The food in Malaysia has been wonderful (and so cheap). Spicy noodle dishes, fried rice with meat and sambal, satay, fresh sea food, river prawns, jungle ferns, curries, hot stir fries with rice, roti dipped in dahl, fried bananas, and wild vegetable pickles. Depending on what quarter of a city you go to, you can get Chinese, Indian, Malay, or even Dayak food (one of the indigenous tribes), or interesting fusions and combinations of these different cuisines. Liz and I happen to both love food, so this works out well for everyone.
Given its strategic location for both land and sea, Malaysia has been a center for trade and a crossroads for many different cultures throughout history. Immigration of Chinese and Indian traders and later workers during the time of colonization and mining helped to establish communities and most large towns/cities have a Chinese and Indian quarter as well as Malaysian parts of town. Walking through the city you can find mosques, churches, and Taoist, Hindu, Buddhist, and folk temples. While the official language of the country is Bahasa Malaysia, you can hear a variety of languages and dialects. The statistics are impressive, as a country, Malaysia contains speakers of 137 different living languages, with over 10 different dialects of the Malay language itself. There are 30 different indigenous groups, each with their own language.
All of this results in a wonderful variety of food, flavors, styles, and spices. Food from street stalls, stands, markets, or cafes is affordable, fresh, and extremely fast. A few of my favorites include:
Laksa: a spicy noodle soup that is very popular. Each region has its own version and they like to argue with each other over which one is better. Here in Sarawak, the broth is made of coconut milk, shrimp paste, and chilies. It is rich and spicy and the soup includes shrimp, chicken, or fish, or all three and of course noodles.
Roti cani: an Indian influenced flat bread often served with dahl or curry. Fillings come in a variety of flavors from sweet to savory. My favorite breakfast.
Nasi Lamak: considered the national dish of Malaysia and a typical breakfast. Rice cooking in fresh coconut water served with chicken, beef, or fish, with spicy sambal on the side and topped with roasted peanuts and dried anchovies. Often wrapped up in a pandan leaf for easy transport.
Noodles (Mee Gorang): stir fried noodles in a spicy chili sauce with eggs, greens, and chicken. These come in many different flavors and styles.
Midin: wild jungle ferns, fresh and green, sautéed with garlic, or lightly pickled and served as a salad.
TomYum: Spicy sea food soup full of chilies and ginger. Will make you sweat if you are not already.
Fresh Sea Food: So fresh and so good. Often you pick out your fish before they grill it for you.
Morning Glory Greens: lightly stir fried, delicious and fresh.
Laksa: a spicy noodle soup that is very popular. Each region has its own version and they like to argue with each other over which one is better. Here in Sarawak, the broth is made of coconut milk, shrimp paste, and chilies. It is rich and spicy and the soup includes shrimp, chicken, or fish, or all three and of course noodles.
Roti cani: an Indian influenced flat bread often served with dahl or curry. Fillings come in a variety of flavors from sweet to savory. My favorite breakfast.
Nasi Lamak: considered the national dish of Malaysia and a typical breakfast. Rice cooking in fresh coconut water served with chicken, beef, or fish, with spicy sambal on the side and topped with roasted peanuts and dried anchovies. Often wrapped up in a pandan leaf for easy transport.
Noodles (Mee Gorang): stir fried noodles in a spicy chili sauce with eggs, greens, and chicken. These come in many different flavors and styles.
Midin: wild jungle ferns, fresh and green, sautéed with garlic, or lightly pickled and served as a salad.
TomYum: Spicy sea food soup full of chilies and ginger. Will make you sweat if you are not already.
Fresh Sea Food: So fresh and so good. Often you pick out your fish before they grill it for you.
Morning Glory Greens: lightly stir fried, delicious and fresh.
The ingredients for all this delicious food can be found in colorful market. Liz and I have enjoyed just walking through them to savor the sights and smells. The fish markets are our favorites.