Novotel Ahmedabad, in collaboration with ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Tourism Malaysia, Adabi, and AirAsia, proudly unveils the ‘Taste of Malaysia’ — a vibrant culinary and cultural festival that brings the rich heritage of Malaysia straight to Gujarat. Scheduled from August 1st to 10th, 2025, at The Square – All Day Dining, this celebration offers guests an authentic Malaysian experience without having to leave India.
For those who haven’t had the chance to explore Malaysia yet, this engaging event provides an authentic experience — a genuine taste of its renowned street food, welcoming hospitality, and lively culture.
At the core of the festival are two esteemed Malaysian chefs, Chef Faridul Ataras (Ibis KLCC) and Chef Mohd Irwan (Adabi), who have been specially brought in from KLCC. Recognized for their expertise in traditional Malaysian cuisine, these chefs will craft menus that showcase the rich flavors and aromas of Malaysia’s varied culinary heritage—ranging from beloved hawker fare to cherished heirloom recipes.
The thoughtfully curated set dinner menus will highlight an array of vegetarian-friendly Malaysian dishes that appeal to local palates:
• Sayur Lodeh (Vegetable curry simmered in coconut milk)
• Roti Jala with Vegetable Dalcha (Laced crepes with lentil stew)
• Vegetarian Satay with Peanut Sauce
And non-vegetarian favourites such as:
• Nasi Lemak with Sambal Ikan Bilis (Coconut rice with anchovy sambal)
• Rendang Ayam (Slow-cooked spiced chicken curry)
• Mee Goreng Mamak (Stir-fried noodles in Mamak style)
But the festival goes beyond just food.
The ‘Taste of Malaysia’ is a vibrant cultural celebration, featuring traditional folk dance performances by Skydance Panorama, decor inspired by Southeast Asian heritage, and hospitality experiences that showcase the warmth and charm of Malaysia. Guests will have the opportunity to not only enjoy delicious cuisine but also immerse themselves in the essence and rhythm of Malaysian life.
“This festival transcends a mere culinary experience — it serves as our invitation for the people of Ahmedabad and beyond to immerse themselves in the essence of Malaysia through its food, culture, and traditions. Whether you’ve visited Malaysia previously or are fantasizing about your first adventure, ‘Taste of Malaysia’ provides a wonderful glimpse into the unique charm of this incredible country,” stated Amit Sangwan, General Manager of Novotel Ahmedabad.
Ms. Noriah Jaafar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, also shared her excitement: “Malaysia is celebrated as a culinary paradise, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Novotel Ahmedabad, a proud member of the esteemed Accor Group, for the Malaysian Food Festival. This unique initiative emphasizes vegetarian dishes, thoughtfully designed for the largely vegetarian community in Gujarat. Our research indicates a significant preference for vegetarian food in this area, and we take pride in showcasing Malaysia’s offerings within this segment. Malaysian vegetarian cuisine is carefully crafted with a focus on the selection of oils and ingredients, guaranteeing authenticity and quality. This festival truly brings the essence of India-Malaysia flavors to life, expertly prepared by our esteemed chefs from Malaysia.”
Whether you’re a gastronome, cultural enthusiast, or curious traveller, this is your chance to explore Malaysia without crossing borders — only at Novotel Ahmedabad.