World Heritage Day, is a special day that serves as a gentle nudge, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding our cultural legacy for the generations yet to come. With everything the world has come to endure, it’s only natural that we set aside a day to honour the historical sites and cultural treasures that shape our collective identity.
Celebrated in various ways, World Heritage Day brings people together on different levels. On a social level, we organize outings with loved ones to visit historical sites and cultural festivals, basking in the richness of our shared history. At an organizational level, policies and initiatives are advocated for heritage conservation and sustainable tourism, ensuring that our precious heritage remains intact for future exploration. Additionally, organisations such as UNESCO spearhead conferences, seminars, and workshops, fostering collaboration among nations and sharing the best practices in heritage preservation – all of which received ample media coverage, further amplifying the importance.
Amidst all these, one element always accompanies – food. And what better way to celebrate this day than through the lens of Malaysia’s delights right? Malaysia boasts a rich tapestry of traditional foods that have become cultural icons in their own way. From the fragrant nasi lemak to the crispy roti canai and the fiery char kuey teow, these delicacies are irreplaceable gems. So, how can Malaysians promote our heritage through this deliciousness?
- Makan-Makan Session
One thing we Malaysians excel at is hosting a makan-makan session- a communal feast. Imagine gathering with your loved ones, each bringing their favourite homemade Malaysian delicacies. Not only does this small gesture allow us to appreciate the symphony of flavours and cultural diversity, but it also strengthens our bond with each other.
- Healthy Home-cooked Delicacies
If you noticed, the word ‘homemade’ is bolded because nothing quite matches the goodness of healthy, home-cooked delicacies. Cooking it ourselves allows us to maximise practising healthy eating habits, which essentially starts from how we cook our food. Creating scrumptious and wholesome versions of our favourite local delicacies also lets us internalize the suku-suku separuh concept better. Check out our previous article on enjoying local delicacies in a moderate portion.
- Appreciating Local Market/Food Scenes
Not to mention, cooking ourselves gives us the luxury of selecting the finest ingredients. What better way to celebrate World Heritage Day than by supporting our local markets? Chow Kit Market, Pasar Payang in Kuala Terengganu, Pasar Pagi in George Towns, etc. are home to a bountiful array of aromatic herbs & spices, colourful tropical fruits, and exceptional fresh proteins- these high quality ingredients are the cornerstone of our cultural delicacies.
- Prolong Sustainability
All of these efforts contribute to sustainable food practices, which are crucial for preserving our environment. By supporting local food initiatives and choosing sustainably sourced ingredients, we are protecting and prolonging biodiversity. This then ensures that our national flora and fauna have a forever home.
Honouring a ‘world’ day can seem overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be so. By adjusting our expectations, and taking small simple actions- like enjoying a homemade rendang ayam with local ingredients- we can each play a part in treasuring our heritage and building a better nation. It takes one delicious home-cooked meal at a time to have a great impact. So start today! Happy World Heritage Day!
Clara, Dietitian
