Abdullah Mohd Salleh, president of the MFTC and Malaysia's top envoy to Taiwan, said at the opening ceremony that the event will also give Taiwanese an opportunity to sample Malaysia's fusion cuisine of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences that represent the country's unique culture.

"Multi-culturalism has not only made Malaysia a paradise, but it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colorful festivals," Abdullah said.

"I believe it will strengthen the important bridge between the people of Malaysia and Taiwan," he added.

Three chefs flown in from Malaysia for the festival will cook traditional Malaysian food such as Nyonya dishes, chili crabs, Malaysian curry Laksa noodles, satay, and Penang prawn noodles, according to Abdullah. Two batik designers have also been invited to Taiwan to stage a mini-fashion show and display their creations, he added.

Kuantan Municipal Council Culture Bridgade, a cultural performance troupe from Pahang, Malaysia, will perform daily at the food fair at lunch and dinner time, Abdullah said.

The Malaysian food and cultural fair will run through Nov. 10 at Taipei's Grand Hotel. Visitors will have a chance to enter a lottery for a trip to Kuala Lumpur and a home stay experience in Malaysia, according to MFTC.

(By Rachel Chan)