Malaysia is such a rich and culturally diverse country, with everything from ethnicities and traditional attire to cuisine and more. The fusion of our diverse ethnicities is what brings so much colour and life into everything, especially our food.
Here's a little food journey of Malaysian favourites:
PAN MEE
While it's hard to trace the exact origin, this hearty noodle dish would be a classic fusion of Chinese and Malaysian culinary traditions. This well-loved dish usually consists of hand-pulled noodles served in broth, accompanied by leafy green vegetables, minced meat, and mushrooms.
ROTI BANJIR
Roti canai is an Indian-influenced flatbread that you'd find in your favourite mamak. For the richest roti canai experience, drench it with dhal curry, topped with sambal and add on 2 half-boiled eggs. If you haven't had roti banjir, you're really missing out on a true Malaysian experience.
ASSAM LAKSA
Made with rice noodles, shredded fish, and sliced vegetables, this variety of laksa is probably one of the most popular in Malaysia. With a distinctive tangy taste, assam laksa is well loved by everyone.
MILO DINOSAUR
Milo ais is perhaps one of the most common beverages in Malaysia, but this takes it to a whole new level. Milo dinosaur is made up of a cup of iced Milo and topped with Milo powder for extra 'oomph.'
KUIH BAHULU
This tiny sponge cakes are often called Malaysian madeleines and come in many different shapes and sizes. Commonly enjoyed during traditional celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, this favourite is definitely a Malaysian heritage.
SARAWAK LAKSA
This variety of laksa is said to have originated in 1945 in Kuching. Made up of flavourful chicken or shrimp broth and seasoned with thick laksa paste along with thick meehoon, shredded omelette, cooked prawns and shredded chicken. There's nothing quite like having a bowl of tangy, spicy, Sarawak Laksa to warm your belly.
ROTI JALA
This savoury crepe is made with flour, eggs, milk and turmeric powder and is served alongside chicken curry and teh tarik. The net design is inspired by Malaysian fishermen. Roti jala now comes in a variety of colours and designs.
MAGGI GORENG
If there's one food that is synonymous with the mamak, it's probably maggi goreng. This stir-fried noodle dish is best eaten hot in a mamak and topped with a squeeze of limau nipis with a side of limau ais.
KEROPOK LEKOR
Team nipis or team bulat, who can resist a hot pack of keropok lekor with that spicy chilli sauce from the makcik at the roadside stall in the evening. A specialty of Terengganu region, this fish snack is now loved all across Malaysia.
PISANG GORENG
Goreng pisang or pisang goreng? Whichever way you say it, there's no denying that this is a Malaysian all-time favourite. Deep fried battered bananas that are ultra-crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth chewy inside. Do we need to say more?