MALAYSIAN HERITAGE FOOD (MHF): A REVIEW ON ITS UNIQUE FOOD CULTURE, TRADITION AND PRESENT LIFESTYLE

Abstract

This paper is attempted to appraise the historical view and the role of MHF plays for depicting the faces of Malaysia through its unique food culture. Malaysia is a blessed country with multiracial people consisting of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Nyonya and other indigenous sub ethnics groups. Malaysian food culture inherited from the past are being passed through generations rooted from their beliefs and traditions have made MHF becoming a remarkable and familiar cuisines in the eyes of the world. The similarities of Malaysian food with its neighbourhood countries should be bordered with the most idealistic and distinguishable food culture identity. Due to urbanization and globalization, MHF are facing serious problems and challenges in maximizing the potential of food culture to be practiced by the Malaysian. Gazetting and documenting it as valuable intangible heritage is an easy task. But, to ensure the continuity of the practical applications within the society is merely difficult. It requires research, monitoring and ongoing effort by the authorities. With regards to the assimilation of the past and present, safeguarding the food culture is an utmost greatest challenge in ensuring the authenticity of MHF that could represent Malaysia and the reminiscence of its people for future generations.