Islamabad (GNP): The High Commission of Malaysia, partnering with Serena Hotels, is celebrating Malaysia’s 69th National Day through the “Visit Malaysia 2026: Tourism and Gastronomy Festival,” a week-long showcase of Malaysian food and culture running at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel, from September 17 to 23, 2026.
Beyond promoting Malaysia as a travel destination, the festival introduces Islamabad audiences to the country’s distinctive flavors and culinary heritage, giving guests the chance to sample authentic Malaysian dishes prepared by specialty chefs from both Serena Hotels and the Malaysian High Commission.
Speaking to media at the festival’s opening, Malaysian High Commissioner Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan emphasized how cultural exchange helps reinforce the long-standing relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan, noting that food is one of the most powerful ways to introduce people to a nation’s traditions and identity.
He spoke of Serena Hotel’s close ties to Malaysia, recalling that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had stayed there during his October 2024 visit to Pakistan, and shared his own first impressions of the hotel during his 2022 visit — describing the experience as a reflection of Pakistani hospitality and warmth.
The High Commissioner thanked Chef Patima for showcasing Malaysian cuisine and introducing guests to its rich culinary traditions, while also highlighting Malaysia’s multicultural identity — shaped by Malay, Chinese, and South Asian communities — and its evolution into a modern, industrialized nation with growing focus on artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
Reply to Diplomatic Insight Media group, question, Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, said 4.2 million tourists visited Malaysia last year, including 1.3 million from Pakistan, and expressed hope for greater Malaysia-Pakistan cooperation in tourism.
Stressing the value of deepening ties between the two countries, Mazlan said cultural diplomacy plays a key role in fostering mutual understanding, citing a Malaysian saying that translates roughly to “to know each other is to love each other” — underscoring the importance of respecting people regardless of religion, culture, or tradition.
He closed by expressing hope that the festival would become an annual collaboration with Serena Hotel, serving as an ongoing platform to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Islamabad Serena Hotel General Manager Christoph Hoeflich welcomed the partnership, reaffirming Serena Hotels’ commitment to fostering cultural connection through hospitality, food, and shared experiences.
The culinary lineup is being led by Chef Pathman, a Malaysian specialty chef representing Serena Hotels, working alongside a chef from the Malaysian High Commission. The menu has been carefully designed to highlight the diversity of Malaysian cuisine, blending traditional recipes, signature ingredients, and flavors that reflect the country’s culinary heritage.
Adding to the culinary experience, the festival also features cultural performances by artists flown in specially from Malaysia, offering guests a broader glimpse into Malaysia’s vibrant traditions beyond its food.
Also read: Malaysia’s HC in Islamabad celebrates 69th National Day
The festival continues at Zamana Restaurant, Islamabad Serena Hotel, through September 23, 2026, held as part of Serena Hotels’ Cultural Diplomacy initiative — an ongoing effort to build stronger connections and mutual understanding through culture, cuisine, and shared experience.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
