Anastasia Smith
Among the host of heavenly treasures and wonders blessing Malaysia’s Desaru Coast, another thing adding to the delight of visitors to the beach town is the assortment of delectable local delicacies. Come, embark on an exploration of local cuisine and mouth-watering flavours of Malaysia.
Rich, spicy and delectably comforting — a bowl of steaming hot Laksa is a classic dish relished in Malaysia as well as neighbouring nations across Southeast Asia. It is a combination of noodles (most commonly thick rice noodles), chicken, prawn or fish — all based in a coconut curry soup or a broth seasoned with asam. The spicy noodle dish is easily one of the most popular staples in Malaysia, so much so that even numerous regional varieties of the dish have emerged — asam laksa and the creamy curry laksa being some of the most popular.
Nothing says a traditional Malay meal like Malaysia’s favoured national dish — a plate of delicious Nasi Lemak. Arguably the most famous dish in the Southeast Asian nation, the fragrant rice dish was originally served for breakfast, although its wide popularity has evolved the dish into an all-day meal. What sets Nasi Lemak apart from the scores of other rice dishes is its unique culinary technique, where the rice is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving the dish its distinctive relish and heavenly fragrance.
A staple during the festive season of the Chinese New Year, Yusheng, yee sang or yuu sahng, or Prosperity Toss, also known as lo sahng, is a delicacy enjoyed in Malaysia as well as neighbouring Singapore. The delectable dish is as unique as it gets, where strips of raw fish, mixed with shredded vegetables make the dish. The local classic can be found being served at any Desaru restaurant, including the likes offered by properties such as Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
Wandering the atmospheric streets of vibrant Desaru, Char kway teow is an unmissable sight at almost every hawker centre lining the streets. “Char” for stir-fried and “kway teow” for flat rice noodles, the stir-fried rice noodle dish of southern Chinese origin is a favourite among locals and tourists to Malaysia alike. Flat rice noodles mixed with shrimp, eggs, cockles, bean sprouts, chives, and Chinese sausage, stir-fried in a wok give you the mouth-watering delight that is Char kway teow.
A traditional Malay dessert to round off your traditional Malay meal — Kuih seri muka, sri muka or putri salat is a two-layered dessert enjoyed throughout the Southeast Asian nation. Steamed glutinous rice forms the bottom half and a green custard layer made with pandan juice at the top — the local delicacy is also a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Although a popular dessert choice in everyday Malaysia, Kuih Seri Muka is traditionally served on special occasions.
