Comfort food in Malaysia isn’t just a dish — it’s a feeling. It’s the act of recreating a childhood favourite, cooking for loved ones, or finding joy in preparing a meal just for oneself. In the wake of post-pandemic lifestyle changes, more Malaysians are rediscovering home cooking as a source of comfort, creativity, and connection.
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That sentiment lies at the heart of Find Joy in Cooking, part of the nationwide #EmborgComfortFood campaign by Emborg, which invited Malaysians to share their ultimate comfort food stories. Over 300 Malaysians participated, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the emotional role food plays in daily life.
The campaign uncovered meaningful insights:
✅91% cook for loved ones, viewing food as an act of care and affection.
✅47% cook for themselves, finding comfort in solitude and self-care.
✅4 in 5 dishes were served warm — from soups to toast — while 1 in 2 participants made extra portions to share.
✅42% linked their dishes to personal memories of childhood, travel, or emotional milestones.
Beyond statistics, entries were filled with feeling. Comfort food was described as “tastes like a hug,” “warms my soul,” and “not fancy, but full of love.” Dishes often featured humble, everyday ingredients — cheesy toast, creamy broccoli soup, and nostalgic rice dishes — proving that comfort is rooted not in luxury, but in emotion.
“Through this campaign, we saw how food becomes a language of love,” said Felix Ewe, Country Manager at Emborg Malaysia. “It wasn’t just about recipes — it was about rediscovering the emotional power of food and celebrating the stories behind every dish.”
Across Malaysia, comfort food proved as diverse as the nation itself. Local cooks combined familiar staples — rice, noodles, bread — with creamy and umami-rich elements, often blending global and local ingredients. Tomatoes (23%) and mushrooms (20%) emerged as popular additions, while herbs like pandan, lemongrass, curry leaves, and basil infused dishes with Malaysian soul.
Celebrity Chef Nik Michael Imran, Emborg’s Professional Regional Chef, added, “Comfort food isn’t defined by complexity but by familiarity. Whether it’s a cheesy twist on a family recipe or a warm bowl of noodles, joy in the kitchen often comes from the simplest meals.”
Beyond nourishment, the campaign highlighted how cooking has become an emotional outlet — a form of mindfulness, creativity, and self-care.
For nearly 80 years, Emborg has been a trusted kitchen companion in Malaysian homes. With its wide range of high-quality dairy products, the brand continues to empower home cooks to find joy, one comforting dish at a time.
Discover more recipes and stories at Find Joy in Cooking
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