Malaysia’s Breakfast Culture Inscribed On UNESCO Heritage List, Showcased In Bahrain
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Embassy in Manama, Bahrain has showcased the country’s iconic breakfast culture through the event “Breakfast Culture in Malaysia: Dining Experience in a Multi-Ethnic Society”.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Bahrain Shazryll Zahiran said the event, held in The Gulf Hotel, Manama, featured Malaysia’s best-loved breakfast dishes; nasi lemak, roti canai and teh tarik.
“This is something very important and very special for Malaysia as we are trying to share an experience that you have never felt before on the shores of Bahrain. I am able to introduce you to three types of food that have been registered under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), under the Breakfast Heritage of Malaysia, namely nasi lemak, teh tarik and roti canai.
“By sharing this experience with you, I hope it will open your eyes and you will have a glimpse of what you can experience if you were to travel to Malaysia,” he said in an Instagram post.
The embassy in a statement said that Malaysia’s breakfast culture was officially inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay in December 2024.
"Breakfast Culture in Malaysia: Dining Experience in a Multi-Ethnic Society” is comfort food enjoyed by the multiracial Malaysian society and is available everywhere in Malaysia, especially for breakfast. The dishes symbolise Malaysia’s rich heritage and diverse flavours," the statement said.
These types of food are said to be uniquely Malaysian in terms of taste, and favourites nationwide regardless of demographics, ethnicity or religion.
The event also highlighted Dondang Sayang, a cherished traditional Malay art form recognised by UNESCO, presented in a special dance interpretation, as well as the kebaya, which was jointly nominated by Malaysia and several Southeast Asian countries and added to the UNESCO list in 2023.
Malaysia now has nine elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, including Mak Yong, Silat, Songket, Mek Mulung, Pantun, Ong Chun/WangKang, Kebaya, Dondang Sayang and the breakfast culture.
The embassy added that Malaysia’s successful inscription of its Breakfast Culture onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity marks a proud milestone in safeguarding and celebrating the nation’s living traditions.
“This recognition reaffirms Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and culinary heritage as a unifying force across communities.
"By honouring the flavours of nasi lemak, roti canai and teh tarik, alongside enduring art forms like Dondang Sayang and the timeless elegance of the kebaya, Malaysia showcases its heritage not only as a source of national pride but also as a gift to the world, ensuring these traditions continue to inspire, connect and delight future generations," the statement added.
--BERNAMA
