Malaysia Kitchen to cook up a storm in Sandringham

The sublime flavours of Malaysian cooking will be available to sample at the Auckland International Cultural Festival in late March.

The free-entry festival is a multicultural feast of food, dance, sport, art and craft.

Several of Auckland’s top Malaysian restaurants have taken stalls at the event as part of the Malaysia Kitchen Programme, celebrating the tastes and flavours reflecting the multi-ethnic makeup of the nation.

Restaurants such as KK, Sri Puteri’s, Taste of Malaysia and The Mustard Seed are preparing an array of iconic Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak, mee goreng, rendang and satay.

Because Malaysia has been a key transit point in the ancient spice route, many cultures have influenced the country’s cuisine including Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese and Sumatran.

In addition to food, the community-oriented cultural festival brings to audiences a festive showcase of traditional performances across three stages including a dedicated youth performing arts arena and sports activities.

This Auckland Council-sponsored event features more than 100 stalls offering traditional foods from around the world, arts and crafts, clothing and other goods. Festival attendees have the opportunity to sample products from more than 40 nations.

The Malaysia Kitchen Programme is a year-long campaign initiated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to educate consumers about Malaysian cuisine and to encourage trial.

For more information on the Malaysia Kitchen Programme, please visit www.malaysiakitchen.my

The Auckland International Cultural Festival 2011 runs between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 27 March at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Park in Sandringham.

For more information about the festival visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/events/EventsCalendar/Pages/auckland_international_cultural_festival.aspx