Joanna James
Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of diverse tastes due to the many migrant communities that call Malaysia their home. Whenever you are in Malaysia, you will have plenty of things to eat! Here are some of the top picks all foodies should look out for!
Laksa is a favourite in all regions of Malaysia and its preparation differs according to region. In Penang, this coconut noodle soup transforms into a fragrant and sour concoction with the addition of tamarind. This version is flavourful if not more than the usual laksa. The thick rice noodles along with bits of mackerel, lemongrass, Vietnamese mint leaves and ginger flowers are sure to tickle all your taste buds.
This Malaysian salad incorporates all the taste profiles like sweet, sour and savoury! Seasonal fruits and veggies get slathered in a shrimp sauce and topped with chopped peanuts. Rojak, also contains cucumber, bean sprouts, green mangoes, green apples and fried tofu. In Penang, guava is added to the salad, while honey is added to the shrimp sauce made from sugar, lime juice, and chilli mixed into the shrimp paste for a unique flavour combination.
Thick, flat, rice noodles are used to prepare this dish. It came to Malaysia via Chinese immigrants living in Ipoh. The noodles claim to be unparalleled in flavour due to a special kind of spring water sourced from the Limestone Mountains in Ipoh. It includes a flavoursome prawn-chicken broth, shredded chicken, mushrooms, prawns, fish balls and spring onions.
Hokkien Mee is a preparation hailing from Hokkien migrants from Malaysia. Yellow-tinged egg noodles are boiled in dark soy sauce and served with pork, prawns, squid and lard. Additionally, Balachan is also added to spice up the dish even more.
These satay skewers have meatballs, prawns, and cockles partially cooked by drowning them in hot broth, which results in tender and flavoursome meat. A popular street food item in Malaysia it is eaten dipped in peanut sauce for an additional blast of flavour.
A visit to Malaysia won't be complete without feasting on this dish. Nasi Lemak is considered to be Malaysia's national dish. Simple, yet utterly delicious and filling and is primarily eaten for breakfast. Coconut milk-infused rice is served alongside cucumber, boiled eggs, fried anchovies, chilli sauce and shrimp paste.
This Cantonese rice noodle dish comes from South China and is another popular breakfast food. It is also a famous street food option in Malaysia. Thick, chewy rice noodles get drenched in a sweet shrimp and chilli sauce.
This dessert is made from coconut milk, ice shavings, and palm sugar. It is generally eaten in a bowl or tall glass with green gelatinous noodles made from mung bean flour and coloured with pandan leaf juice. Some vendors top it with sweet jackfruit and candied red beans for added texture and flavour.
This noodle preparation is made from flat, fresh rice noodles on a high flame and has a distinctive smoky aroma and taste. The dish gets flavoured with soy sauce, bean sprouts, prawns, spring onions, eggs and sausages. It is typically prepared in small portions to maintain its flavour. You can find this preparation in a Desaru Restaurant, or even in places like Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
Apom Balik is a giant, stuffed pancake which is folded in half. This dish originates in China and is popular in countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Peanuts are added to this egg-based pancake, along with creamy sweet corn, butter, and sugar.
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.
