The newsletter is part of the Malaysia Kitchen for the World program, a global initiative of the Malaysian government that aims to educate and inform consumers about Malaysian cuisine and Malaysian restaurants throughout the world. The New York campaign seeks to boost interest among American food lovers to try Malaysian cuisine and visit Malaysian restaurants in the New York metropolitan area as well as in other locations in the United States. The program also seeks to facilitate local chefs and restaurateurs to introduce Malaysian cuisine at their establishments. Visit malaysiakitchennyc.com for more information.

In Honor of Asia Pacific American Heritage Month, Malaysia Kitchen for the World Partners with the Malaysia Association of America for Day Celebrating Malaysian Food

Malaysia Kitchen for the World, a campaign launched by the Malaysian External Trade Corporation (MATRADE) to promote Malaysian restaurants and cuisine in the New York City metropolitan area, has partnered with the Malaysia Association of America to celebrate Asia Pacific American Heritage Month (May) with a special Malaysia Day to be held May 16, 2024 at the Flushing Mall in Queens, New York.

The theme for the event, "Taste of Malaysia," is centered around the bold, enticing flavors of this Southeast Asian country. Local Malaysian restaurants, including Satay Malaysian Cuisine (Queens), Asian Jewel Seafood (Queens) and Forbidden City (New Haven, CT), will offer special tastings of signature Malaysian dishes-from beef rendang to pineapple fried rice, acar (Malaysian pickles) and Malaysian desserts. The festivities will also include lively cooking demonstrations by Malaysian restaurant chefs as well as engaging Malaysian cultural dances, including the famous Chinese lion dance, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume. In addition, non-Malaysian restaurant chefs are invited to sample the cuisine and acquaint themselves with Malaysian flavors and ingredients in order to encourage them to introduce Malaysian or Malaysian-inspired dishes on their menus. Traditional Malaysian food will be available for purchase.

Malaysian cuisine is a fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian food traditions, sprinkled with Thai, Portuguese, and Middle Eastern influences. Yet it is still relatively little known-even in a sophisticated, multi-ethnic food capital like New York City. This event will create numerous opportunities for consumers and non-Malaysian chefs to gain a deeper understanding of the country and its food.

May 16, 2010, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Flushing Mall, Queens

133-31 9th Ave. at Prince St.

Malaysia Kitchen for the World Partnered with LUCKYRICE Festival for Inaugural Night Market, Chef Demo, and Special Malaysian James Beard House Dinner

Malaysia Kitchen for the World, partnered with LUCKYRICE Festival, an 11-day celebration of Asian food and culinary culture in NYC, for three special Festival events highlighting the delicious flavors of Malaysian cuisine. The events included a dedicated Malaysian Pavilion at the inaugural Night Market (Friday, April 30), a cooking demonstration by Chef Zak Pelaccio of Malaysian-inspired Fatty Crab and Fatty ‘Cue (Sunday, May 2), and an exclusive James Beard House dinner featuring the rich flavors of Malaysia with Chefs Zak Pelaccio and Simpson Wong of Café Asean (Monday, May 10).

Over 1,200 New York foodies and gastrohipsters gathered at the festival's inaugural Night Market hosted by Momofuku Chef David Chang under the Manhattan Bridge archway in Dumbo, Brooklyn. The outdoor feast featured a vibrant Malaysian section reminiscent of the open-air markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang serving up classic Malaysian hawker foods that draw upon the cuisine's Malay, Chinese and Indian influences-from stir-fried noodles to chicken satay and beef rendang sloppy joes. Chef Zak Pelaccio was on hand as well as vendors and Malaysian restaurants such as Laut, Café Asean, Penang and others from New York City and the tri-state area.

In addition, Zak Pelaccio was among the chefs conducting the Talk & Taste cooking demonstrations and tastings of their signature dishes at the International Culinary Center on May 2. Chef Pelaccio demonstrated his now-legendary Short Rib Beef Rendang -a rich, modern take on one of Malaysia's national dishes.

Finally, Chef Zak Pelaccio and Malaysian Chef Simpson Wong prepared an elegant 5-course dinner featuring Malaysian cuisine at its best at the renowned James Beard House on Monday, May 10th. The two chefs took turns presenting guests with their sophisticated renditions of traditional Malaysian fare, from kerabu salad to curry laksa and beef rendang.

Check out photos here. 

Family-friendly or fine dining, you can find a Malaysian restaurant to suit every taste at Malaysiakitchennyc.com

Please keep the Malaysia Kitchen for the World NY office updated on any relevant news and business developments by writing to info@malaysiakitchennyc.com.