Malaysia's Delightful Eats and Treats

Malaysia is renowned the world over for its hugely diverse, flavorful and culturally rich cuisine, which mirrors the colorful ethnic make-up of its society. Malay, Chinese and Indian influences are amply evident in native Malaysian fare.

However, aside from local foods, Western cuisine is easily available in Malaysia at all price-points. Popular western fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Popeye, A&W and others are very visible in various urban centers in Malaysia, so if you rather not experiment with local food and stick with the tried and tested global fast food brands you can easily do so while visiting Malaysia.

However, travel is a wonderful resource which helps broadens your outlook and when you travel you should try and sample the native culture; one way to do so is via the destination’s food offerings.  In Malaysia, you are truly spoiled for the country offers a smorgasbord of diverse foods that gastronomes can’t help but rave about. Further, if you are worried that these foods may not be halal, you can be rest assured for most food in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, is halal and is regularly inspected and certified by the authorities.

Based on the above listed are some food experiences you should sample whilst in Malaysia: -

Indulge in delicious Malaysian street food

The plethora of Malaysian street foods like Satay, Char Kuay Teow, Laksa, Nasi Kandar, Hokkien Mee and more offered at locales like Gurney Drive in Penang are renowned the world over. Similar experiences can be hand at spots like Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur and the city center streets of major cities like Kota Kinabalu.

Sample Baba-Nyonya cuisine

The Peranakans are known for their own unique culture and traditions and a style of cooking which is essentially a blend of Malay and Chinese cuisines. Popular Peranakan dishes include preparations like Asam Laksa, Popiahs(fresh spring rolls) and otak-otak (fish ,coconut milk, galangal and spice paste wrapped in banana leaf and steamed).

Delight in mouth-watering Mamak fare

The India population in Malaysia has largely originated from Southern India and is composed of both Hindus and Muslims, while the Indian Hindus brought along various vegetarian delicacies like thosai, idli, puri and more, the Indian Muslims contributed dishes like nasi  biryani, Roti Canai, Murtabak and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lip-smacking Nyonya Baba cuisine

Malaysian fare encompasses various indigenous cuisines, which reflect the fabric and culture of the diverse Malaysian society. One such homegrown cuisine widely available in all of Malaysia is Peranakan cuisine, popularly referred to as Nyonya Baba fare.

The origins of this cuisine date back to the 15^th century, during the rule of the Ming Dynasty in China, when a Chinese Emperor gave his daughter Princess Hang Li Po, in marriage to the Sultan of Malacca in an effort to strengthen ties with the rich and strategic port city. The princess arrived in Malacca with a retinue of 500 attendants who then went on to settle in Malacca in an area, which came to be known as Bukit China (China Hill). These early Chinese settlers soon intermarried with the local Malays and this intermingling gave rise to the first generation of Chinese-Malays, the Peranakan people

A male Peranakan soon came to be referred to, as ‘Baba’ while a female was referred to as ‘Nyonya’. The Peranakans developed their own unique culture and heritage, which was an amalgamation of Chinese, Malay cultures peppered with diverse colonial influences.  Nyonya communities at first were limited to Malacca but then they migrated to other areas like Penang and Singapore and came to be known as ‘the Straits Chinese’.

In addition to their inimitable culture and tradition, the Pearankan people also developed their own cuisine, an eclectic fusion fare, which features a mixture of Chinese, Malay, European and even Thai ingredients. This flavorful cuisine comprises several key ingredients like belacan(a dried shrimp paste), tamarind, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal (wild ginger), chilies, shallots and kaffir lime and pandan leaves.

Widely available in Malaysia at food-courts, street-stalls and fine-dining restaurants, Nyonya Baba fare is a must-try.

Intrigued? Discover mouth-watering Peranakan fare through dishes like Mee Siam(tangy rice noodles), Chicken Kapitan( a lush chicken curry served with Roti Jala, Kangkug Belacan(water spinach sautéed with belacan) and delicious  Peranakan deserts like Bubur Cha Cha, Cendol and colorful Kuih(Peranakan pastries).