By Joey Aguilar

Staff Reporter

Dozens of expatriates in Qatar got an opportunity to try some authentic Malaysian cuisine at the annual Malaysian Ramadan Bazaar held yesterday at Hyatt Plaza.

The event showcased a number of unique and popular Malaysian dishes such as Mee Hoon Soto, Bubur Lambuk and Nasi Kerabu.

Ismail Suboh, president of Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ), told Gulf Times that people came as early as 1.30pm, at least 30 minutes before the start of the event, yesterday.

“The bazaar, which started last week, has attracted many people from different communities, including Qataris,” he said.

Suboh noted that Malaysian food is popular in various parts of the world, especially among those who have visited the country.

Lauding MAQ officials and its committee members, ambassador Ahmad Jazri Mohamed Johar described the event as a “small replica” of the Ramadan bazaar back home.

“You can see this in every corner of Malaysia for one month,” he said. “This is something that I want to promote to Qataris to go and see for themselves in Malaysia.”

In Doha, he considers it as an annual event that brings Malaysians together to meet their colleagues, friends and newcomers.

The highly anticipated event in Doha also featured Malaysian sweets, delicacies and drinks at the food court, which include sambal tempe (sliced tofu), frozen pompia (stuffed vegetables), and Cek Mek Molek (potato stuffed with sugar).

MAQ officials said as expatriates may find it a bit hard to get authentic Malaysian cuisine here, this event gives them a good opportunity to offer such dishes to food lovers. The event is also widely celebrated back home, they point out.

Kuberan Perumal, MAQ secretary, hoped to see his colleagues and people who have attended the bazaar every year.

He said it has become a popular gathering during Ramadan, attracting a large number of visitors who enjoy some mouthwatering food. Some community members also sell traditional Malaysian clothes at reasonable prices.

Last year, people of other nationalities, including Chinese, Europeans and Singaporeans, also bought different dishes for their families and friends.

During the cold season, the Malaysian embassy also hosts a similar event called “night market”, showcasing authentic Malaysian cuisine and other products.