For some people food is just a necessity to satisfy basic needs, for the others food is more than just a basic necessity, as it tells you a lot about the history, traditions, climate, culture and the evolution of the communities, nations and the regions.
It was very true at the sumptuous Asean Food Festival that the Indonesian Embassy hosted in collaboration with the Asean Missions here on Saturday. The food festival featured a variety of cuisine from the different corners of the Asean Region. Besides, it also featured music, traditional dances and other cultural performances from Indonesia and other Asean Countries. At the festival Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam set-up their colourful stalls at the food court. The festival was attended by the government dignitaries, diplomatic community, businessmen and cross section of the society.
Additional Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Naghmana Hashmi was the chief guest on the occasion who joined the Asean Heads of Missions in the opening ceremony and cut the rice cone to formally launch the food festival. In his welcome remarks the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Burhan Muhammad said that food festival was organised with the aim to familiarise our friends with the diversity and colours of the rich Asean culture not only by presenting the food delicacies but also thorough music and artistic performances.
He said that the culinary delights of Asean member states are as diverse as their cultures. The specific style and the way of presentation of food reflect the norms and values of the people. In this regard, this food festival is an activity of much significance and helps the friends of Asean to better understand its culture as well as strengthen the friendly ties, he added.
The Indonesian envoy noted with pleasure that the cordial relations between Asean and Pakistan have been growing steadily and the Asean highly value the strong interest and co-operation of Pakistan for developing comprehensive and durable relations with it. He said that Asean has become the symbol of growth and economic dynamism and it is expected to become the future economic hub of the world. He called for carrying on consistent efforts to truly utilise the potential for a solid long-term relationship between Asean and Pakistan. High Commissioner of Srilanka, Head of EU delegation to Pakistan and ambassadors of other countries graced the occasion and enjoyed Asian food.
Hundreds of guests were feted with a wide range of delicious food and the culture of Asean. Among many of the delicacies there was Nasi Madura and Lemper Ayam from Indonesia, Cucur udang from Brunei, Fried Shrimps and fresh juices from Vietnam, Beef Curry and Spring rolls from Thailand, Mee Kuah and Kue Manis from Malaysia. The people appreciated the taste of the delicious food and hailed the gifted nature and unique culture of the Asean.
Apart from the culinary delights, the other main highlights of the festival were the enthralling performances of traditional dances and music. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the Javanese dance of controlled, deliberate and refined movement, another was the Saman dance which is characterised by it's fast-paced rhythm and common harmony between dancers. Dancers clap their hands, slap their chests, thighs and the ground, click their fingers, and sway and twist their bodies and heads in time with the shifting rhythm.
Another fascinating performance was of the Angklung which is an Indonesian musical instrument consisting of bamboo tubes suspended in a bamboo frame, bound with rattan cords to produce certain notes when the bamboo frame is shaken or tapped. There was also a performance of Rebana a tambourine that is used in Islamic devotional music in Southeast Asia and demonstration of Pencak Silat a grouping of martial arts found within the Asean countries The festival was a well-appreciated effort at sharing Asean's rich and unique culture and discovering the rich flavours of Asean cuisine and music.