GEORGE TOWN: Penang's Laksa and Klang's Bak Kut Teh have been named the go-to cultural diplomacy food by South Korean-American star Eric Nam and Malaysian-British actor Henry Golding.
The duo named both foods to best suit as their favorites for the title during a session at the 9th annual Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday (Sept 29).
Nam, who named Laksa for his choice, concurred with Golding that it would be the Penang version.
"Laksa. Feel like I really like Laksa," said Nam, before Golding suggested the Penang version to be specific to which Nam responded with a 'Yes!'.
Meanwhile for Golding, it would be Bak Kut Teh, the Klang version.
"Bak Kut Teh is my go to. But, the Klang version.
"Singaporeans use more pepper and garlic.
"But Klang's is like this broth that's been brewing for generations.
"If it stops boiling, it will grow like this thickness of just fur and bacteria but it’s delicious.
"It’s so good," he said.
Local netizens have expressed surprise and praised both their responses, Golding for not forgetting his Malaysian roots and Nam for selecting a Malaysian dish.
Some fans even praised Golding for pronouncing Klang properly.
