By Kuvineshwaren Nedunjelian
KUALA LUMPUR: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the experiences of Malaysian students studying abroad shed light on the significance of Malaysian cuisine in maintaining strong connections to their roots and culture.
Nurul Yasmin Yuhanis Mohamad Yunus, a 24-year-old exchange student from Malaysia who studied at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, attests to the importance of Malaysian cuisine in connecting her to her homeland.
“Malaysian cuisine is everything. Before I came to Japan, I always heard people say that they miss Malaysian food when they’re abroad, especially spicy food and mamak. When I’m away from Malaysia, I truly understand why,” she told Bernama.
Despite being thousands of miles away, Nurul Yasmin was able to find Malaysian restaurants in Japan, such as Rasa Malaysia in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
“Encountering familiar dishes in a foreign country made me feel at home and provided a sense of nostalgia,” she shared.
Moreover, she and her friends regularly cooked and shared Malaysian dishes with classmates from other countries, forging cross-cultural bonds through the love of food.
S. Sirobinii, 23, another Malaysian student who studied at Lakehead University in Canada, echoes the sentiment.
“Malaysian cuisine often relates to our culture and our roots. It gives me comfort and a sense of familiarity abroad. Food is crucial in making us feel at home even when we’re abroad,” she explained.
Sirobinii’s experiences sparked cultural exchanges, with discussions about the cultural significance of dishes leading to cross-cultural understanding among her international friends.
A. Vikesh Varma, 23, a student who spent time in Indonesia, has expressed pride in sharing his Malaysian culture through food.
“Food is a great way to promote our culture and expand the significance behind each cuisine. In any celebrations, food sheds light on our culture, attracting everyone to join in and learn more about Malaysia,” he remarked.
Norfara Faziera Moh Razali, 26, who studied in South Korea, believes that sharing Malaysian dishes can initiate meaningful conversations.
“Food is a great conversation starter when you’re abroad, especially when you’re from a country that offers a lot of great recipes and tastes,” she observed.
Through discussions about food, Fara and her international friends learned about each other’s cultures and bonded over their shared love for diverse cuisines.
These Malaysian students not only study abroad but also bridge cultural gaps by introducing their friends to Malaysian cuisine.
Their experiences emphasize the universal language of food as a powerful tool for sharing cultural heritage and building connections across borders.
As Nurul Yasmin eagerly anticipates the fasting month, she expresses, “I’m already here, and I can’t wait for Ramadan to begin. I’m looking forward to visiting Pasar Ramadan and indulging in our home dishes and cuisine as much as I can.”
This sentiment is shared among many Malaysian students abroad who eagerly return to their homeland to reunite with beloved dishes that hold the essence of their national identity.
The experiences of these students serve as a reminder that food not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the heart and soul, creating bridges that span oceans and cultures.
Malaysians’ appreciation for greatness is often recognised whenever they are away from their motherland either travelling, studying, or working abroad.
Every single Malaysian could not deny that nothing beats our food back home! This is why we can’t help but miss Malaysian foods when we are away from our country. – BERNAMA
