The Malaysia Through Us photography exhibition helps visitors find appreciation in various familiar places in the country (Photo: Fahrenheit88 Shopping Mall)
As is the norm with festivities, countless markets, exhibitions and food offerings have popped up around the country. If you are stumped on what to see or eat this season, this roundup gathers the best of gourmet selections and inspiring events to fill your heart (and stomach) with patriotic pride.
Merdeka feast: Lemon Garden, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Mark the nation’s independence with a meal to remember at Lemon Garden, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. Its special Merdeka feast celebrates Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage, inspired by its diverse states and communities. From the coast comes Dulang Hasil Laut Warisan Merdeka, which takes its cues from the traditional Malay serving tray.
This table centrepiece is laden with seafood as a nod to the country’s maritime identity, and includes grilled lobster finished with aromatic rempah and chargrilled squid glazed with a sauce reminiscent of Kelantan’s ayam percik. It would be remiss to forget the ever-essential sambal. Pick from belacan kampung, tempoyak, hitam pahang and kelapa tradisional varieties to complement other dishes. Recipes from distant states get their time to shine, such as Kedah’s mackerel in turmeric, chilli and aromatic spices, as well as ayam pansuh Sarawak with its earthy aroma. Taking centre stage is a whole lamb roasted over an open fire — a must-have at most gatherings. End the night on a sweet note with kuih as a palate cleanser.
RM198 nett per pax for lunch, RM258 nett per pax for dinner. Aug 30 and 31. Shangri-La Hotel, 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. Book via (03) 2786 2378 or here.
Universal Bakehouse coconut bun
Fluffy on the inside with a thin, caramel-hued skin on the outside, there are few joys as simple yet satisfying as a freshly baked bun. Staples at convenience stores and nostalgic treats many locals grew up buying from their resident roti man, these often contain sweet or savoury fillings. Universal Bakehouse, a trusted authority in the Klang Valley bakery scene, is reviving its raved-about coconut variety as a Merdeka special. Sold in pairs so you can easily share with a loved one or have a second for later, these renditions are pillowy soft and packed with a classic mix of grated coconut and gula melaka. Individuals with good food luck can try their chances at the Damansara Kim or The Campus Ampang outlets. As offerings can sell out fast, those whose schedules will not allow for early morning in-person visits are encouraged to place a pre-order for self pick-up or delivery.
RM11.32 per pair. Until Sept 20. Order here.
Forestborn, AweGallery Taman Paramount
The winding trees and branches of Borneo’s verdant jungles are more than just fanciful scenery in Calvin Chua’s latest solo exhibition Forestborn at AweGallery in Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya. A collection of more than 30 paintings centres on indigenous communities and their relationship with the surrounding jungles, with a focus on children and their carefree nature. Where the country is known and loved for its sprawling city skyline and architecture, its trees remain appreciated only by those who live among them. The showcase serves as a reflection of our connection to the land, and to consider the little ones who dance, live and sing among it.
Free entry. Until Sept 3. 21 Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, PJ, Selangor. Visit @awegallery on Instagram.
Chapters of RuMa Afternoon Tea, The RuMa Hotel Kuala Lumpur
In 69 years, our beloved nation has been moulded and shaped into the flourishing hub of culture, arts and community that it is today. Journey through each of these eras with Chapters of RuMa, a Malaysian-inspired afternoon tea. Meals are served upon a handcrafted congkak board, a symbol of gathering, play and love, with each hollow housing a delicacy. The experience is spread across three sections, with the first introducing sweets and savouries like telang crispy tarts, lobster sandwiches, peanut gâteaux and chocolate mousse. The second consists of artisanal scones, served with house-made kaya, clotted cream and marmalade. Local flavours come back into play in part three, with madeleines made with Semai chocolate from Pahang, alongside laksa and cendol-flavoured pralines. On weekends and public holidays, an additional dish of beef or salmon Wellington with a Malaysian twist is available.
From RM168+ per pax. The RuMa Hotel and Residences, 7 Jalan Kia Peng, KL. Contact (012) 925 2278 to book, or visit here for more information.
Malam Gala Malaysiaku: The P Ramlee Premier
For the patriotic season, The Brasserie at The St Regis Kuala Lumpur is hosting a special throwback dining experience that pays homage to the silver screen works of one of Malaysia’s most iconic actors — Tan Sri P Ramlee. Presented for four nights only from Merdeka to Malaysia Day, the course menu is inspired by the local star’s film outputs, with each dish channelling the spirit of a beloved cinematic moment that continues to inspire the local performing arts scene to this day. The dinner is accompanied by live performances and guided storytelling, offering guests an immersive environment to savour curated dishes such as lobster with a torch ginger sambal served over nasi lemuni and sweet pumpkin with gula apong.
