Fun BBQ Potluck Outing To Celebrate Malaysia’s 53rd Independence Day
Malaysian Family BBQ potluck outing
Summer is coming to an end quite soon. It is getting cold fast and the days are getting shorter. But nothing is going to stop us from having fun…..whether rain, sun, wind or snow. We had a few wonderful outings together with friends and the most recent one was our Malaysian Fun BBQ Potluck Outing with some of our Malaysian family friends to celebrate Malaysia’s 53rd Independence Day.
Malaysian flag
The Independence day of Malaysia is a national holiday which is celebrated on 31 August every year. It is the day to commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule on 31 August 1957. This also means we celebrate the formation of Malaysia. This year marks the 53rd year of independence. In the capital, Kuala Lumpur, there is always a very grand and colourful parade. There are 14 states in Malaysia (14 stripes on the flag) and each state celebrates in its own way with pomp and style.
But for us staying overseas, we celebrated it in a different way. It was quite an international affair as there are several mixed marriages. It is a very good time to share our food and cultures and feel proud to be part of Malaysia.
beautiful woods for forest walk
Aberdeen, situated in North east Scotland, is a city with amazing sceneries and clean air. We went to a lovely park with a big patches of green grass which reminds me of The Sound of Music and the song, ‘Green Green Grass of Home’. There was also a lovely forest walk into the woods which is so tranquil and relaxing to walk. There was duck feeding too where the children enjoyed but sadly didn’t get to take any pictures. Friends brought bicycles along so some had fun riding the bicycles around. It was a cold drizzly day but there were lots of food, fun and laughter. Wonderful friends are enough to bring warmth and smiles.
The famous Malaysian slogan is ‘Malaysia Boleh’ meaning, ‘Malaysia Can’. But living overseas being so far away from home (about 14 hour’s flight), I would happily use ‘Malaysian Can’! I think it’s more personal. When comes to cooking and eating, I love to find ways and means to cook the food that I dearly miss. Not there yet, but I will Keep Learning Keep Smiling! Here are some of the foods (there were lots) and fun that we had.
Mackerel and pork ribs bbq
These mackerels are one of the best for barbecue. They are cheap, fresh and taste awesome. You don’t really need much seasoning. Just salt and pepper would do. I can eat 2 or 3 just on my own….mmmm….but sadly I had to share as there were only 4. I wish my friend had brought more!…hehe
Korean bbq
More barbecue. This is the Korean way of bbq. I love the idea of adding onions to the bbq. It adds flavour to the beef burger and chicken. Next time I will do that. I will add more types of vegetables. I’m sure adding lemon grass and ginger will give an awesome aroma and taste. Can’t wait for the next bbq.
Golden chicken wings
These are some of the best chicken wings I have tasted. The colour looks awesome. They were pre baked and then barbecued…..smart cooking!
Korean kimchi
This is real health food…my favourite. It goes very well with the barbecued meat. This is made by my Korean friend. It is well fermented…a little sourish and spicy. If you like kimchi and would like to know how to make, click How To Make Korean Kimchi.
Popular Malaysian roti canai
This is one of the top Malaysian hawker food that is always served with curry. This one was made by me. I got up very early in the morning to make these. It’s a lot of work to make about 20 pieces. I cooked a big pot of curry potatoes to go with it. Even though they looked and tasted different from the ones that we got back home, they tasted special and everyone liked it very much. Mine was a little crispy which can be great as a snack, too. Still a long way to go to get it right. Well….Keep Learning Keep Smiling! If you like to see the authentic ones, click Malaysia Street Food (Hawker Food).
