Marriott International has officially unveiled it’s Future of Food 2026 report in Malaysia, marking a new chapter in the country’s evolving culinary landscape where sustainability, heritage, and comfort converge to define the new era of luxury dining.
The launch held at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, was celebrated through an immersive dining experience titled ‘Flavours of the Forgotten’ spotlighting Malaysia’s indigenous ingredients and sustainable food pioneers. The event also marked Malaysia’s official entry into the regional conversation on how sensory storytelling, local provenance, and responsible sourcing are shaped dining trends across the Asia Pacific.
A Malaysian Expression of the Future
The Future of Food 2026 report explores the transformation of the dining landscape across the Asia Pacific, focusing on comfort-driven menus, sensory-led experiences, and sustainability.
In Malaysia, the findings show that these shifts are already underway. A regional survey of Marriott International’s food, and beverage teams across 270 properties in 20 markets found that 68% of diners in Malaysia now prefer local Asian dishes over international fair, 74% of Marriott’s properties in Malaysia serve traditional dishes using traditional methods and 42% report higher demand for comfort food compared to the regional average of 29%.
These figures underscore Malaysia’s position as one of the region’s most dynamic culinary markets, where diners seek authenticity, approachability, and a deep connection to culture and community.
Flavours of the Forgotten: Rediscovering Malaysia’s Roots
The Malaysia launch event, Flavours of the Forgotten, paid homage to Malaysia’s indigenous ingredients such as ulam raja, daun kaduk, daun pegaga and kerdas, reimagined through a modern fine-casual menu by Executive Chef Nor Azizi. The menu was created in collaboration with BoomGrow, Malaysia’s leading urban-farm collective.
A Sustainable Marketplace accompanies the dinner, showcasing Marriott Bonvoy’s local partners, BoomGrow, Brotani, WonderBrew, Limelight, and Korte Chocolate x Hetam. All of whom are helping shape the future of sustainable dining in Malaysia through responsible sourcing, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Comfort Meets Craftmanship
Petr Raba, Vice President of Food and Beverage, Asia Pacific (Excluding China), Marriott International said, “Across Asia Pacific, comfort food is emerging as the new luxury. In Malaysia, that evolution is especially powerful — where every ingredient tells a story and every recipe reflects a legacy. Flavours of the Forgotten celebrates that dialogue between heritage and innovation, and reminds us that the most meaningful meals are those rooted in culture and conscience.”
Raba added that partnerships with local pioneers such as BoomGrow, WonderBrew, and Korte Chocolate x Hetam exemplifies how ‘sustainability, creativity, and authenticity’ define the next chapter of dining in Malaysia.
Culinary Data That Defines a Nation
The report also revealed that Malaysia leads the region in digital transformation, with 95% of Marriott properties managing bookings digitally and 84% integrating POS and feedback systems to enhance guest experiences.
Social Media continues to play a key role in dining discovery with 84% of Malaysian guests relying on online recommendations when choosing where to dine.
While entertainment-driven dining is trending across the region, Malaysian diners remain deeply rooted in the familiar, valuing food that comforts, connects, and tells a story. This mirrors the reports core theme that comfort is the new luxury blending fine-dining techniques with everyday dishes to create indulgent yet approachable experiences.
Key Insights from the Future of Food 2026 Report
- The Flavor Spectrum: Guests are gravitating towards a balance of classic and contemporary embracing both traditional cocktails and regionally inspired mixes. Health-conscious dining is also one the rise, with Marriott’s F&B teams reporting increased demand for vegan (63%), vegetarian (64%) and gluten free (54%) options.
- Raising the Bar: Bars across Asia are redefining the experience, introducing low-or no-alcohol menus, omakase-style cocktails and drinks infused with native ingredients like Dashi to cater to evolving palates seeking wellness and personalization.
- The Future Larder: Heritage ingredient such as fermented condiments, artisanal salts, and traditional vinegars are making a comeback, symbolizing a renewed appreciation for bold, cultural rooted flavours.
- Sustainability Pioneers: Local heroes across the region, including Malaysia’s own innovators, are empowering farmers, promoting biodiversity, and driving a grassroots movement towards sustainable dining that is reshaping the hospitality industry.
With Future of Food 2026, Marriott International reaffirms it’s vision of redefining dining experiences that honour both tradition and transformation, where comfort, culture, and conscience meet on every plate.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
