The event, held under the theme of “Malaysia Madani” and in support of the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, featured an array of authentic Malaysian dishes and desserts, live cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Among the attendees were ambassadors and representatives from Sri Lanka, Singapore, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and several other nations — many of whom attended with their families, adding to the warm and convivial atmosphere of the evening.

In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Dato’ Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, Ambassador of Malaysia to Belgium, emphasized that the festival was more than just a culinary showcase — it was a celebration of Malaysia’s unity in diversity.

“Food is one of the best ways to promote cultural exchange,” Ambassador Mohd Khalid said. “Through the rich aromas and flavours of our cuisine, we invite everyone to experience the journey of Malaysia — a nation where diversity, warmth, and togetherness define who we are.”

Guests were treated to a wide selection of Malaysia’s best-loved dishes, including satay, fried mihun, and a variety of traditional delicacies. Live cooking demonstrations of pisang goreng (fried banana fritters) and roti jala (Malaysian crêpes) delighted visitors, who were also encouraged to try their hand at preparing the dishes. The evening would not have been complete without teh tarik, Malaysia’s signature “pulled” milk tea, symbolising the shared moments that unite Malaysians of all backgrounds.

The festival also served as a platform to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026, an ambitious tourism campaign that aims to attract 47 million visitors and generate USD 69 billion in tourism revenue. Ambassador Mohd Khalid highlighted that Malaysia had already welcomed 18 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2025 — a 20% increase from the same period last year — signalling a strong recovery and renewed global interest in the country.

Malaysia’s growing prominence on the global stage was underscored by its recent recognition as the Best Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Destination 2025 at the World Tourism Awards.

“This honour comes at a pivotal moment,” Ambassador Mohd Khalid noted. “As Malaysia chairs ASEAN 2025 and prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we are ready to showcase our country’s beauty, culture, and hospitality to the world.”

The cultural segment of the evening featured live traditional music performances that captivated the audience. The first performance was delivered by Dr. Aisyah Khalid, the daughter of the Ambassador, who performed a traditional Malaysian song with elegance and passion. The second performance saw Ambassador Mohd Khalid himself join his daughter on stage, performing a heartfelt duet that received warm applause from the guests and highlighted the family spirit that defined the event.

A batik painting demonstration by Ms. Azra Khalid added an artistic touch to the celebration, showcasing Malaysia’s vibrant cultural artistry. Ambassador Mohd Khalid extended his gratitude to Datin Aniza, Chair of PERWAKILAN Ladies Brussels, and the members of the Embassy for their dedication and hard work in organizing the event.

As the evening concluded with the familiar refrain “Malaysia, Truly Asia,” guests — diplomats, families, and friends alike — departed with a deeper appreciation of Malaysia’s rich heritage and a renewed curiosity to explore the country’s culinary and cultural wonders.

Olha Pashchenko

EU Reflect – Brussels Correspondent