Mouth-Watering Malay Delicacies

Rice, or nasi in the national language, is the staple diet in most Malay meals.  In Malay cooking, rice can be creatively presented in various methods and recipes.  Popular rice dishes are nasi lemak, nasi goreng, nasi dagang, nasi kerbu, nasi himpit or ketupat, bubur nasi and many more. 

Given its versatility, rice can be eaten as breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It is also the traditional favorite during festive occasions and celebrations.  In Kedah, the state known as "The Ricebowl of Malaysia", there is even a Paddy Museum that is dedicated to all aspects of rice.

When eaten plain, rice is accompanied by a selection of side dishes, which are mostly searingly spicy and heavily laced with aromatic flavors.  In traditional Malay cooking, fresh fragrant herbs and roots such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, fresh and dried chillies, basil, polygonum, torch ginger, turmeric roots, galangal and pandanus leaves are common ingredients.  Other ingredients include rich coconut milk, used to give a creamy texture, while tamarind is used for a little tang. 

Pork and liquor however, are strictly prohibited as Malays are Muslims, and only consume food and beveragesthat are halal.

Most Malays love pungent food.  To spice up any Malay meal, many would opt for a dollop of sambal, or a spicy paste that is similar to a sauce.  There are many types of sambal, the most famous being the ubiquitous sambal belacan.  Made of dried, fermented shrimp, belacan is an integral ingredient in Malay dishes and most Malaysian dishes for that matter.  When uncooked, the smell of belacan may be unapealing, but locals swear that it adds a certain depth and richness to gravies and sauces.

Popular Malay fare includes nasi lemak, satay, rendang and laksa.  You can also expect a large selection of sweet and savory Malay desserts such as kuih (cakes), bubur (porridge) and ais kacang, to complement your dining experience.

Discover these popular Malay dishes at local area restaurants:

• Nasi Lemak at New Malaysia, NY, NY
• Satay at Satay Club, Washington, D.C.
• Beef Rendang at Coco in Edison, NJ
• Nasi Goring at Pinang in Queens, NY

Copy courtesy of Culinary Delights brochure from Tourism Malaysia

 

« back to spotlights