Patriotic Cakes Spark National Pride Through Culinary Creativity

MELAKA, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Once limited to waving the Jalur Gemilang or wearing flag-inspired attire, Malaysians are now expressing patriotism in sweeter and more creative ways through cake art.

The culinary world, especially in the field of pastry, is seeing patriotic-themed cakes emerge not just as desserts but as edible expressions of national pride. Beneath layers of cream and fondant lie stories of struggle, pride, hope and love for the country, shared symbolically in every slice.

For cake and pastry entrepreneur Hilaliyah Mohamed Hanif, 50, creating patriotic cakes is more than fulfilling customer requests. It is a subtle platform to instil national values.

“When we see cakes or desserts with national motifs, the patriotic spirit naturally seeps in. Over the past 16 years, I have made more than 10 patriotic-themed cakes, including pulut kuning (turmeric-infused glutinous rice) for Merdeka Day,” she told Bernama.

Her designs are often inspired by cultural elements such as songket patterns, wau kites, the bunga raya (hibiscus), traditional tanjak headgear and iconic landmarks in Malaysia.

“These symbols may be familiar, but on cakes for national events, they evoke a deep sense of pride, both in the maker and the person enjoying it,” she said.

Among her most memorable works was a cake shaped like a book, inspired by the poem Guru Oh Guru by National Laureate Usman Awang. Created for Teacher’s Day in 2015, it became so popular that a school used it as the cover photo for its official Facebook page.

“Though it wasn’t for Merdeka, it carried strong patriotic value by honouring educators. It shows national pride can be expressed in many forms,” she said.

Hilaliyah said she typically receives orders from schools, corporate bodies and public figures two to three weeks before major celebrations.

“By early August, orders pick up for National Day and Malaysia Day. I always look forward to these orders because each one is a gesture of gratitude for the peace we enjoy,” she said.

The patriotic cake trend is also gaining traction in the hospitality sector. Birkin International Hotel is among the establishments taking part, offering Jalur Gemilang-themed cupcakes throughout August to boost the Merdeka spirit among guests.

According to its head pastry chef, Muzaffar Shah Yusoff, 51, cake-making has become a creative medium to connect people with national identity and values.

“Our cupcakes, in red velvet, chocolate and carrot, are visually appealing and carry a message that patriotism can be expressed in light-hearted, creative ways” he said.

Muzaffar, who has created large-scale patriotic cakes including a 10-by-5-foot version featuring national elements, said such projects require meticulous preparation.

“It is challenging, but the reward comes when the cake touches the hearts of guests. It motivates us to keep creating cakes that embody the patriotic spirit,” he said.

He believes that patriotic cake art can serve as a modern form of communication that cuts across generations and backgrounds.

“It does more than beautify an event. It tells stories of our history, culture and the Malaysian spirit,” he said.

-- BERNAMA