Chicken satay
Malaysia is very famous for its satays. They are so good with spicy peanut sauce. But these satays here don’t do much justice to Malaysia…haha….because Malaysian satays are made from chicken thigh meat or thinly sliced beef and skewered differently and taste very juicy and delicious. But well, like my roti canai, they were all gone even though they were not authentic because everyone miss satays back home. We are just thankful to get something quite similar. I suppose you can eat and imagine otherwise…haha
Healthy eating from young
This is really healthy eating….well trained from young. This little boy, one year old next month, was so happy enjoying his barbecued sweet corn and showing off to us every now and then, when suddenly he went out of balance and fell over onto the ground. Thank goodness the ground was soft. We felt so sorry for him but yet it looked so hilarious. He cried a little and back again to his sweet corn…how adorable! He is such a brave boy! He looks so cute in his red waterproof suit that keeps him dry as he crawled around on the wet ground.
Laughter is infectious
Wow…this is real fun, joy and laughter in the rain! I think we don’t need to know what they were laughing about but just looking at them makes us want to laugh, too. I don’t think that man in the background knew what was going on but he was laughing, too…haha…amazing!! Laughter is infectious!
Laughter is very good for health. We need to laugh everyday. I hope you do. I think sometimes when we grow up, we become too serious and forgot the beauty of laughter. It was reported that children laughed easily, and for no reasons, about 300 times a day while adults laughed only about 15 times a day, and that only with a cause to laugh! Laughter is a great way to de-stress. Stress causes sickness but laughter promotes healing. A merry heart does good like medicine. So….keep laughing! When you laugh, people will laugh along with you. Life is short, don’t be too serious.
Have you been having fun lately out into the park and other outdoor activities, especially with family and friends? Please share, add and comment in the comment box below.
Hope You Have A Wonderful Weekend Of Food, Fun And Friends!
Quote of the day……
I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
Charles R. Swindoll
Keep Learning Keep Smiling
55 Comments
somewhere in singapore on September 3rd, 2010
I’m attracted by the chicken wing, hehe…
Mary on September 3rd, 2010
@anncoo - Whah…you are early today…..must be hungry…haha 
Wish you were here to join in the fun! Now I wonder whether the boy finished his sweet corn…can’t remember…looks so big for him 
I think it must have ended up in the mommy’s tummy…haha
@somewhere in singapore - Yes, the colour is so awesome. No one could resist that
Dr.Sameena Prathap on September 3rd, 2010
Hi Mary,
wow…looking so gorgeous…Looking all happy…Enjoy…
Sameena@
kristy on September 3rd, 2010
Happ Merdeka Day! Hehe… What a splendid outdoor activity! Lots of food and fun at the same time. I can see you all are having such a fabulous time there. Frankly, the food looks fantastic. Well done to all. Thanks for sharing & enjoy your dya.
Regards, kristy
Cheah on September 3rd, 2010
Gosh, all those lovely food. Can see that all of you enjoyed themselves with all the laughter on their faces!
Pepy @Indonesia Eats on September 3rd, 2010
Selamat Hari Merdeka! Uhhh the foods looked delish. I love eating roti cane with kari kambing 
Belinda @zomppa on September 3rd, 2010
Agreed! Have you heard about the interest in laughing yoga? All this looks good - mackerel bbq? Cool. Happy independence day!
Sushma Mallya on September 3rd, 2010
Dishes looks so yum, hope you enjoyed…
Arnold on September 3rd, 2010
It looks as if a good time was had by everyone. All the dishes look very nice but those chicken wings sort of stand out, they look absolutely wonderful.
5 Star Foodie on September 3rd, 2010
A terrific celebration feast! Everything looks so delicious!
penny aka jeroxie on September 3rd, 2010
It is good to see that you guys still celebrate Malaysia day! And yes I agree that laughter is the best medicine for everything
Jeannie on September 3rd, 2010
Laughter is indeed the best medicine…keeps the blues away! Looks like you were having a great time celebrating Merdeka Day. Delicious food!
elra on September 3rd, 2010
Happy Merdeka Malaysia!!!!
Wonderful gathering Mary, everyone seem enjoy their time together.
the lacquer spoon on September 3rd, 2010
Ooh, glad to know you had the wonderful BBQ feast for such a special day! Selamat Hari Merdeka!!
Roti n Rice on September 3rd, 2010
Sounds like you all had a fun gathering despite the rain. The food looks fantastic and it is making me hungry. Happy Merdeka Day!
