By Roy Lie Atjam
On a sunlit summer day, 27 June 2026, the Malaysian Food Fair (MFF) once again transformed the grounds of the Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague into a vibrant celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Co-organised by the Embassy of Malaysia and PERWAKILAN The Hague, the annual event welcomed visitors from across the Netherlands to experience the authentic tastes and warm hospitality of Malaysia.
Held under the theme “A Delicious Taste of Malaysia,” this year’s edition featured 12 food stalls—an increase from 10 in 2025 due to popular demand—offering an impressive selection of homemade Malaysian dishes, desserts, and beverages. Guests enjoyed favourites such as satay, rendang, roti canai, karipap, kuih nyonya, and cendol, alongside regional specialities including laksa Johor, chee cheong fun, nasi campur, and mee kuah utara, showcasing the diversity of Malaysian cuisine from both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.
The opening ceremony featured a lively dikir barat performance by members of the Malaysian diaspora. Originating from the state of Kelantan, this traditional art form combines rhythmic clapping, music, and improvised poetry, captivating the audience with its energy and cultural richness.
In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Dato’ Roseli Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Netherlands, noted that the Malaysian Food Fair has been a popular fixture in The Hague since 2004. He highlighted the event’s role in promoting Malaysia’s cultural diversity and expressed his appreciation to both returning visitors and first-time guests for their continued support.
Beyond its culinary attractions, the fair offered complimentary tastings of tropical fruits, including mangosteen, rambutan, mango, and duku, as well as lucky draws featuring Malaysian products. Visitors also enjoyed interactive cultural activities, including traditional dance, quizzes on Malaysian history, and demonstrations of traditional attire such as the kain pelikat.
The Embassy of Malaysia expressed its sincere appreciation to the many volunteers, vendors, and partners—including Agriculture Malaysia, MATRADE Rotterdam, and Tourism Malaysia The Hague—whose support contributed to another successful edition of the Malaysian Food Fair.
