Malaysian
cuisine covers a wide, unique spectrum, thanks to the melting pot of cultures
that make up its population. Malays, Thais, Chinese, Indians and a host of
other ethnic groups from near and far have brought their specialities to the
table, and the result is a country that is a foodie’s delight.
Malaysian
food has evolved over the centuries, influenced by the people passing through
or settling there, and has been adapted over time to create exotic new
flavours. Curry powder, spices, mint, tamarind, fish stock, coconut milk,
peanut sauce and other local ingredients give the dishes their unique Malaysian
taste. Each state in Malaysia has something different to offer and, with the
assortment of exotic fruits and vegetables available all year round, the menu
is simply never-ending.
In
Kuala Lumpur, you can indulge in any cuisine from any part of the globe, all of
which is mouth-wateringly delicious. One of the restaurants you must visit here
is the Bijan Restaurant in Jalan Ceylon. The menu blends traditional recipes
with fresh innovations, offering a variety that spans forgotten favorites as
well as intriguing new textures, along with a flavor-enhancing wine list.
Recommended dishes include Masak Lemak Ikan, Ikan Panggang, Rendang
Daging, Durian Cheesecake and homemade ice cream in local flavours.
In
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, you can find all sorts of Asian and Western
restaurants – Indian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Hong Kong,
Italian, Halal and more. Head for the Indian-influenced Mamak restaurants,
where you can indulge in Roti Canai, Murtabak, Nasi Biryani, even Tandoori Chicken, while
watching soccer matches. Good places to dine include Damai Plaza, Jalan Gaya
and Sri Selera Food Court. Don’t miss out on the seafood in Borneo Island too.
When
in Sarawak, it’s time to experiment a little with the exotic fare available
here. You should try the Sarawak Laska – noodles served with
tangy, aromatic soup; Mee Kolok - handmade noodles tossed
with meats in oil and vinegar; Manok Pansoh – a chicken and ginger
dish cooked in a bamboo log and Bird’s Nest Soup – the highly prized
Chinese delicacy which is said to have medicinal properties, available at
upmarket restaurants.
Ipoh’s
Chinese mixed with local flavours is so good that people drive in from distant
places to enjoy the delicacies. Order the Bean Sprouts Chicken - chicken meat,
chicken innards and bean sprouts boiled and served with soy sauce and sesame
oil, which you can savor at Onn Kee and Lou Wong Restaurants, located at the
junction of Yau Tet Shin Street and Osbourne Street. Try the Salted Chicken or Yim
Kok Kai – whole chickens wrapped in ‘oil paper’ and baked in large woks
filled with heated salt – at Aun Kheng Lim Restaurant on Theatre Street. The white
coffee of Ipoh is legendary, and is a must-have with condensed milk at
coffee shops like Nam Heong Restaurant, located opposite the Kinta Heights
flats in Ipoh's old town.
Malacca
is home to delicious Baba Nyonya food, which is usually served in quaint cafes
and traditional shophouses, as well as Portuguese-Eurasian cuisine. Seafood is
popular, and you might risk the fiery "devil curries". The favourites
here are Satay Celup – skewered seafood cooked in peanut sauce, Cinacaluk
– fermented shrimp relish, Lemang – glutinous rice cooked in
bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Telok Mas, Ikan Bakar – fresh caught
grilled fish and crustaceans which you’ll find at Umbai, Pernu or Serkam, Kuih
Udang – a popular tea time dish available at Alor Gajah Town, and Jalan
Alor – stingray and grilled chicken wings. Jonker Street serves up some of the
best cuisines in town; the most popular eateries are the Geographer Café and
Jonker Dessert, known for its delicious Baba Nyonya delicacies.
To
truly experience this feast, make sure you take time off to indulge in its
spread of delectable cuisines only in Malaysia.
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