Satay hits the spot at Auckland International Cultural Festival
Thousands braved grey skies last Sunday to attend the annual Auckland International Cultural Festival where 47 cultures were represented in food, arts and craft, and performance arenas.
Malaysian beef rendang was a clear favourite on the day with one festival-goer saying her “biggest thrill of the day was getting Beef Rendang from the Malaysian Kitchen. The first taste and we were back in our young years when we lived in Malaysia. It was heavenly.”
The annual multi-cultural extravaganza (Sunday 27 March) was a visual treat, not only showcasing the culinary flavours of the world but featuring an array of music, dance, arts, crafts and sports, each specific to the 47 nations involved.
Thousands of visitors ignored the threat of rain to enjoy the wealth of colour, including Auckland Mayor Len Brown, Trade Commissioner, Matrade Sydney, Mr Md Shaiful Md Sharif who flew in for the event, and the Hon. Phil Goff.
Len Brown and Shaiful Sharif demonstrated their percussionary skills on the Burundian drums during the official ceremonies and enjoyed a feast of Malaysian flavours from the Malaysia Kitchen Programme pavilion including satay, beef rendang and the unique ‘boxing chicken’ from Auckland Malaysian restaurant The Mustard Seed.
Four of Auckland’s top Malaysian restaurants - KK (Epsom), Sri Puteri (Panmure), Taste of Malaysia (Manukau) and The Mustard Seed (Auckland CBD) served up iconic Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak, mee goreng, dosai and roti.
The boxing chicken – a mouth-watering deep-fried chicken served in a special hot, sweet and sour sauce – was a standout hit with festival-goers with Len Brown among its many fans.
More than 1,000 servings were dished up throughout the day from the Malaysian Kitchen Pavilion.
About the Malaysia Kitchen Programme for New Zealand
The Malaysia Kitchen Programme celebrates the heritage and cultural diversity of Malaysian cuisine, from authentic traditional delicacies to complex gourmet fusions of subtle flavours and rich spices.
Malaysian cuisine is a blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian food traditions which makes up the fascinating interplay of delicious flavours.
The Malaysia Kitchen Programme promotes Malaysian restaurants in New Zealand and encourages Kiwis to try Malaysian cuisine. It features a series of exciting epicurean activities and events to engage and delight the taste buds.
The programme is initiated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). There are more than 45 Malaysian restaurants in New Zealand, 25 in Auckland and 20 in Wellington.
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