Coming together of culture, flavours

The food fair aimed at showcasing and offering traditional cuisines from various Asian countries under one roof. A number of Emiratis and their families also gathered at the mission’s premises.

Spouses of ambassadors of around 15 Asian countries attended the event, where each country offered its special traditional dish at a nominal price of Dh10 per plate.

The countries which participated in the food fair included China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam and Australia. Iran, for the first time, took part from the Gulf region. Traditional and cultural performances from seven countries added to the excitement.

The ambience was filled with energy and a feeling of togetherness as diplomats shared food, culture and festivities with the people from various countries.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Malaysian ambassador’s wife, Saeedah Yahaya, coordinator of the Asian Ladies Association (ALA), said: “We did not expect such a huge response. Last year there were around 1,000 people, but this year the number has doubled.”

Here, everybody can come along with their children and enjoy,” Yahaya said. The ALA has 24 Asian countries as members. It was set up in Abu Dhabi around 15 years ago to bridge traditional and cultural gaps, added Yahaya.

“We are happy with the success of the event as a huge crowd has gathered here,” said Indonesian ambassador to the UAE, M Wahid Suriyadi. “Our intention is to share tradition and culture with people of other countries who live in the UAE.

“All the food almost got over as we offered biryani, kebabs, rolls and different kinds of deserts at a support price of Dh10 a plate,” said Syeda Mustari, wife of Bangladesh ambassador. “The money we collect here will be donated for charitable purposes.”

Emirati, Khaula Mohammed from Abu Dhabi, enjoyed the day. “I tasted cuisines of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea and Japan and all of them were delicious. I enjoyed the cultural performances here.”

Amanda from the US tasted around seven kinds of dishes and all of them were mouth-watering. “This is the first time I am coming here and I found it amazing.”—anwar@khaleejtimes.com