Spanish gastronomy takes centre stage as Eat Spain Drink Spain returns to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, September 12 — Despite rain and heavy traffic, the warm ambiance inside Barra Restaurant on Wednesday remained undeterred as Spanish diplomats, chefs, and food enthusiasts congregated to honor a shared love for gastronomy. Spain’s Ambassador-designate to Malaysia, Sergi Farré Salvá, emphasized food as a unifying force between the two nations, where the concept of "makan" is deeply ingrained in daily life.

Farré, who recently arrived in Malaysia, expressed his intention to indulge in a multitude of culinary experiences during the event, highlighting the cultural, artistic, and innovative aspects of Spanish cuisine. The ambassador-designate aims to formally present his credentials to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in late October or early November.

He officially presented the Restaurants From Spain certification plaque to Chef Gabriel Bonin and Chef Ignasi Prats, alongside the Barra team. Recognized by the Spanish government via ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, the certification highlights restaurants outside Spain that serve authentic, high-quality Spanish cuisine and promote Spanish culinary products and culture.

Farré acknowledged Barra's distinction among the eight certified Spanish restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, attributing the city's food-centric culture to its 24/7 availability. The ambassador-designate stressed Spain's gastronomic prowess stems from innovation, science, and technology, alongside its centuries-old heritage and Mediterranean influences.

Juan Guía, the Embassy of Spain in Malaysia's Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor, mentioned the event's dual purpose: celebrating Barra's certification and introducing the second edition of the Eat Spain Drink Spain festival in Malaysia. The initiative aims to make Spanish food more accessible to Malaysians and encourage family and friends to explore it together.

Scheduled from September 18 to October 4, the festival will take place in over 40 venues across Malaysia, featuring diverse experiences like promotional menus, weekend pop-ups, and tapas events. Some venues will showcase traditional favorites, while others will present contemporary interpretations of Spanish cuisine. Barra, owned by The Tamarind Restaurants group, opened in April 2024 and is a "piece of Barcelona" in Kuala Lumpur's Chinese neighbourhood.

Chef Ignasi Prats and Chef Gabriel Bonin built Barra's identity, and Bonin emphasized the pride and responsibility of the restaurant's team in upholding Spain's culinary reputation.