Malaysia is a food haven and there are a lot of delicacies you must try when you are travelling in the country. This article will give you a peek into the best Malaysian food that you must not miss out on trying.
1. Nasi Lemak – The national food of Malaysia
Source: Photo by user Mw12310 used under CC BY-SA 3.0
Nasi Lemak is the staple food every Malaysian eats and is fond of. It is a comfort food that everyone in this region simply loves and is a fragrant rice dish, cooked in coconut milk, with a variety of accompaniments. The entire dish usually includes rice cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves, or screwpine, usually served with sambal – a paste made from anchovies and chilli, cucumber, peanuts and at times also served with a hard-boiled or fried egg.
You can find Nasi Lemak anywhere in Malaysia and it costs very little (around RM 2 or approx 0.50 USD). You can also find a vegetarian version of this dish, all you need to do is ask!
2. Satay!
Source: Photo by user Jpatokal used under CC BY-SA 4.0
Satay is a popular street food made from seasoned and grilled, skewered meat – usually chicken or beef. The meat is marinated in a distinct blend of lemongrass, turmeric and other local spices. Kajang satay is said to be one of the best in town and full of flavour. Satay is usually served with some delicious chunky peanut sauce and sometimes a dollop of spicy sambal, so you feel the burst of flavour in your mouth when you bite into a piece! You can eat delicious satay at the night markets that crop up during the various days of the week.
3. Bak Kut Teh
Source: Photo by user Alpha used under CC BY-SA 2.0
Bak Kut Teh is a pork rib dish, cooked in broth and very popular in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish traces its origin to the Hoklo and Teochew community, who made it popular in this region. The dish consists of meaty pork ribs which are simmered for hours, in a broth of several herbs and spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, garlic and fennel seeds. Although the word Teh (which means tea in Malay) is a part of the name, there is no tea in the dish – the name actually refers to a strong oolong Chinese tea that is usually served alongside the soup. This soup is believed to dissolve the fat, present in this pork-dish. You get good bak kut teh in almost every part of Malaysia, look for a Chinese shop.
