Explore the Best of Malaysian Street Food at the Malaysian Night Market in the Meatpacking District

• WHEN: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
• WHERE: The Chelsea Triangle at the intersection of 14th Street & 9th Ave. in the Meatpacking District

Malaysia Kitchen for the World, in partnership with LUCKYRICE, an integrated lifestyle brand and consumer guide to the Asian culinary world, is hosting the ultimate street food celebration: a festive Malaysian Night Market featuring classic Malaysian hawker foods by local restaurants. The event occurs Tuesday, September 14 from 6:30pm to 10:00pm in the Chelsea Triangle of the Meatpacking District on 14^th St. and 9^th Ave.

With colorful tents, umbrellas and lanterns inspired by the open-air markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the Malaysian Night Market in the Meatpacking District will offer an array of traditional Malaysian street grub. From roti canai to curry laksa and nasi lemak (a tasty rice dish served with spicy curry chicken or beef rendang), offerings draw upon Malaysian cuisine's Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Participating restaurants include such Malaysian hotspots as Fatty Crab, Laut and Café Asean along with celebrated local Southeast Asian restaurants like the recently opened Betel. Malaysian-inspired dishes by celebrity chef and restaurant entrepreneur, Todd English, will also be featured. 

Besides delicious street food, the event will feature engaging Malaysian cultural dances on a dedicated stage. All food will be on sale for $4 to $8.

The location, the Chelsea Triangle, is an outdoor plaza situated on 14th St. between 9th Ave. and Hudson St., at the tip of the trendy Meatpacking District. The plaza faces high-end fashion retail stores and restaurants, and will be bustling with trendsetters and fashionistas in town for Fashion Week.

Malaysia Kitchen for the World will launch the first-ever Malaysian Food Truck in Manhattan, Oct. 11 - Nov. 6, and in Queens, Nov. 8- Nov. 19, 2010.

The truck will operate Monday - Friday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Local restaurants offering Malaysian dishes will disperse FREE samples of Malaysian food.

Stop by to experience the best Malaysian cuisine has to offer, as well as receive a coupon for a free appetizer, with purchase of entree, from participating restaurants.

Check out www.malaysiakitchennyc.com and on Twitter @MalaysiaKitchn in September for a calendar outlining truck locations and restaurants.

Beginners:

Little or no experience eating spicy.

• Roti Canai - A simple bread made of flour, water, eggs, and clarified butter.
• Satay with Peanut Sauce - Marinated chicken meat on skewers.
• Chicken Rice - Boiled chicken with flavorful rice.
• Teh Tarik -"Stretched tea", a favorite Malaysian beverage.
• Fried Beehoon - Rice noodle dish.
• Nasi Goreng - Fried rice.
• Pisang Goreng - Banana Fritter.

Intermediate:

Enjoys the occassional spicy punch to the palate.

• Nasi Lemak - Rice cooked in coconut milk flavored with pandan leaf, ginger, and lemongrass.
• Curry Laksa - A rich, creamy noodle soup.
• Char Kuey Teow - Stir-fried flat noodle with shrimp, chicken, cockles, chives, and light and dark soy sauce.
• Chicken Curry - Typical curry of chicken with onion, tomato, and spices in a yogurt- based sauce.
• Ikan Bakar - Grilled fish served in a banana leaf.
• Sambal Udang - Chilli based condiment with shrimp.  
• Rendang - A spiced dry curry commonly made with beef.

Advanced:

Adventurous and loves strong and spicy flavors.

• Assam Laksa - A sweet and sour brothy noodle soup.
• Sambal Belacan - Chilli based condiment with dried shrimp.  
• Rojak (or Passembur)  - Traditional fruit and vegetable salad dish.
• Assam/Fish Head Curry - Red fish semi-stewed in a thick curry with vegetables.
• Durian desserts - Made from a fruit with a distinctive smell and texture.
• Bak Kut Teh - Meaty ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices.

Check out local Malaysian restaurants to try these delicacies. Click here for an illustrated tour of many of the dishes.

by Rasa Sayang Spice Market Cafe (Penang, Malaysia)