Mary on September 3rd, 2010
@Dr.Sameena Prathap - Thanks very much, Dr! It was really all fun
@kristy - Thanks very much, Kristy! If you are here, we would have more fun and laughter
@Cheah - Absolutely….everyone’s having fun and happy. Have to organise more of such outings
@Pepy @Indonesia Eats - Thanks very much, Pepy! I love roti canai, too. For me, any curry would do….mmmm
@Belinda @zomppa - Laughing yoga? Wow…that’s new to me. I guess people see the need for more laughter Thanks very much, Belinda!
@Sushma Mallya - Thanks very much! Yes, I enjoyed very much. I ate so much that I I had to skip dinner
@Arnold - Yes, all of us had a great time. We need more of such outing The chicken wings were cooked by my friend. Totally agree with you they look absolutely wonderful…very delicious.
@5 Star Foodie - Thanks very much, Natasha!
@penny aka jeroxie - We have to find every reasons and occasions to celebrate so that everyone will get out of the house and have fun …hehe
@Jeannie - Yes, we had lots of fun. If you were here, there would be more fun. We would enjoy all your lovely bakes
@elra - Thanks very much, Elra!
@the lacquer spoon - Thanks very much! Wow…you have learned our national language…awesome!
Katerina on September 3rd, 2010
All dishes look so exotic and tasty. I am sure you had a great time celebrating your National Holiday.
Jenny Eatwell on September 3rd, 2010
Hello Mary, I’ve only just realised that you are from Malaysia! I was born in Malaysia - Kluang - way back in 1959 when my Dad was in the Army and was stationed there. I love to hear about the place because we left to return to England when I was very young, so I don’t have any memories other than that of being very scared in the Tiger Balm Gardens of Singapore! LOL I also very much enjoy the food of the area, so your blog is a gift! Thankyou!
Kamalika on September 3rd, 2010
The snaps are you had a grt fun….lovely snaps too…..The food spread is making be drooling here….
lequan@luvtoeat on September 3rd, 2010
When it comes to food, Mary from Malaysia definitely can! What a wonderful time everyone must’ve had with all that delicious food. I love crispy roti canai. Good thing I wasn’t at the party or nobody would’ve gotten any of yours lol. Oh that is hilarious about the little boy holding the corn. Poor little guy! Thank you for bringing us to your party Mary. Have a wonderful weekend.
Light Delight with Tou Tou on September 3rd, 2010
I saw roti canai! We have a very similar version in China too, and I totally miss it! What a fun day Enjoy!
Joy on September 3rd, 2010
Everything looks so good.
fimère on September 3rd, 2010
je vois que tout le monde a passé un agréable moment
un beau partage et de sublimes photos
bonne soirée
Blackswan on September 3rd, 2010
Hey, the chicken wings looks delicious! But then, what’s a BBQ without chix wings…. definitely a can’t-do-without item
I love BBQ & it’s a perfect time to gather with friends. Have a nice weekend, Mary!
Stella on September 3rd, 2010
Hey Mary, this looks fun! And I love roti canai-yummerz! By the way, your photos are excellent here. I wanted some of that fish, as the photo made it look so appetizing. I’m still working on snapping ‘appetizing photos’. It’s hard…
Drick on September 3rd, 2010
oh my goodness, wish I was there, to eat your roti canai and all the other great foods and most important to celebrate this occasion with such a wonderful friend … keep learning and smiling my dear friend
My Restaurants Melbourne on September 3rd, 2010
wow so much stuff about malaysia i never even knew. thanks for that informative post
Mary on September 4th, 2010
@Katerina - Thanks very much, Katerina. Yes, we had a great time
@Jenny Eatwell - Wonderful to know you were born in Malaysia Must be a real experience for you. I’m sure you have lots of sweet/scary memories of the place, people and food. Thanks very much for your compliments, Jenny
@Kamalika - If you come, I will organise one and we will have lots of fun and food
@lequan@luvtoeat - Oh wow…what a compliment! I’m blushing….haha I wish I am really that good as you think…can whip up any dish any time! That would be my dream come true. Aha…you are just the perfect one for my party……crisp roti canai for you. I’ll get up even earlier to make more…just for you, LeQuan! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, too.
