Joanna James
Malaysia is a gastronomic paradise, with each region offering its own unique culinary specialities. The country's diverse cultural heritage, which includes Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, is reflected in its rich and varied cuisine. Here’s a culinary tour of Malaysia, highlighting the must-try dishes in different regions.
Penang is often hailed as the food capital of Malaysia, and for good reason. The island is famous for its street food, with dishes like Char Kway Teow, a stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, and Penang Assam Laksa, a tangy and spicy fish-based noodle soup that’s a local favourite. Nasi Kandar, a meal of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes, reflects the Indian Muslim influence in the region. For dessert, Chendol, a bowl of shaved ice topped with green rice flour jelly, red beans, and coconut milk, is a refreshing treat in the tropical heat.
Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital city, offers a diverse array of culinary delights that reflect its cosmopolitan nature. Here, you can enjoy Nasi Lemak, Malaysia’s national dish, featuring coconut rice served with sambal (spicy chilli paste), fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, and cucumber. Hokkien Mee, a dish of thick yellow noodles in a dark soy sauce, is a must-try, along with Roti Canai, a flaky flatbread served with dhal or curry. The city’s vibrant food scene also includes Satay, skewers of marinated meat grilled to perfection and served with a rich peanut sauce.
In the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, you can find unique dishes that are hard to come by elsewhere in Malaysia. Sarawak Laksa is a distinctive noodle soup with a spicy and tangy coconut milk base, garnished with prawns, chicken, and bean sprouts. Kolo Mee is another speciality, consisting of springy egg noodles tossed in a light sauce with slices of barbecued pork and minced meat. Midin, a local fern, is often stir-fried with garlic or belacan (fermented shrimp paste) and is a must-try vegetable dish in Sarawak.
In the state of Kelantan on the east coast, the cuisine is influenced by Thai flavours, resulting in dishes that are both sweet and spicy. Nasi Kerabu, a vibrant blue rice dish coloured with butterfly pea flowers, is served with a variety of fresh herbs, salted eggs, fish crackers, and a choice of grilled meat or fish. Ayam Percik is marinated chicken grilled and then slathered with a rich coconut sauce. For breakfast, Nasi Dagang, a dish of steamed rice cooked with coconut milk and served with a spicy fish curry, is a popular choice.
Sepang, known for its international airport and the famous Sepang International Circuit, also offers a variety of delicious local food options. Being close to the coast, Sepang is known for its fresh seafood. One of the must-try dishes is Ikan Bakar, or grilled fish, which is marinated with a blend of spices and cooked over a charcoal fire, often served at restaurants in Sepang Malaysia with a spicy sambal. Another local favourite is Seafood Tom Yum, a hot and sour soup of Thai origin that has been adapted to Malaysian tastes, brimming with fresh seafood, mushrooms, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. The coastal influence also extends to Nasi Lemak, where it is often accompanied by sambal sotong (spicy squid). You can try all of these dishes at luxury resorts here like Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
