FOOD is the basis for culture and society. More than an essential to satisfy a physical need, food brings people together in universal sharing. "The most fundamentally selfless and communitarian thing we do is to share food," writes sociologist Matt Ridley in The Origins of Virtue. "It is the very basis of society." Malaysians at the crossroads of the great civilisations have learnt to borrow cultural values from, and to share their virtues with, each wave of new arrivals to the Malay Peninsula. From this has evolved a harmonious nation, each with distinct cuisine blending into the whole. Food has become central to Malaysian hospitality. Food as a medium for cross-cultural dialogue is the inspiration for Malaysian food services company foodies 'n' friends.

foodies 'n' friends was launched on 24 May 2001 at The Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur by the Australian High
Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr. Peter Varghese.

"Food is the greatest missionary for peace," says Ms. Hannah Abisheganaden, Director/Principal of foodies 'n' friends. It is the depth to which cuisine from the various communities in Malaysia has blended, that so impresses Ms. Abisheganaden. "That is something worthy of sharing with the world, "she says.

Our Mission Bringing people together in friendship, through the universal sharing of food. foodies 'n' friends view of food is comprehensive. We cater to food at three levels:

- Food as basic need
- Food as indulgence
- Food as cultural exchange

The People

Hannah Abisheganaden
Director/Principal

A journalist, food and restaurant writer, and experienced cook, Hannah has worked extensively in Malaysia and Australia. Hannah was the food coordinator for Her World magazine from 1976 to 1989, where she was founding coordinator of the Her World Cookery Club. She has compiled numerous cookbooks for Her World. In Australia, she has written for The Age Good Food Guide and The Age Cheap Eats Guide as well as restaurant reviews for Epicure, the food guide in The Age newspaper in Melbourne, and the Herald Sun food guide, and Mietta's Eating and Drinking in Australia.