@Aipi - Thanks very much! Yes, the little boy is sooooo adorable. He was the centre of attraction at the outing
@Light Delight with Tou Tou - Wonder how the Chinese version looks and tastes like. Roti canai is the Indian version. Hope you have a lovely weekend and eating well
@Joy - Thanks very much, Joy!
fimère - Thanks very much, Fimère! Yes, it was a very fun outing
@Blackswan - Thanks very much, Shirley! Totally agree with you that it’s a perfect time to gather with friends. Sometimes life can be so busy that we don’t see each other. Hope we will have more gathering like this You have a nice weekend, too.
@Stella - Thanks very much, Stella! The fish is really very, very good. I have been looking for them in the supermarkets but can’t find them 
Me, too….am still trying to take better shots. I see some food blogs have very beautiful, sharp pictures. Hope to learn. Let’s keep learning keep smiling I’m sure we will get there one day…hehe
@Drick - Oh yes, 100% YES, you should be there! I will even bring my wok there to cook if you were there……cook in the open and no cleaning up work for you….haha Can even make Mexican food there…hehe
@My Restaurants Melbourne - Thanks very much! Hope you have lots of fun enjoying great food this weekend
skip to malou on September 4th, 2010
Mary, oh Mary I really wish I could have BBQ fun with you too. I would imagine when we meet (and hopefully we really do, it will be like a reunion.. don’t you think? haha! have a good weekend!
Olive on September 4th, 2010
Happy Malaysian Independence Day to you Mary…looks like you had a really fun time with your family and friends!
ooh,that little boy is so cute!!!
suituapui on September 4th, 2010
Drooling at all the yummy food… Gosh! That’s really nice. I wonder how many people actually actually bother to celebrate… I didn’t.
Jess @ Bakericious on September 4th, 2010
Wow what a fun bbq, look at the food, I am salivating!
Cooking Gallery on September 4th, 2010
You seemed to have a great time and the array of food….I envy all the people being there!
busygran on September 4th, 2010
Delicious range of food! What fun you must have had!
Mary on September 4th, 2010
Have a wonderful holiday, Mary. The food looks wonderful. Enjoy the company of family and like-minded friends. Blessings…Mary
Carla on September 4th, 2010
It looks like a fun filled day was enjoyed by all. Great looking food too.
Mary on September 4th, 2010
@skip to malou - I really wish , too, that your were here to join us. We will have lots of belly laughs I’m sure…haha. I sure hope one day we will meet! You are just such a sweetie and fun to be with Have a lovely weekend, too.
@Olive - Thanks very much, Olive! Yes, it was all great fun…and…the little boy…oh….still want to laugh as I recall how he fell off from the bench…haha
@suituapui - Haha…if we are in Malaysia, I think we will be like you! But here, we must find every opportunity and reason to celebrate, get out of the house and meet friends
@Jess @ Bakericious - Thanks very much, Jess!
@Cooking Gallery - You should come and join us…will invite more people and prepare more food for you
@busygran - Yes, total fun and food and forget the world outside…haha
@Mary - Thanks very much, Mary! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
@Carla - Thanks very much, Carla!
Shirley@kokken69 on September 4th, 2010
Mary, whenever I see posts like these, I wonder- what is it about Chinese malaysians that bind them to the land of their birth? Maybe we here in Singapore have had it too good- with few of us having to move abroad, most of us cannot recognize how lucky we are!
pierre on September 5th, 2010
it is always great to celebrate Nations birthdays !!Pierre
Cookie on September 5th, 2010
You sure had a fabulous time… well, who won’t with great company and great food!
Joanne on September 5th, 2010
This looks like one awesome barbecue with tons of food, laughter, and happiness!
