Travel between China and Malaysia has never been easier with over 500 flights a week and reciprocal visa-free access. But for some, the journey begins with food. In Guangzhou, a Malaysian Chinese couple is bringing Mamak cuisine to China—offering a taste of home for Malaysians and Muslim customers. Huang Fei reports.

In the heart of Guangzhou, Albert and Shelly's eatery is serving up a true taste of Malaysia. They've named it "Mamak" - a beloved food culture inspired by the Tamil word for "uncle."

ALBERT LO, Mamak Stall Owner "Because we found out that in Guangzhou, it's very rare to find Malaysian food in Guangzhou. And if I put 'Mamak', every Malaysian will know."

Much like Malaysia's iconic open-air food stalls, Albert's restaurant serves traditional dishes in a relaxed setting, all prepared to Halal standards.

Albert: "Yeah, cheap and simple."

MALAYSIAN RESIDENTS "In Guangzhou there are a lot of Muslim cuisine, halal restaurants, but Malaysian restaurants you can't find except this Mamak."

"It reminds me of home."

"We don't do high tea, we just do Teh, and sit there one day and talk."

HUANG FEI, Guangzhou "And what's sweetened the deal for businesses like this has been mutual visa-free agreements between China and Malaysia - it's made business, travel and family visits much easier."

SHELLY XIE, Mamak Stall Owner "The visa-free policy has brought Muslim tourists from around the world. I think our business will only get better."

As China and Malaysia celebrate 51 years of diplomatic ties, Albert's restaurant plays a small but meaningful role in connecting the two cultures.

Huang Fei: "Your restaurant is like a tourist information center!"

Albert: "Yeah, because some of the customers when they come here, while they are waiting, they can take these brochures and have a look."

With tourism campaigns targeting 7 million visitors from China by 2026, Malaysia's visibility is on the rise.

MOHD ISMA NIZAM BIN JAMALUDIN, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, South China "The top attractions for China are island and beaches. We can see huge numbers of Chinese visitors for Malaysia. They are also the top spending power there as well."

With more direct flights and exclusive tour packages, travel between China and Malaysia is booming. For Albert and Shelly, it's not just business - it's about sharing the warmth of family, one dish at a time. Huang Fei, CGTN, Guangzhou.