The first ever Malaysian food bazaar was successfully organized by the ladies of PERWAKILAN Muscat, led by Puan Faridah Shariff, President of PERWAKILAN Muscat. The event was held at the official residence of the Ambassador of Malaysia to Muscat on Saturday, 21 February 2015 to coincide with the Chinese New Year celebration. It was well attended by Malaysians in Oman, the diplomatic circle, media representatives, ASEAN communities as well as Omanis.
More than 15 stalls were beautifully set up to sell more than 50 varieties of Malaysian food such as roti canai, nasi lemak, mee goreng, satay, nasi ayam, laksa nasi, nasi tomato, nasi kerabu, ayam percik and many more. Mouthwatering deserts such as cendol, tapai, bubur kacang, pengat pisang, onde-onde and bingka ubi were also made available to the huge crowd who came to taste Malaysian food and experience the pasar-like environment. The aroma of the chicken and beef satay being grilled, the roti canai being tossed and twirled with the sound of ice for cendol being shaved in the background made the day a truly fulfilling day.
The Omanis, ever lived and studied in Malaysia, met at the bazaar voiced their happiness to be able to experience such moments again after so many years and hope that such events would be made an annual event. Ladies from the ASEAN Ladies Circle (ALC) and diplomats from the diplomatic corp also came to support the event and were introduced to Malaysian crafts such as the hand painted batik, tikar mengkuang, kain sarong, bunga telur and others. At hand to add variety to the bazaar, Nehad Agronomy had also joined in the festivities by selling locally grown vegetables and fresh flowers, which were a tremendous hit among the women. Fresh fish was also available, courtesy of Malaysians whom have been hit by the fishing mania in Oman.
The event also received media coverage by the local dailies which helped to promote the uniqueness of Malaysian food and crafts and especially the pasar like atmosphere to the people of Oman.
Malawakil Muscat
23 February 2015
