Page 720 - Proceedings Collega2023

Food plays a pivotal role in cultural events as a symbol of cultural identity and heritage (Smith,
2017). Traditional dishes and culinary practices that have been passed down through generations often
take centre stage during these gatherings, symbolizing a sense of belonging and connecting attendees to
their cultural roots (Jones, 2019). Moreover, cultural events serve as platforms for preserving culinary
traditions that might otherwise be at risk of fading away, allowing communities to share their history,
stories, and values through the medium of food (Brown, 2020). Through the exchange of cuisine at such
events, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can not only taste but also appreciate and learn
about the culinary traditions of others, fostering tolerance and a deeper understanding of cultural diversity
(Lee, 2018). This communal aspect of sharing a meal strengthens bonds and builds a sense of community
among attendees, creating an environment for storytelling and relationship building (Garcia, 2016). The
sensory experience of food, encompassing its aroma, taste, and texture, further enhances the overall
enjoyment and immersion in cultural events, leaving a lasting impact on participants (Johnson, 2021). In
summary, food in cultural events embodies tradition, identity, and the spirit of sharing, serving as a
powerful and unifying element that enriches the cultural narrative. In Malaysian cuisine, fusion dishes
have gained popularity due to their unique flavour combinations. One such example is the Nasi Lemak
Burger, which combines traditional Malaysian flavours with the concept of a burger. This dish features a
fragrant coconut rice patty topped with a crispy chicken fillet, cucumber slices, sambal sauce, and a fried
egg. The fusion of the rich coconut rice with the savoury chicken fillet and the spicy sambal sauce creates
a burst of flavours that tantalize the taste buds (Raji, Karim, Ishak, Arshad). Another popular fusion dish is
the Mamak Rojak Pizza, which infuses the traditional Mamak rojak, a Malaysian fruit salad, with the
concept of a pizza. This dish incorporates a thin pizza crust topped with a tangy peanut sauce, a medley of
fresh fruits such as pineapple and guava, cucumber, and fried tofu. The combination of the sweet and
tangy peanut sauce with the refreshing fruits and the crunchy texture of the cucumber and tofu creates a
harmonious blend of flavours (Raji et al, 2017). These examples showcase the creativity and innovation of
Malaysian cuisine, where traditional dishes are reimagined and combined with other culinary influences
to produce unique and delightful flavour combinations. The blending of traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian,
and indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques has given rise to an array of mouthwatering dishes
that reflect Malaysia's multicultural heritage. From the spicy and aromatic curries to the savoury and
fragrant noodles, Malaysian fusion food offers a unique gastronomic experience that continues to
captivate both locals and international food enthusiasts. The fusion of flavours in Malaysian cuisine is a
testament to the country's cultural diversity and its ability to adapt and innovate while preserving its
culinary traditions.

Research Methodology

This paper is a conceptual paper based on papers related to keywords of disabilities, event
management, tourism, accessibility tourism, and demand. These papers were collected based on several
databases, namely, Scopus. Google Scholar, emerald, and science direct.

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