IPOH: Gastronomy, which explores the relationship between culture and food, particularly in its preparation, has emerged as a powerful force for uniting Malaysia’s diverse society.
Deputy National Unity Minister R. Yuneswaran said food not only fulfills physical needs but also serves as a “universal language” capable of bridging differences in race, religion and social background.
“When we understand the history, recipes and ingredients of a dish that has been passed down through generations, we are actually training ourselves to better appreciate the cross-cultural influences that have shaped our national identity.
“This is an effective formula for closing any form of social deficit within our communities,” he said at the launch of the book Ilmu Gastronomi Melayu: Puri Kencana Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia here yesterday.
Also present at the launch were National Unity Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy and strategic planning) Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud and National Library of Malaysia director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli, Bernama reported.
Yuneswaran said that at the dining table, differences in skin colour, social status and religious background fade, while the practice of open houses during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak stands as clear proof of unity among Malaysians.
“Beyond the values of unity and heritage, this publication also opens up vast economic potential through gastronomy tourism.
“Tourists from around the world now travel not only to see landmarks, but to experience authentic cultural offerings, especially through food,” he said.
The publication marks a starting point in systematically documenting traditional culinary knowledge, which has largely been passed down through oral tradition.
The book is the result of academic research by Prof Dr Salmah Jan Noor Muhammad of Universiti Putra Malaysia, highlighting the uniqueness of Malay gastronomy based on traditional culinary manuscripts from the National Library of Malaysia’s collection.