RM428 nett per pax. Aug 30 and 31, Sept 15 and 16. Level 2, The St Regis, 6 Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, KL Sentral. Contact (03) 2727 6696 for reservations.
Maybank Foundation Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar, KLGCC Mall
KLGCC Mall becomes a space for culture, craft and community with the Maybank Foundation Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar. Until Sept 20, a variety of markets, food vendors, workshops and performances take over the mall to show the full range of the nation’s creativity. Shop Orang Asli crafts from the East, traditional Bornean cuisine and comfort foods, or keep busy with windmill crafts, batik painting classes and a donut decorating session. Catch stage productions from local houses such as Melaka’s Krate Creative Space, Kumpulan Ghazal Seri Melati from Johor and Kumpulan Wayang Kulit Asun hailing from Kedah.
Free entry. Until Sept 20. 2A Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, KL. See @klgccmall on Instagram for more information.
On Sept 5 and 6, the Pearl of the Orient will host a forum for the first time on the global challenges affecting local and international populations. The two-day Penang Peace Dialogue is part of the second edition of the Penang CWC Conference Series, with key speakers including former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, economist Prof Jeffrey Sachs and Singaporean diplomat Prof Kishore Mahbubani. The event will position the state and the wider Southeast Asian region as a driver of cooperation, unity and progress in times of heightened divisions and conflict. Renowned for its strong living ties to history and culture, Penang has all the makings and symbolism of an ideal destination to platform critical opinions and inspire social movement. Conversations will focus on the following thematic questions: “Is the world a better place with globalisation and how will a multi-civilisational transition be different?” and “Is UN reform necessary or possible and how can individuals play a role in this process?”.
Open to the public with limited slots. Register here.
Malaysia Through Us photography exhibition
For some, growing up and living in a location all our lives can desensitise us to its surrounding beauty. One of the best ways to open up our eyes and minds is by viewing a familiar land through the eyes of others. The Malaysia Through Us exhibition at Fahrenheit 88 does exactly that. Curated by Phillip Wong, this photography showcase gives visitors a look at the people, places, traditions and landscapes of Malaysia that most locals might be familiar with conceptually and may have encountered in their daily lives, but have not yet paused to ponder on and appreciate. Featuring the works of home-grown lensmen, and nestled in the heart of bustling Bukit Bintang, the display whisks you away to destinations and nooks all around the country with the aim of unveiling the lesser-noticed corners of the nation, offering new perspectives and reviving patriotic passion.
Free entry. Until Sept 20. Level 3, Fahrenheit 88, 179 Jalan Gading, Bukit Bintang, KL. Visit here for more information.
Homage to the home-grown
Inside Scoop’s Merdeka campaign returns with nine delectable collaborations
Think of flavours that define the country, and most will think of pungent durian, fragrant nasi lemak and sour laksa. Though these foods are staples in our diet, brands too have a space in our conscious recollection. Accompanying us from childhood in packed lunches, or shared with loved ones during family gatherings, these supermarket essentials are chock-full of memories and have a special place in the hearts of Malaysians.
Inside Scoop gives our favourite brands new forms through limited-edition ice cream offerings. A fan favourite carried over from last year’s campaign is Gardenia’s Choc-A-Lot Twiggies. Who can resist classic milk chocolate cream combined with bite-sized chunks of the sweet bread?
Also returning are Beryl’s, Farm Fresh and Zus. The chocolatier presents Tiramisu Almond Chocolate, a dreamy concoction featuring dark chocolate ice cream layered with fudgy chocolate and honey roasted almonds. The dairy company keeps the pistachio craze going with Pistachio Yoghurt Crunch, swirling nutty kunafa into a yogurt base. If you have missed the creamy, earthy Ube Latte from our local theophorically named coffee brand, the drink is now an icy confection complete with chewy mochi.
Teh Tarik, made from tea, condensed milk and brown sugar mochi, pays tribute to Boh’s 97 years of tea-brewing expertise. Packing a sweet and salty punch is Mister Potato’s Choc Potato Chips N’ Cream, featuring creamy vanilla laden with ribbons of salted caramel and finished off with chocolate-coated chips.
Turning kopitiam breakfast into an after-meal delight is Kaya Butter Toast from Oriental Kopi, mixing pandan kaya and browned butter ice cream. Toast crumbs add texture and a fun crunch in every scoop. Secret Recipe’s Chocolate Indulgence is sure to be a hit, having incorporated the iconic cake into a chocolate-custard mix and hazelnut sauce for an extra kick. Nostalgic peanut snack brand Thumbs gets a modern twist with the addition of blueberry jam in a peanut butter base. Regardless of your pick, every flavour has been crafted to ignite fond memories and inspire you to revisit these everyday treasures. Available at all Inside Scoop outlets nationwide.
This article first appeared on Aug 31, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
