Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
The High Commission of Malaysia, in collaboration with Serena Hotels, is celebrating Malaysia’s 69th National Day with the “Visit Malaysia 2026: Tourism and Gastronomy Festival”, a week-long celebration of Malaysian cuisine and culture at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel, from 17 to 23 September 2026.
The festival was kickstarted by inaugural ribbon cutting together by the High Commissioner Mohammad Azhar Mazlan and CEO Serena Mr. Aziz Bolani.
The launch of festival also accompanied a good news shared by the High Commissioner. He noted that the sides are discussing the possibilities of starting direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Lahore , Karachi. He said, we intend to operate 7 flights of Malaysian Airlines for Lahore and 4 for Karachi.
Apart from promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination, the festival brings the distinctive flavors and culinary traditions of Malaysia to Islamabad, offering guests an opportunity to experience a selection of authentic Malaysian dishes prepared by specialty chefs from Serena Hotels and the Malaysian High Commission.
H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner, addressing the media at the opening of the festival, of Malaysia, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan. He noted that cuisine serves as one of the most meaningful ways to introduce people to a country’s unique heritage and traditions.
The high commissioner shared that 130 thousand Pakistanis visited Malaysia last year and now we look forward to 150 thousand tourists from brotherly country. He said, overall from all over the world, Malaysia recieved a record number of tourists ; apporoximately 42 Million. Malaysia stood at the top of the list of the tourist destinations. He said, this year we expect the number will rise to 47 Million.
It is not doubt extra ordinary figure as it is more than total population of many countries in the world and it is also about the capacity and ability of Malaysia to handle this large number of tourists with their complete satisfaction.
Regarding infrastructure and facilities for the tourists , the high commissioner briefed the media that tourism is one of the most prioritized sectors in Malaysian economy. Our state has left no stone untruned in providing the tourists the state of the art facilities from first class rooms to the best washrooms that are basic necessities for the tourists especially for the ladies.
H.E Mazlan said Malaysian landscape and hospitality wins the hearts of the tourists and majority of them extends their stay to enjoy more and more.
He also mentioned about the tourism attraction of Pakistan for Malaysian tourists. He praised the tourist sites of Pakistan in North, its centuries old heritage and cultural diversity. He said being a Muslim country with Halal food is another attraction of our tourists in Pakistan.
The high commissioner spoke highly about Serena Hotels Islamabad and expressed his gratitude to the hotels and CEO Mr. Aziz Bolani for his support. He recalled his stay at Serena enroute Afghanistan in the deep past. He also mentioned the stay of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Serena Hotels in his last official visit to Pakistan. He called Serena as True Partner of Malaysian High Commission.
Christoph Hoeflich, General Manager of Islamabad Serena Hotel , welcomed the collaboration and reaffirmed Serena Hotels’ commitment to promoting cultural engagement through hospitality, cuisine and shared experiences.
The culinary programme is being led by Chef Pathman, a Malaysian specialty chef representing Serena Hotels, together with the Chef from the High Commission of Malaysia.
The menu has been specially curated to showcase the diversity of Malaysian cuisine, bringing together traditional recipes, distinctive ingredients and flavors that reflect the Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage.
Complimenting the culinary experience, the festival also features special cultural performances by performers specially flown from Malaysia, adding a further dimension to the experience and giving guests a glimpse of Malaysia’s vibrant traditions beyond its cuisine.
The festival will continue at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel, until 23 September 2026, and is being held under Serena Hotels’ Cultural Diplomacy initiative, which seeks to foster greater understanding and stronger connections through culture, cuisine and shared experiences.
Main Dishes in Malaysian Cuisine | Laksa: A popular spicy noodle soup with regional variations like the sour, tamarind-based Asam Laksa in Penang and the creamy, coconut-milk-based Curry Laksa.
Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish features rice cooked in rich coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with spicy chili paste (sambal), crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, a boiled egg, and cucumber slices.
Char Kway Teow: Flat rice noodles stir-fried over high heat in a wok with soy sauce, shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage to create a smoky flavor.
Roti Canai: A thin, flaky, and crispy flatbread of Indian Muslim origin, served hot with a side of lentil curry (dahl) or meat gravy.
Beef Rendang: A tender, slow-cooked meat stew simmered in coconut milk and a thick paste of aromatic spices until dark and rich
Snacks and Desserts | Satay: Skewers of marinated chicken or beef grilled over an open flame and served with a sweet and spicy peanut dipping sauce.
Apam Balik: A sweet, fluffy turnover pancake filled with crushed peanuts, sugar, and sometimes sweet corn.
Cendol: A refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, green rice flour jelly noodles, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
Popular Drinks | Teh Tarik: A hot, frothy black milk tea mixed with condensed milk, poured back and forth between two cups to cool and aerate it
Malaysian Target of Welcoming 150 Thousand Tourists from Pakistan is Hard to Achieve