Conor @ HoldtheBeef on September 5th, 2010
Oops, for a tiny second I totally forgot that you are living in Scotland, and started to feel a little disbelief at you saying that the days are getting colder.. then I suddenly remembered and yes I think you have every right to be complaining about colder days
What a lovely day, and I think I could also eat 2 or 3 mackerel and probably way more than my fair share of your roti canai! YUM!
Laughter is really what gets me through life, I think. It is just so important to be able to laugh, and laughing with friends is one of life’s great joys
mycookinghut on September 5th, 2010
Wow… a lot of yummy food!
Yeah, it’s getting colder and the day is getting shorter… I start to feel depressed… very soon we will be wearing thick coats and switch on the heating
Lauren on September 5th, 2010
Wow, all that food looks wonderful. Have only been up to Aberdeen once or twice, but it is always beautiful! Albeit cold - we spent a week in caravan up there last summer, and I’ve never been so cold.
But I am sure all that food would keep you warm looks delicious.
Sidney on September 5th, 2010
wow…although migrated to Aberdeen, but still Malaysian heart…it is nice to have outing…
Elin on September 5th, 2010
Mary…glad you had such a wonderful bbq for celebrating Malaysia 53rd Independence Day and I agree with you laughter is good for health and it makes the world go round
Have a great day !
Mary on September 6th, 2010
@Shirley@kokken69 - Aha…now you make me wonder…hmmm. Must be the language, culture and food that binds us When you are overseas, all the more, birds of the same feather must flock together…haha. It makes us feel like a family
@pierre - You are very right to say that, Pierre…to remember our roots
@Cookie - You are very right, indeed…..great company and great food…not to be missed
@Joanne - Yes, it was. Wish you were here! Would be more fun and you can jog round the beautiful green grass
@Conor @ HoldtheBeef - I think there are not many days that I didn’t complain about the weather here……haha. I actually envy those ducks that can still swim in icing waters…LOL. My gosh, if you were here, no one else will have any chance to eat the mackerel….only enough for the 2 of us…haha. I think the 2 of us should have a mackerel BBQ all for ourselves Roti canai…no problem….will get up earlier to make lots more if you were there Totally agree with you that laughing with friends is one of life’s great joys! I’m meeting my friends for lunch today so there’s going to be lots of laughters again….hehe
@mycookinghut - I’m already wearing thicker clothing in the house…hmmm. I like to turn on most lights in the house when it’s dark so that I don’t feel it’s so dark and gloomy outside. Let my hubby handle the bill…hehe When when I walk out, it can easily wipe off my smiles….brrrr…but have to Keep Smiling
@Lauren - Wow…that must be very fun spending a week in the caravan. I have not tried that. It’s so cold here I’m more tempted to go south…haha We sure need warm friendship and warm food to keep us warm here
@Sidney - Haha….you described us well…..must remember our roots If you ever come, come in summer so that we can go for outing. It’s very fun. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
@Elin - Thanks very much, Elin! Hope you have a great day! Have fun cooking and baking
Ananda Rajashekar on September 6th, 2010
wat a fun time…..loved ur 3rd pic and chicken wings my fav can eat any numbers of it it oh num num
Thas on September 7th, 2010
Belated Independence day wishes and what a fun celebration. I want that chicken satay, I love it!
Mary on September 8th, 2010
@Ananda Rajashekar - You must be a nature-loving person! Nature just has a way of helping us to relax. I really like it too. I’ll cook lots of chicken wings if you are here
@Thas - Thanks very much, Thas! It was a very fun celebration indeed. I love chicken satays, too…..just love anything on a stick…haha
Magic of Spice on September 8th, 2010
Mary this looks like such a wonderful time…and the food is just amazing
pigpigscorner on September 8th, 2010
So fun! Didn’t do anything this year =(
Nate @ House of Annie on September 8th, 2010
Beautiful looking mackerels there…there seems to be more than just salt and pepper on them, though. Some other kind of spice paste marinade?
This lovely award was given by a lovely lady at 
anncoo on September 3rd, 2010
WOW Mary! That is really fun. I can see all the happy faces and good food in this pot luck. The little boy is so cute, wonder how long he finishes that corn…hahaa..