Malaysia is a country with a rich and diverse culinary scene. Influenced by the different cultures and traditions of the country, Malaysian food is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, among others. From street food to fine dining, Malaysia has something for everyone.
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In this article, we will explore the top 25 best foods to try in Malaysia.
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a national
dish in Malaysia and is a popular breakfast item. The dish is made with
fragrant coconut rice, served with a variety of accompaniments, such as spicy
sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, and a boiled egg. Nasi Lemak can be found
everywhere in Malaysia, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants.
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a
popular street food dish in Malaysia. The dish consists of stir-fried flat rice
noodles with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and eggs, all seasoned with a sweet
and savory soy sauce. Char Kway Teow is usually cooked in a hot wok over a high
flame, giving it a smoky flavor.
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle
soup that is popular in Malaysia. The dish consists of rice noodles that are
served in a spicy and tangy broth made from a blend of spices, coconut milk,
and tamarind. Laksa can be found in different variations across Malaysia, such
as Penang Laksa or Sarawak Laksa.
Satay
Satay is a popular street
food dish in Malaysia. The dish consists of skewered and grilled meat, usually
chicken or beef, that is marinated in a blend of spices and served with a
peanut sauce. Satay is often served with a side of cucumber and onion, and is a
favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is
a popular Chinese-inspired dish in Malaysia. The dish consists of poached
chicken served with fragrant rice that is cooked with chicken broth, garlic,
and pandan leaves. The dish is usually served with a side of ginger and chili
sauce.
Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kandar is a popular
dish in Malaysia that originated from the northern state of Penang. The dish
consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, meat, and
vegetables. Nasi Kandar is typically eaten with the hands and is a popular
late-night meal in Malaysia.
Mee Goreng
Mee Goreng is a popular
noodle dish in Malaysia. The dish consists of stir-fried yellow noodles with
vegetables, meat, and a sweet and savory sauce. Mee Goreng is often topped with
fried shallots and is a popular street food dish in Malaysia.
Rendang
Rendang is a spicy meat
dish that is popular in Malaysia. The dish consists of chunks of beef or
chicken that are slowly cooked in a blend of spices, coconut milk, and
lemongrass until the sauce thickens and the meat is tender. Rendang is often
served with steamed rice and is a staple in Malay cuisine.
Nasi Dagang
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a filling meal, Nasi Dagang is definitely a must-try. Originating from the east coast of Malaysia, specifically Terengganu and Kelantan, this dish consists of steamed glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and served with a side dish of fish curry, pickled vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs.
The rice is infused with
a subtle aroma of pandan leaves and the coconut milk gives it a creamy texture.
The fish curry complements the rice perfectly with its slightly sour and spicy
taste. The pickled vegetables and hard-boiled eggs add a refreshing crunch and
a source of protein to the dish.
Apam Balik
Also known as the “Malaysian pancake,” Apam Balik is a popular street food dessert that can be found almost anywhere in Malaysia. It is made with a batter of flour, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk and cooked on a griddle. Once the batter is slightly crispy, it is filled with a mixture of crushed peanuts, sugar, and sweet corn.
The combination of the
crispy exterior and the sweet and nutty filling makes Apam Balik a beloved
Malaysian dessert. Some vendors even add extra toppings like chocolate or
cheese for a more decadent experience.
Roti Canai
Originally from India, Roti Canai has become a staple in Malaysian cuisine. It is a type of flatbread made with flour, water, and ghee (clarified butter) and is typically served with a side of dhal (lentil curry) or curry sauce.
The dough is stretched
and flipped to create thin layers that become flaky and crispy when cooked. The
dhal or curry sauce adds a flavorful kick to the already delicious bread. Roti
Canai can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is often paired with a
cup of Teh Tarik (pulled tea).
Ayam Percik
Ayam Percik is a
traditional Malaysian dish that originated from Kelantan. It is essentially
grilled or roasted chicken that is marinated in a blend of coconut milk,
lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and spices.
The marinade gives the
chicken a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that is balanced by the savory taste
of the meat. Ayam Percik is often served with a side of rice and a spicy chili
sauce for dipping.
Murtabak
Murtabak is another popular dish in Malaysia that has Indian origins. It is a type of stuffed pancake that is filled with a mixture of minced meat (usually chicken or beef), onions, and spices. The pancake is then folded and cooked on a griddle until it becomes crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Murtabak is often served
with a side of curry sauce or dhal and can be eaten as a meal or as a snack. It
is a hearty and flavorful dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Putu Bamboo
Putu Bamboo is a
traditional Malaysian snack that is made with rice flour and grated coconut.
The mixture is placed inside a bamboo tube and steamed until it is cooked. Once
it is done, the bamboo tube is removed, and the putu is served with a generous
amount of grated coconut and palm sugar. It is a sweet and satisfying snack
that is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.
Cendol
Cendol is a popular
Malaysian dessert that is made with shaved ice, palm sugar syrup, coconut milk,
and green jelly noodles. It is a refreshing and sweet dessert that is perfect
for hot days. The jelly noodles give it a unique texture, and the palm sugar
syrup adds a sweet and flavorful taste.
Otak-Otak
Otak-Otak is a
traditional Malaysian dish that is made with fish that is mixed with spices,
coconut milk, and herbs. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and
grilled until it is cooked. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is
perfect for seafood lovers.
Lontong
Lontong is a popular
Malay dish that is made with compressed rice cakes that are cut into small
pieces and served with a spicy vegetable curry. It is a hearty and filling dish
that is perfect for those who want to try something different.
Prawn Mee
Prawn Mee is a popular
noodle dish in Malaysia that is made with yellow noodles, prawns, pork slices,
and a flavorful broth made from prawn heads and shells. The dish is usually
topped with fried shallots, chili paste, and lime juice, and is often served
with a side of bean sprouts.
Curry Laksa
One of Malaysia's most
famous dishes is Curry Laksa, a spicy and aromatic coconut-based noodle soup
that is loaded with an assortment of ingredients such as tofu puffs, shrimp,
fish balls, bean sprouts, and cockles. The soup is made with a blend of spices
and herbs, including galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, and chillies. It's a
must-try dish for anyone who loves spicy food.
Roti Canai
Roti Canai is a classic
Malaysian dish that is popular for breakfast or as a snack. It's a flaky,
crispy flatbread that is typically served with a side of spicy curry sauce. The
dough is made by kneading flour, water, and salt until it becomes elastic. It's
then stretched and folded several times to create thin layers before being
fried on a griddle. It's a simple but delicious dish that is enjoyed by both
locals and visitors alike.
Nasi Kerabu
Nasi Kerabu is a
traditional Malay dish that is typically served during special occasions. It's
a colourful rice dish that gets its distinctive blue hue from the petals of the
blue pea flower. The rice is typically served with an assortment of side
dishes, including grilled chicken or beef, fried fish, and pickled vegetables.
The combination of flavours and textures makes it a must-try dish in Malaysia.
Teh Tarik
No meal in Malaysia is
complete without a cup of Teh Tarik. It's a sweet and creamy milk tea that is
made by "pulling" the tea back and forth between two mugs, creating a
frothy texture. The tea is typically served hot and is a favourite among locals
and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Malaysia is a country
with a rich culinary history and a diverse range of cuisines. The dishes
mentioned above are just a few of the many delicious foods that you can try
during your visit to Malaysia. Each dish is unique in its own way, and offers a
tantalizing taste of the country's vibrant food culture. From the bold and
spicy flavours of Nasi Lemak and Curry Laksa to the sweet and savoury flavours
of Satay and Char Kway Teow, Malaysia has something for everyone.
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