Malay 's Table Manners

Like other races, Malay table manners is unique and the etiquette regarding food is also quite elaborate.Malay culture has a few ways of handling food which are still practised until today. There are rules and taboos that you must observe if you happen to be invited to a Malay home for a meal.

Malays are also invariably muslims, therefore there is no pork, non-halal meat or alcohol beverages served in a Malay home.

It is polite to bring a gift of fresh fruits to your host. This is called buah tangan. If it is a wedding reception at a village, it is nice to bring something sweet, like sugar, jelly or cakes in addition to your wedding present to the happy couple.

It is also acceptable to give a gift of cash for the newlyweds, you place the money in an envelope and hand it to either parent of the bride or groom upon leaving. The envelope is slipped discretely into their hands when you shake them to congratulate them on their son's or daughter's marriage.