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Yan: Malaysia is a food paradise

New Straits Times


Saturday, Nov 19, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR - Celebrity chef Martin Yan said the tasty and "explosive" flavours of
Malaysian cuisine had inspired him to promote the country as a one-stop food paradise.

"I love Malaysia. I love its people, culture and especially, its food.

"The combination of fresh herbs and spices used in preparing Malaysian dishes is very
unique," said Yan, who is best known for his award-winning Yan Can Cook television show
in the United States.

"That's why I come to Malaysia every now and then to taste all sorts of food at hawker
stalls for new recipe ideas.

"I also try to incorporate local ingredients like belacan and santan into my cooking."

Yan said he planned to collaborate with Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, to
help promote Malaysia's food, culture and heritage on the international stage.

"We have been friends for a long time and I have always admired his dedication towards
showcasing Malaysia's exquisite flavours to the world."

The celebrity chef, who is based in San Francisco, said local dishes like nasi lemak, satay
and bak kut teh, were some of the most delicious food he had ever tasted. He also said he
visited Malaysian restaurants at least three times a month in the US.

Yan was in Malaysia yesterday for the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia exhibition held at the
Putra World Trade Centre, where thousands of people gathered to catch a glimpse of their
favourite celebrity chef in action.

Yan was invited by Lee Kum Kee, a sauce manufacturing company, to showcase his
culinary skills at the food fair.

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MALAYSIA-FOOD PARADISE

A salubrious good morning I bid to one and all. I am Paramesswaran as the


representative of R10 would like to give a speech on “Malaysia is a food paradise”.

As we all know that Malaysia is a melting pot country which is rich in culture. The
population is made of mainly Malay, Chinese and Indians while the Borneo sub ethnics
made out the most of west Malaysian population. Other than that three major ethnics,
there are more than a hundred of races in Malaysia, which leads to the existence sort
of foods that symbolise each race. Therefore, Malaysian aliment is very much reflective
of the diversity of the people staying here.

There are too many places which is famous with its some of traditional food such as
Kelantan is famous for its “Nasi Kerabu” which is in blue colour. But in Malaysia too
there is specific place to taste different kind of food which is an island known as
Penang Island. Most of Malaysians called this state as a food paradise because there
are so many things to eat with different tastes, colours and textures. There are some
popular hawker centre in Penang like Gurney Drive, Padang Kota Lama Food Court,
Padang Brown Hawker Centre, Sri Weld Food Court, and many popular and
recommended restaurant and food stall around the town. Don’t worry you’ll get starving
since many of them open 24 hour, and the price is cheaper than in the capital of the
country, Kuala Lumpur.

“Nasi Kandar” or “Kandar” rice is a main popular food in Penang Island. It is


originates from the culture of indian muslims which are also known as “mamak”. A set
of meal consist of rice and various dishes like vegetables, curry, meat, and some sweet
pickles. “Nasi Kandar” is quite similar to “Nasi Padang” in Indonesia where you can
choose the set based on your preference. ‘‘Kandar’’ means a wooden stick used to
sling the container of rice and dishes used very long time ago. This method makes the
rice and other dishes to cook for longer time and make it soft and well-cooked.

Furthermore, the dish called as “Char Kuey Tiow” also quite famous in Penang
Island. Mostly, the Chinese are more expert to cook this dish because it is one of their
common food in their entire life. “Char Kuey Tiow” which the “kuey tiow” is made up
from rice and we also can call the “kuey tiow” as rice noodles. They are using stir-fried
method by pouring egg, soy sauce, ketchup, sprout beans, sometimes with prawn,
chicken and many others. “Nasi Goreng Tomyam” or “Tomyam” fried rice which is
Malay meal, it’s like a usual seafood fried rice served with prawn, lemongrass, onions,
squid and chicken. Obviously, we can taste a strong “Tomyam” spices, eventhough we
are using different method that to cook “Tomyam”.
Last but not least, “Nasi biriyani” or “Biriyani” rice is the top rank favourite cuisine of
Penang Island.This “Biriyani” rice is very nice and delicious too in Kapitan Restaurant,
Little India area. “Biriyani” rice is an Indian main course made from “Bashmati” rice with
so many spices accompanied with beef, chicken, lamb.“Biriyani” rice is often served in
a big portion, enough for two normal portion. The rice was so spicy, and the meat also
soft, easy to bite, and the taste of the “Biriyani” still stick to our mouth eventhough we
eat completely because usage of the traditional method to cook.

In a nutshell, there are too many places with its own speciality in food and
beverages. So, there is no denial that Malaysia is a food heaven. We should be
snobbish to be a Malaysian and we must appreciate what we have. Thank you for
giving me this golden opportunity and lending me your ears to listen to this speech.
Hope you all have earned something from this speech today. Thank you.

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