The ASEAN-Japan Center held the “Malaysian Makan Journey Exhibition” at the ASEAN-Japan Hall with Malaysia gohan no kai to introduce the rich food culture of Malaysia.
The diversity of food situations that vary greatly depending on the region, culture, and ethnicity were introduced.
Ms. Oto Furukawa (Malaysian food culture writer), who visited various households in Malaysia, introduced food-related episodes, traditional sweets, and food situations in each city through exhibitions and talk events. The introduced cities were Ipoh, Penang, Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor, Kadet, and Kuching.
- By featuring eight cities in Malaysia, the diversity of food situations that vary greatly depending on the region, culture, and ethnicity were introduced.
- Focusing on home cooking, the event introduced real Malaysian life that general tourists rarely touch, such as cooking experiences in local Malaysian homes, the meaning that cooking and meals bring to families, and episodes related to cooking.
- Two talk events were held to supplement the exhibition, and the speaker talked about episodes during the shooting and additional information while looking at the photos (a total of 2 times for savory food and sweets).
- At the talk event, the speaker answered many questions that were submitted in advance, and more questions were raised by the audience on the day.
Voices of visitors
- Of the survey respondents (89 people), 99% responded that they were satisfied with the event.
- 100% of the survey respondents answered that “understanding of Malaysian food culture has deepened”.
- 98% of survey respondents answered that they wanted to travel to Malaysia after participating in the event.
- 99% of the survey respondents answered that “Food is the important factor when traveling.”
“I found the photos of the people who are cooking, ingredients, kitchen very interesting. Having learned much about the food at this event, I will be able to enjoy more when I travel to Malaysia.”
“I joined this event, hoping that I will know some typical Malay sweets before traveling, but I was surprised that there were so many types. I’m happy to think that I can travel with a purpose to enjoy food.”
“I was glad that I could learn about the dishes that Malaysians usually eat that are cannot be found in restaurants or stalls.”
“I want to travel all the regions of Malaysia and enjoy culture, people, and food!”
About the Event
Malaysian Makan Journey Exhibition: 35 days of cooking, eating and talking in 8 cities
Dates: 6 – 9, March, 2024
Venue: ASEAN Hall, ASEAN-Japan Center
Co-organized by: ASEAN-Japan Center, Malaysian Gohan no Kai
Visitors: Approximately 100 people
