Okay, so recently I visited the Pasar Eatai Chinese Muslim Festival at One Utama Shopping Mall, and I was buzzing with excitement even before stepping in. As someone who has always loved Chinese cuisine, this felt like a golden opportunity to explore dishes I’d never tried before. I’m not sure when I’ll finally get to travel to China (it’s definitely on my bucket list!), but for now, this festival was the closest I’ve come to taking a mini culinary trip across China—all without leaving Malaysia.

The festival ran for 11 days from 25th December to 4th January, right in the heart of the mall’s E Street area, and it wasn’t just another food event. This festival was all about authentic Chinese Muslim food and culture—the kind you usually only find in parts of China like Xi’an, Lanzhou, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Yunnan—and suddenly it was all in one place, right here in Malaysia.

As with any festival, it was a bit crowded, but still totally bearable. The atmosphere actually made it feel lively and festive rather than overwhelming. There were tables and seats available, though a bit limited. I’m normally not a big fan of events where it’s hard to find a spot to sit and eat, but I’m really glad I came and got to enjoy everything this festival had to offer.

✅ So What Is Pasar Eatai?

If you’ve never heard of Pasar Eatai before, don’t worry—neither had I. Pasar Eatai actually started as an authentic Chinese Muslim restaurant at One Utama, and its owner, Shoaib Ma, who is also a food influencer, has played a key role in helping bring the Chinese Muslim Food & Tourism Festival to life. The festival has been held a few times over the years, with this year marking its 3rd time.

He’s shared that Malaysia is seen as a perfect starting point for Chinese Muslim vendors, mainly because of our strong halal ecosystem and how open people here are to trying new flavours. This year’s festival brought together around 55 stalls, all serving halal Chinese Muslim food, making it a really exciting experience for anyone curious about this cuisine.

But it wasn’t just about food. Walking through the festival felt more like exploring a small cultural market. You could watch how the food was prepared, smell spices you don’t usually come across, taste dishes from different regions, and at the same time learn a little about the culture behind them—all in one place. Some of the vendors even wore their traditional clothing, which made the whole experience feel even more immersive. 

✅ What Made It Special (For Me)

I honestly didn’t know where to start—every stall looked amazing, and there were so many dishes I’d never tried before. At the same time, some of them felt familiar, which made it even more exciting to see the different twists and flavours. There were:

• Hand-pulled noodles, made right in front of you.
• Beef and chicken skewers, dumplings, kebabs, soups and treats from regions you don’t usually find on local menus. 
• Snacks and packaged goodies straight from China. 

The best part? It didn’t feel like those overpriced food fairs where you’re just paying for hype. Prices were clearly displayed at each stall, and considering the effort to bring ingredients all the way from China, they were very reasonable.

I tried a bunch of things: lentil soup, abaozai braised chicken, Lil Jiang lamb soup, beef roti, and flower cake—but out of all of them, the flower cake completely stole the show. I actually bought one just to try, but I ended up going back to the stall and buying more. Honestly, I didn’t expect a dessert to leave such a strong impression, but this one was unforgettable.

The flower cake is an iconic dessert from Yunnan Province, and I had genuinely never tasted anything like it before. It’s essentially a delicate pastry filled with rose petals, and the first bite immediately caught my attention. The outer layer is thin and flaky, while the filling is soft, lightly sweet, and incredibly fragrant. The subtle rose aroma is elegant—not overpowering at all, but it lingers just enough to make the flavour memorable.

What I loved most was how balanced it felt. Each bite was a perfect combination of texture and taste: the crispiness of the pastry, the softness of the filling, and the floral notes that are aromatic yet delicate. It’s not cloyingly sweet like some desserts can be, which makes it feel refined, almost sophisticated, even though it’s a humble pastry you might find in a local market.

✅ Final Thoughts

I really wish we had more festivals like this in Malaysia; events that bring together unique cuisines and give us the chance to explore flavours we might never try otherwise. For me, experiences like this go beyond just eating; they open up space to understand the stories, traditions, and culture behind each dish.

I’m genuinely glad that this festival exists. It’s rare to find an event that combines authenticity, accessibility, and sheer excitement all in one place, and Pasar Eatai did exactly that. I left feeling amazed, inspired, and already looking forward to the next one.

Until then, I’ll be daydreaming about the flower cakes!

And honestly? If you love exploring food as I do, this is exactly the kind of festival that makes your taste buds happy and your foodie heart full. 🥰

—Auri Duham🪴