jeddah hilton shares malaysia's joy on the 50th anniversary of independence
Malaysia celebrates with displays of Gastronomical Delight in Jeddah
Blue skies and ocean, amazing beaches and landscapes, hospitality and gentle smiles, what else does Malaysia remind you of?
In fact, the beautiful country is a haven for tourists and a gastronome dreamland. Therefore, if you are a food connoisseur, the Hilton Hotel Jeddah has great news for you. From the 5th - 12th September the Jewels of the Bride of the Red Sea, in partnership with its sister Hilton, Kuala Lumpur will be hosting the Malaysian Food Festival 2007, in celebration of the country's 50th National Day.
"Malaysia is celebrating 50 years of nationhood throughout 2007 through out the world," explained the hotel's Business Development Manager Mr. Houssam Tanatawi. "Here at Hilton, our Malaysian Food Festival celebration will be packed with activities, showcasing Malaysia's historical journey for independence and successes, its rise as a tourist destination as well as its food".
Once an important stop in the spice-trading routes, Malaysia has turned its location to the advantages of its tourism industry. Last year over 67,679 Saudi tourists visited Malaysia, an increase of approx 26% from previous figures (53,000 in 2005). Fascinatingly despite the changes however, the nation's cuisine remains its most distinguishing trait.
Interestingly Malaysia's authentic cuisine replicates the country's individuality and social blueprint - a unique multi-cultural and multi-racial society living in harmony. "Malaysian food is one particular distinction of culinary diversity, which reflects the Malay people", explained Chef Simon Sperling of the Hilton Jeddah an expert in the region's cuisine. "Originating from its multi-ethnic population of Malay, Indian, Eurasian, Chinese, Nyonya and the indigenous peoples of Borneo, each dish characterizes its ethnic influences. For instance the well-known dish Satay (char grilled skewered meat or chicken with peanut sauce) originates from Malay. While Nonya dishes like Ayam buah keluak are hybrids of Malay and Chinese cooking."
Honoring the event will be HE Syed Mohamed Bakri Bin Syed Abd Rahman Al Jifri the Malaysian Consulate General to Saudi Arabia, among other notables from the diplomatic community. Tourism Malaya 2007, Malaysian Airlines and Pepsi are also supporting the activities and fun. Meanwhile Al Safina and Amwag restaurants will offer an extravagance of Malaya, China and Indian flavorsome choices. Gourmet guests can learn to prepare, cook and present fascinating traditional and new dishes, as Malaysian chefs and the hosting hotel's team including Chef Simon, demonstrate live their culinary skills.
"Of course chefs are like artist and this is more obvious in Malaysia", continued Simon. "To give our guests a real taste of Malaysia, we are flying in three award-winning chefs from the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, thanks to Malaysian Airlines."
The Malaysian Food Festival no doubt will firmly establish the country as a premier fine dining spot. As the popular tourism catchphrase goes - Malaysia is truly a land of fascinating sights & sounds ... and food!
