Latest news with #traditionaldress
South China Morning Post
20-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
How the kebaya became a symbol of Southeast Asian heritage, and how its name spread
Cheongsam, qipao, kimono, hanbok, sari, salwar-kameez – these traditional Asian outfits and their names have long been embraced by the English-speaking world. What about kebaya? The kebaya has been a significant element of cultural heritage for centuries. These hip- to shin-length front-opening tunics or blouses are made from various materials such as cotton or voile, are often adorned with intricate embroidery and are worn with fasteners such as brooches, buttons or a sash. The celebrated modern female cabin crew uniforms of the airlines of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia give an idea. Several Southeast Asian nations had previously laid claim to the kebaya (pronounced 'kuh-BYE-ah') as their traditional dress symbolising their unique heritage and identity. The garment's inscription onto the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024 was most significant for being a joint bid made by five countries – Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – in a show of mutual respect and cross-border interaction. A Singapore Airlines flight attendant wearing a kebaya serves food and drinks. Photo: Shutterstock That the garment and its underlying cultural knowledge span the region should not be surprising.
Arab News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Layali Al Iraq' in Jeddah
Layali Al Iraq restaurant in Jeddah offers authentic Iraqi cuisine in a traditional setting. The restaurant's spacious interiors feature classic Iraqi elements including mashrabiya woodwork, stone walls, murals, and a central fountain. Soft Iraqi music adds to the calm atmosphere. While browsing the menu, guests are offered complimentary lentil soup, lemon slices, and saj bread — a nice touch. I tried the tabbouleh, Mosuli-style kibbeh, and a cold mezze platter. The tabbouleh was large — enough for several people — and all the ingredients were fresh and flavorsome. Layali Al Iraq has an enclosed grilling room where the signature grilled carp (shabout) is cooked upright over a fire. I ordered a 1 kg carp, which arrived nicely crisped and served with fresh vegetables. The lamb shoulder came with both plain and tomato-based rice, plus pistachio-stuffed kebabs — hearty and well-seasoned. To finish, traditional Iraqi tea istikanah is served in authentic cups by staff in traditional dress. Service was quick, and prices are reasonable given the portion sizes. Visit @layali_al.iraq_restaurant on Instagram for more information.
