Listly by Joanna James
The Malaysian cuisine comprises of flavours that deliciously contrast with each other and reflect the multi-ethnic blend of the country's population. Visiting Kuala Lumpur would bring you a plethora of exquisite Malaysian delicacies that burst tantalising flavours on your taste buds.
A pork dish that lets you eat without worrying about your cholesterol level or getting fat, Bak Kut Teh is simply a marvellous dish that you must try. It's a deliciously meaty dish that is quite popular in Kuala Lumpur. But how can one classify this dish as something healthy? The secret lies in its herbal broth, which is infused with properties that can dissolve the fat in pork. The pork ribs are simmered in this aromatic broth, which includes white peppercorn, garlic, and other flavoursome spices. Although the name of this dish contains the word "teh," which literally means "tea" in the local language, it merely refers to Chinese tea that would be a part of this meal when you dine at some Chinese shops in the area.
A staple food in Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is also loved by pretty much anyone visiting the country. It is a dish of fragrant rice that is prepared with freshly extracted coconut milk, with pandan leaves added to procure its distinct flavour. Nasi Lemak has many variations, but the authentic Malaysian dish consists of spicy red chilli sambal, boiled eggs, anchovies, and a sprinkling of roasted peanuts. That is one strange combination of ingredients that sound delectable as it's strange! Nasi Lemak is served on a banana leaf, which contributes to the whole experience with its appetising aroma, which would certainly make your mouth water! This flavour-filled dish is easily available at many a hotel in Kuala Lumpur of the likes of PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur. Even vegetarians can look forward to tasting this dish by simply tweaking its recipe a bit.
A delightful, brown-glazed dish, Hokkien Char Mee is a highly-craved dish in Kuala Lumpur, and the whole of Malaysia as well. It was introduced to Malaysia by Ong Kim Lian, a Chinese setter of the country, and has been all the rage ever since. Hokkien Char Mee primarily consists of thick egg noodles, which is mixed with tastefully stir-fried ingredients such as pork, squid, prawns, and some vegetables, plus cubes of crispy pork fat. The top-notch versions of this dish are usually cooked over a dancing charcoal fire, which helps to lock the oil inside the noodles, retaining the quality of the dish. The beautiful brownish shade of this noodle dish is given by a thoughtful combination of light and dark soy sauce.
Prepare to be engulfed in an ocean of deliciousness when you bite into Satay, a highly-sought street delicacy in Kuala Lumpur and many other cities in South Asia. It doesn't take much to put together this temptingly tasty dish, which is basically skewered meat that ranges from chicken and lamb to beef. The appetising flavour springs up from the meat being marinated with an aromatic mixture of local spices such as lemongrass and turmeric, and elegantly grilled to perfection. You can simply bite into the luscious meatiness of Satay, or dip them in a chunky peanut sauce or sambal- or both to produce palatable flavours on your tastebuds.
A Peranakan dish that is basically a tasteful blend of fish, Asam Pedas can be simply enjoyed along with a plate of rice, as per the typical tradition of Malaysia. This dish is defined by ingredients such as dried chillies, brinjals, tamarind, and shallots, which reflect the name of Asam Peda, which, when roughly translated, means "sour spicy." When these ingredients are combined with the fish, which is usually Spanish mackerel or stingray, it produces a masterpiece that brings the best of the flavours to you. The lusciousness of Asam Pedas will have you clamouring after more of its flavoursome bits and pieces.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.