Joanna James
A sum of many delicious parts, Malaysia's culinary offerings boast influences including Indian, Chinese and Malay. A truly melting pot of cultures, Malaysian food, unfortunately, doesn't get the global recognition it so richly deserves. Read on to discover 05 of Malaysia's top dishes.
The unofficial national dish of Malaysia, the preparation of the simple Nasi lemak includes cooking rice in coconut milk. The sides however are what matters and what truly elevates an ordinary meal to something truly delicious and iconic. The sides or accompaniments of your Nasi lemak will be heavily dependent on where you happen to be in Malaysia. Popular sides include beef/ chicken or lamb curry, hard-boiled or fried eggs, peanuts and fried anchovies for added crunch, plenty of fresh veggies including cucumbers and onions and a spicy chilli-based sambal (sauce) for a fiery tang! Traditionally the nasi lemak is eaten for breakfast but today many Malaysians and visiting tourists enjoy it throughout the day.
Another beloved staple of the Malaysian cuisine laksa is for anyone who is craving spicy noodle soup after a long day of work or exploring. The ultimate comfort food, laksa is a spicy and fiery noodle dish which can be found in small roadside eateries and also at in-house restaurants of hotels. Those in search of the best resort in Malaysia where they can also enjoy this dish can consider properties the likes of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. Laksa is usually prepared with various types of noodles – the most popular being rice noodles with an array of toppings including seafood and chicken. Generally, most regional variations of the laksa are either cooked in a clear broth seasoned with tamarind or a creamy coconut milk soup.
While considered by many to be a Thai dish – the humble satay is believed to have originated from its neighbour – Indonesia. Malaysia of course has its own unique variations of this much-loved street food. One can find these freshly made grilled skewers sizzling away at many a street food stall nationwide. One can choose from chicken, beef, or pork (only at non-Muslim venues). Apart from the creamy peanut sauce that's loved the world over, one will find sauces tend to vary from region to region.
A rich spicy meat dish, the beef rendang is another one of Malaysia's favourite dishes usually served on festive and ceremonial occasions. To prepare this dish, the meat is simmered in fresh coconut milk, aromatic spices, and generous helpings of chillies to make a flavoursome and aromatic curry which is best paired with a bowl of piping hot jasmine rice.
Ais Kacang fondly known as ABC (which stands for Air Batu Campur) is a traditional Malaysian dessert consisting of red beans and shaved ice. One can find Ais Kacang in the form of bright colours, topped with all kinds of dressings such as peanuts, jelly cubes, pal seeds and sweet corn. The confection is then topped with condensed milk, coconut milk, sarsi syrup and red rose syrup. It's the ideal dessert to enjoy on a hot day to beat the blistering tropical heat.
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.
