There was a time when I could not fathom why people would eat “ulam”, as what the local Malay salad is called. Especially when the only dressing was mostly sambal (chilli paste?). It seemed actually inedible, considering that some of it came from plants that could be found beside the road.
But don't knock it till you have tried it.
I changed my mind once I actually gave it a fair deal, to try savour it without anticipation. And now with more emphasis on healthy eating....this Malay salad beats any type of western salad for me. Especially the types drowning and coated in the heavy and sweet dressings like mayonnaise and thousand island dressing.
I just love having this with a spicy sourish sambal that's bursting with flavours. That blend of fresh, pungent, sweet and sour flavour is just out of this world.
And add in that half salted egg to go, and if you're a little bit more adventurous, maybe even budu. A hot plate of white rice will complete that meal for you.
Sometimes, heaven can be found in the simplest of things.
Where best to find this? Much as I love food from all over Malaysia, the best and freshest ulam for me has always been at the East Coast of Malaysia. And as any traveller worth his salt knows, food is a very much important aspect of travel. Make it your destination if it isn't yet.
The East Coast, whether Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang or even East Johor, has more than enough to bring out the traveller in the foodie, or the foodie out from the traveller.
Personally for me, I try to get East Coast local food from the stalls along the coastal road. So far, it's always been the most authentic, not to mention relatively cheap.
Either way, you won't go wrong with this win.
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