Traveling to new places has to be a top favorite for most ATCKs. Sometimes, that is traveling to childhood haunts, and other times it is the joy of experiencing new cultures, which always includes food. In this piece, Urmi Hossain compares countries to the likeness of chocolate. What type of chocolate would you describe the place you last visited?
Visiting a new country is like opening a box of chocolates; you never know what you will find. Some countries can be sweet and creamy like milk chocolate, some can be bitter like dark chocolate, while others can be almost artificial like white chocolate.
I recently returned from a trip to Malaysia, and if I had to choose the flavour associated with it, I would say milk chocolate.
Malaysia was a pleasant surprise. It is rich in cultures and history, with a perfect recipe of a blend of traditions, a fusion of cuisines, and harmony among religions. It was my first time visiting this part of the world, and I was a bit frightened before seeing it, but as Joseph Campbell says, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” This quote was my mindset when I first landed in the country.
My first impression of Malaysia, more precisely Kuala Lumpur, was how clean, technologically advanced, and culturally mixed the country was. You see people of every colour, every shape, size, and every religion — it was just beautiful.
I stayed downtown in a hotel facing their twin towers — the Petronas Towers. These are the most amazing buildings I have seen — tall, majestic, and gleaming. I had the most breathtaking view from the 40th floor of my hotel — I could not have asked for more.
The city is vibrant and crowded, making it like New York. Indeed, I feel Kuala Lumpur is the Muslim version of New York, but much cleaner. They have quite a nightlife, which I believe is because it is pretty hot, sunny, and humid during the day.
Food stalls fill the streets at night, with merchants selling typical street food like bubble tea, taro ice cream, fluffy Japanese pancakes, Japanese Wagyu, mango sticky rice, and more. No matter what you eat, every single dish awakens your senses and brings you to another world while fully being in the moment.
Besides the lively and vibrant nights, Kuala Lumpur is known for its diversity — you get to see all sorts of religions: Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and more. There is a place for everyone. Thean Hou Temple, located on a hill, is a spectacular and peaceful sanctuary. It is bright and vibrant, with colorful lanterns and intricate carvings that evoke a serene atmosphere. Malaysia is home to many Muslims, and its mosques are quite stunning in their architecture, especially the Pink Mosque in Putrajaya, which stands out with its rose-colored walls and peaceful charm. As soon as you walk into the mosque, you feel a sense of peace and calmness — everything slows down, and there is a moment where you are just with yourself.
I can’t go without saying something about the Malay people. If I had to describe them, they are kind, welcoming, and hospitable. They go above and beyond to serve you, to answer your questions, and to help you. They truly and genuinely want to help you, regardless of whether you are a tourist or a native. They come across as genuine and sincere, with smiles that warm your heart and make you want to revisit this country.
Lastly, and most importantly, the main reason to visit Malaysia is its rich and flavourful food. Their cuisine is a beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, where every bite tells you a different story — their Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Teh Tarik are to die for, and not to forget other Asian influences such as the delicious variety of noodles and rice dishes, tropical fruits like durian, and a variety of street food. No matter what you eat, you will never be disappointed!
Visiting Malaysia was like savoring a piece of milk chocolate — rich, comforting, and homey. It has stunning views, sweet people, and unforgettable flavours. It is a place that will take a piece of your heart away and make you want to come back. It is a place worth visiting over and over again!
Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she is currently residing. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, polyglot, and mentor. She is the holder of the CFA and CAIA charter. She advocates women’s empowerment and is very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead where she spreads the message of gender equality and more women in leadership positions. She enjoys being a promoter of self-investing and personal development. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and practicing Muay Thai. She has lived in Italy, UK and now lives in Canada.
Other places to find Urmi: LinkedIn, YouTube Channel, Instagram, and Blog or read her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle.
