MELAKA: Actress Fan Bingbing highly recommends durian cendol to tourists from China as a must-try dessert when visiting this historic city.
The Chinese superstar said tourists from the Middle Kingdom should not miss the opportunity to indulge in the popular dish heaped with dollops of durian while holidaying here.
“I got an insight into Melaka’s past and the story of the Chinese Peranakan. It’s an awesome piece of history.
“Melaka is a melting pot of cuisines and flavours, and durian cendol is a must-try delicacy,” she said during a press conference here yesterday.
The Visit Melaka Year 2024 ambassador was asked by journalists what she cherished most on her trip to the state, to which Fan said Melaka has a valuable history linked to China.
“I felt very relaxed being here and I believe tourists would also experience the same ambience,” she said.
Fan added that Chinese tourists would not face a language barrier here as many locals can converse in Mandarin.
“This is a unique element for Chinese tourists, especially those bringing their parents on tours, as they can speak in Mandarin compared with some other Asian countries,” she added.
The 42-year-old X-Men: Days of Future Past star said Melaka is no stranger to her because her manager Jersey Chong is a Malaysian.
“Chong told me a lot about Malaysia that piqued my interest in making a trip here.
“I was impressed to see the skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a modern city and Melaka is blessed with a rich history. I will definitely make another trip if there is an opportunity,” she said.
When asked about her impression of Melaka men, Fan complimented them as “true gentlemen” and friendly.
“It’s a difficult question for me to answer. Anyway, from my brief observation, Melaka men are well-mannered,” she said.
Fan also shared her enthusiasm for the Nyonya kebaya, a traditional costume.
“It’s so captivating, with bright and colourful embroidery that captured my interest,” she exclaimed.
Fan, who took on the role on June 14, also expressed her gratitude for being appointed the Visit Melaka Year ambassador. She described Melaka as a vibrant cultural kaleidoscope with a multi-ethnic identity, providing her with an excellent platform to promote its uniqueness.
From 2013 to 2017, Fan was named the highest-paid celebrity in Forbes China’s Celebrity 100 list.In 2014, she joined the Barbie global celebrity Hall of Fame and became China’s first Barbie doll.
Fan also appeared on the Vanity Fair Best-Dressed List in 2015 and 2016.
In 2017, she was listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential individuals.
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