Islamabad – (Special Correspondent/News Desk) – The Malaysian High Commission has opened a week of Malaysian food and culture in the capital. The event marks Malaysia’s 69th National Day. It is called the “Visit Malaysia 2026: Tourism and Gastronomy Festival.”
The festival is held with Serena Hotels at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel. It runs from 17 to 23 September 2026.
The aim is simple. Organisers want to present Malaysia as a great place to visit. At the same time, guests can taste real Malaysian dishes without leaving Islamabad.
The dishes are prepared by chefs from Serena Hotels and the Malaysian High Commission. Chef Pathman, a Malaysian specialty chef with Serena Hotels, leads the team. A chef from the High Commission cooks alongside him.
The menu shows how rich and varied Malaysian food can be. It mixes traditional recipes, special ingredients and bold flavours. In short, every plate shares a small part of the country’s story.
Food has always brought people together. In Malaysia, a shared meal is often the heart of family and community life. The festival hopes to bring the same warm feeling to Islamabad.
Malaysia’s cuisine also reflects its many cultures. Because of this, the menu offers guests a wide range of tastes in one place.
For many guests, this is a chance to try something new. Families, friends and colleagues can sit together and share the flavours.
What the High Commissioner said
Speaking to the media at the opening, H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, talked about cultural exchange. He said it helps make the long friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan even stronger.
He also said that food is one of the best ways to meet a new country. A shared meal, he noted, can open the door to heritage and traditions.
Serena Hotels welcomes the partnership
Christoph Hoeflich, General Manager of Islamabad Serena Hotel, welcomed the joint effort. He said Serena Hotels remains committed to building cultural ties through hospitality, cuisine and shared experiences.
The Malaysian High Commission has held similar events in Islamabad before. This year’s festival continues that friendly effort to share Malaysian culture with Pakistani guests.
Cultural shows from Malaysia
The festival is not only about food. Performers have also travelled from Malaysia to present special cultural shows.
These shows give guests a quick look at Malaysia’s lively traditions beyond its cuisine. As a result, visitors enjoy both taste and culture in one visit.
The event falls under the Cultural Diplomacy initiative of Serena Hotels. This programme aims to build understanding and closer links through culture, cuisine and shared experiences.
Events like this help people from different countries connect in a friendly way. Moreover, they show how a simple meal can bring communities closer.
The Malaysian High Commission also uses the festival to share Malaysia’s tourism message. It matches the Visit Malaysia 2026 theme and invites Pakistani travellers to think about a trip to Malaysia.
How to join the festival
The festival continues at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel, until 23 September 2026. Readers who want to attend should contact the hotel for timing and booking details.
Because the festival lasts only one week, early planning is wise. Guests can call the hotel to check availability.
Overall, the Malaysian High Commission and Serena Hotels have created a friendly space in Islamabad. Here, food, culture and tourism meet in one place.
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