Despite having only a tiny Christian population, multicultural Malaysia celebrates the yuletide season with vigour.
Spectacular Christmas displays light up the cities, and malls and public spaces are adorned with festive decorations. In Melaka one mall claims to feature the biggest snowman in Malaysia, made from recycled plastic bottles.
The most famed of Malaysian festivities is the celebrated ‘Yuletide Spirit’ festival in Melaka’s Portuguese settlement, where residents decorate the houses and streets with fabulous lights. Christmas Eve sees the area come alive with traditional dance, music, food and a countdown party.
A public holiday across the country, just like in New Zealand Christmas day in Malaysia is considered a time to spend with family and friends, whether celebrating as a Christian or not.
Malaysian born Patric Seng, who currently lives in New Zealand, says Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang area is a popular spot for non-Christian Malaysians to spend Christmas Day. With abundant festive decorations and plenty of shops and restaurants the area is a known spot for the young to spend time catching up with friends.
Similarly to New Zealand, the hot Malaysian climate means fresh and delicious summer food is perfect for festive celebrations.
President of the New Zealand Malaysian society, Dorin Ranee remembers food on Christmas Day as traditional Malaysian fare with a few Western touches. Beef rendang and traditional ‘kuih’ (bite-sized snacks and sweets) were accompanied by roast chicken and potatoes, and finished off with ‘Ais Kacang’ (red bean shaved-ice).
Why not add a little Malaysian flare to your Christmas table this year?
Follow the links to our top recipes perfect for a Kiwi Christmas with a Malaysian spin.
In the meantime if you’re after some Malaysian fare, head to one of the below restaurants open over the festive period:
Auckland:
- Cinta Malaysian
- Selera
- Sri Puteri
- Paya Serai -closed 26 December
- KK Malaysian - closed 24, 25, 27, 31 December and 1, 2 January
- Navas Malasian - open Christmas Night - closed 1 January
Wellington:
- Istana Malaysia - closed 26 December
- Kopi Tiam - closed from 1 January
- KK Malaysian - closed 26 December and 1, 2 January