotel Hyatt Park Vendome and Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand; a luxurious stay at Chateau D’Ardree in the Loire Valley, shopping vouchers at Printemps Department store, boat cruises, cooking workshop at Ecole de Cordon Bleu and many more.
Embassy of Malaysia, Paris
8 June 2016
