TEHRAN– In a remarkable display of culinary diplomacy, the Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran hosted the “ASEAN Crab event,” where ambassadors from five ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, in addition to the South Korean ambassador, swapped their formal suits for aprons to prepare and showcase signature crab dishes from their home countries.

The event, held in anticipation of Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, transformed the embassy into a vibrant celebration of unity and diversity—hallmarks of the ASEAN spirit.

The spotlight was on the ambassadors, who demonstrated their cooking skills live, offering guests a taste of their national traditions.

From Malaysia’s aromatic curry crab to Vietnam’s delicately noodle crab and Brunei’s fiery chili crab, and etc., each dish told a story of culture, heritage, and the distinct flavors that define Southeast Asia.

Addressing the event, Malaysian Ambassador to Iran Khairi bin Omar said: “This event is more than a culinary showcase; it’s a celebration of ASEAN’s unity in diversity”.

“Through food, we share a part of who we are, strengthening the bonds between our nations and extending the warmth of ASEAN to our Iranian friends”, the ambassador emphasized.

Guests, including Iranian officials, members of the diplomatic community, and food enthusiasts, were treated to a multisensory experience of tastes, aromas, and live culinary demonstrations.

Each dish, meticulously prepared and presented, served as a reminder of how food can transcend borders and connect people in meaningful ways.

The ASEAN Crab event also served as a prelude to Malaysia’s leadership of ASEAN in 2025, highlighting the organization’s commitment to cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.

It underscored the role of food as a powerful tool in fostering understanding and collaboration between ASEAN countries and the wider world, including Iran.

As the event concluded, it left a lasting impression on attendees, who departed not only with a deeper appreciation of ASEAN cuisine but also with a sense of the vibrant cultural unity that defines Southeast Asia.

Photo: Malaysian Ambassador to Iran Khairi bin Omar delivers speech in “ASEAN Crab event” held at the place of embassy, participated by the ambassadors of Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and South Korea (sitting around the table)

Photos By Mahnaz Abdi