Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - The Riau Islands Provincial Government organized the 2025 Malay Food Festival at Laman Gurindam XII Tugu Sirih in Tanjungpinang to promote traditional Malay cuisine to residents and visitors.The festival opened with a visit by the Chair of the Riau Islands Family Welfare Movement (PKK), Dewi Kumalasari Ansar.
She emphasized that Malay cuisine is more than just flavor, describing it as a reflection of the identity and culture of the Malay community in the province.
Dewi expressed appreciation for the event, which she hopes will introduce the richness of local culinary traditions to younger generations as well as national and international tourists.
She also expressed hope that Malay cuisine will continue to grow and support economic opportunities for small businesses.
Riau Islands Tourism Office Head Hasan, who chairs the organizing committee, said the festival was designed to broaden the introduction of Malay cuisine while positioning it as part of a culinary-based tourism concept.
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He noted that the event features fifty-eight dishes from across seven districts and cities, including foods, beverages, and snacks.
Among the dishes presented were otak-otak, deram-deram, kerupuk gonggong, putu piring, laksa or sago noodles, and tepung gomak.
Visitors also enjoyed Malay cultural performances, traditional games, and a music show by DJ Affandi that included Malay songs.
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Hasan encouraged young people, particularly Gen Z, to help promote Malay culinary heritage through digital posts to expand its reach. The festival takes place from November 29 to 30, 2025.
Malay cuisine refers to the traditional dishes of the Malay ethnic groups found across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia - particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan - Singapore, and Brunei.
Its defining characteristics include the generous use of rich spices and coconut milk, which create savory, spicy, and strongly aromatic flavors.
