BEIJING: A festive atmosphere filled the air as homesick Malaysians thronged the embassy compound here for some home-cooked meals.

       It was a precious moment where people could get together while savouring their favourite dishes.

       A corner of the Malaysian Embassy was turned into a mini Ramadan bazaar, offering a variety of food including sata (grilled fish paste), gulai itik (duck curry), chicken in spicy coconut sauce, sambal sotong, murtabak and an assortment of traditional desserts.

       The event was a treat as most Malaysians here had not been home for over two years due to the pandemic and were craving Malaysian food.

       Businessman Jeffrey Kok was among those who left with a big smile and bags of food during the event on Sunday.

       “I am going to share this with my Chinese friends and I am sure they will love it,” he said.

       Kok, who ran a Malaysian restaurant here, urged the government to intensify the promotion of Malaysian cuisine.

       “We have good food but the dishes are not popular among the Chinese, compared to Thai cuisine, due to a lack of promotion.

       “The locals know about Thai tom yam, Singapore chicken rice but not our nasi lemak,” he said.

       His restaurant closed down in 2008 when the building was demolished for a city development project.

       Housewife Shirlyn Hoe thanked the embassy for organising the event, saying it was probably the best food she had since March 2020.

       “It is also good to meet and mingle with fellow Malaysians from around the city,” she said.

       She hopes that the embassy can do it on a monthly basis while suggesting that cooking classes on Malay dishes be organised.

       Earlier this month, the embassy also held a Ramadan bazaar, operated entirely by children of diplomats with help from the adults.

       The event saw the kids serving their foreign schoolmates and friends tempoyak fish, apam pisang (banana pudding), popia, prawn fritters, sambal clams and pineapple pajeri, among others.

       It was initiated by Tengku Datin Sofia Dora Mohamad, the wife of Malaysian Ambassador to China Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, with an aim to instil entrepreneurship among the children while promoting Malaysian food and culture to foreigners.