Malaysian breakfast seeks UNESCO recognition

Anyone who has visited Malaysia knows that food bursting with flavour is an integral part of the national culture. And it is not just found in a fine dining experience. Delicious dishes like beef rendang, curry laksa and mee goreng are readily available at all sorts of outlets and are enjoyed on a daily basis, often at very low prices.

One of the best ways to enter the Malaysian dining experience is in the morning hours, when some national staples are served. These include Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai and Teh Tarik, all of which constitute a flavourful morning repast without being too filling.

The government of Malaysia has decided to recognize these three dishes with an application for consideration by UNESCO for inclusion on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This simple meal motivates many Malaysians in the morning, and holds profound significance in Malaysia’s culinary heritage.

They also represent a Malaysian custom of embracing multiculturalism, where individuals from diverse backgrounds gather to savour and share these morning meals.

Recently, the Malaysian consulate general of Malaysia held a special event to prepare, showcase and serve these dishes to a small gathering of dignitaries. They assembled at the rambling heritage Aberthau Mansion near the Spanish Banks beaches of West Vancouver, and heard a presentation about the cultural significance of these breakfast treats. Each of the three dishes were then prepared by a team of young chefs, and tabled for the guests – all of whom seemed very pleased with the results.

The application for UNESCO recognition is now underway, with the Malaysian breakfast dishes first submitted for review in 2023. A decision is expected at the end of two years of evaluation and examination.