TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysia boasts not only stunning tourist attractions but also a rich tapestry of flavors. From savory rice dishes to decadent sweets, each traditional meal tells a unique story and tempts the taste buds.
This vibrant cuisine reflects a beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, resulting in a symphony of spices and ingredients. If you're planning a visit, be sure to tantalize your palate with these 10 must-try Malaysian dishes as curated by TasteAtlas.
Top 10 Iconic Malaysian Delights
1. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak, Malaysia's national dish, is fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk. This flavorful base is typically accompanied by sambal or chili sauce, a boiled egg, fried peanuts, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), and sliced cucumber. Variations may include fried chicken, rendang (braised meat), or sambal sotong (squid sauce).
2. Roti Canai
This popular flatbread is a legacy of Indian influence. Made with flour, water, and oil, Roti Canai is folded and fried to create a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It is usually served with savory dipping sauces, such as dhal (lentil curry), chicken curry, or goat curry.
3. Karipap
Karipap, also known as curry puff, is a popular breakfast or snack option in Malaysia. This flaky pastry has a savory filling of thick chicken curry and potatoes.
4. Char Kway Thow
This stir-fried noodle dish is a Malaysian street food icon. Char Kway Teow features flat rice noodles cooked with shrimp, eggs, clams, bean sprouts, green onions, Chinese sausage, and a flavorful combination of soy sauce, shrimp paste, garlic, and fried lard. Some variations may also include yellow wheat noodles.
5. Chicken Curry
Chicken Curry is a Malaysian classic. This fragrant curry features tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce with spices, onions, garlic, and ginger. Traditionally cooked in a clay pot, it is often served with rice, a squeeze of lime, and fresh coriander.
6. Sambal Belacan
Sambal Belacan, a fiery chili sauce, is a cornerstone of Malaysian cuisine. This condiment packs a punch with its base of red chilies and shrimp paste, complemented by garlic, shallots, tomatoes, onions, lime juice, oil, sugar, and salt. Similar to Indonesian sambal terasi, this sauce adds a vibrant spice to any dish.
7. Curry Mee
For lovers of spicy noodle soup, Curry Mee is a must-try. This dish is a delightful combination of chewy noodles bathed in a fragrant and slightly spicy coconut curry broth. Thinner than traditional curries, it still packs a flavorful punch.
8. Apam Balik
Known as "terang bulan" in Indonesia, this sweet pancake is a delightful snack. Fluffy and thick, it is filled with a combination of peanuts, sugar, and butter. Modern variations include corn, chocolate, raisins, cheese, or condensed milk.
9. Beef Kway Teow
Beef Kway Teow is a popular noodle dish found in both Malaysia and Singapore. It can be enjoyed as a quick meal or a side dish. This stir-fry dish features wide, flat rice noodles cooked with vegetables and spices and topped with savory sliced beef.
10. Roti Boy
Roti Boy is a Malaysian twist on Mexican coffee bread. Developed by Boy's Bakery in Penang, Roti Boy features a soft yeast dough filled with butter and topped with a layer of coffee-infused buttercream. When baked, the creamy top caramelizes slightly, creating a thin, crispy coffee crust.
RIZKI DEWI AYU