Heritage on a Plate: Awareness and Perception of Malay Traditional Desserts Among Non-Malay University Students in Melaka

This study explores the awareness and perception of Malay traditional desserts among non-Malay university students in Melaka, emphasizing cultural sustainability in a multicultural society. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 234 respondents through structured questionnaires. Findings reveal a moderate level of awareness, with food preferences and social influences, particularly from friends and social media, emerging as significant predictors of awareness and positive perception. The availability of traditional desserts, however, exhibited a weak and inverse relationship with awareness, suggesting barriers to accessibility. Regression analysis indicated that food preference had the most substantial impact on awareness, followed by social influence. The study highlights the importance of integrating cultural food education and strategic media dissemination to preserve culinary heritage. It offers theoretical contributions to the field of food heritage literature and practical implications for policymakers and educational institutions, promoting intercultural understanding and heritage conservation.