Cultural dishes in the form of must try Malaysian food are available in many different types representing various cultures and traditions. Here are 4 amazing dishes that scream classic Malaysia.
Cultural Dishes #1: Banana Leaf Meals
Banana leaf rice is a quintessential Malaysian dish that sets out to offer a wonderful culinary experience while highlighting the beauty of a multicultural society in Malaysia. Inspired by the food and culinary culture of South India, banana rice meals have become a sought after food experience by locals as well as tourists.
Various dishes are served on a large banana leaf. The main element of this style is the rice alongside different curries that you can choose from, multiple other vegetable options, meat, pickle, yogurt as well as a dessert. There are many meat and protein options that you can choose from such as chicken, mutton or fish that are made in a multitude of ways. The key to the best banana leaf rice is the combination of curries – usually fish, chicken or dhal (lentil) which is poured over the rice. You will be hit by strong flavours and aromas from the curry as well at the side dishes.
The experience of eating banana leaves is truly amazing especially since it is seen to be one of a kid. You should attempt to use your hands when you have banana leaf meals as it is the traditional way that has been practiced. Furthermore, the banana leaf itself is believed to enhance food — giving it a mild aroma. The interesting colours and different types of spices used make the food visually appealing and the combination of these spices gives the dishes a sweet, salty or spicy taste.
In Malaysia, banana leaves meals can be found across many Indian restaurants and cafes all over the country. In addition to its taste, banana leaf rice is a tradition that balances Malaysian and Indian influences — must-try dish for locals and tourists alike.
Cultural Dishes #2: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice is a famous version found in Malaysia and it is dearly adored and loved for its simplicity and deliciousness. Originating from Hainan, China, this dish has become a staple in Malaysian cuisine and can be found in restaurants as well as high-end establishments all around the country. This dish comprises of the humble chicken cooked in fragrant rice cooked and in chicken stock and is further flavoured with ginger and garlic. What makes it special is its texture and taste — a fragrant chicken flavoured rice with soft and tender chicken.
The dish is often times served with various sauces, mainly chili sauce and soy sauce — helps with enhancing the flavour of the overall dish. Hainanese chicken rice is unique in its focus is mainly on carefully cooking the meal using simple ingredients. Every bite presents you with a fragrant and delicious experience.
Some versions of this dish also include fried chicken and nowadays, many more options are available. Hainanese Chicken Rice is more than just a meal, it is the pinnacle of Chinese culinary traditions that represent the fusion of Malaysian cultures and how they have been incorporated into the local cuisine. This dish is usually served with fresh cucumber slices as a garnish — making it a hearty meal. Whether it is a quick snack or a hearty meal, Hainanese chicken rice is a key marker of simple yet wonderful cooking — making it an essential part of the Malaysian food experience.
Cultural Dishes #3: Satay
Satay is one of Malaysia’s most popular street foods and a must-try for anyone visiting the country. The dish is made from grilled meat — usually chicken, beef or mutton that is marinated in a mixture of spices, turmeric and coconut milk and then cooked thoroughly over a charcoal grill. The result of this process is soft, sweet, tender and tasty meat.
Satay is often eaten with a peanut sauce which makes it even tastier. On the side, you will also find cucumber slices, raw onions, and rice cakes better known as ketupat, which helps with balancing the freshness and giving more leeway to taste the flavour in the dish. What makes satay unique in Malaysia is that there are regional variations to this dish that span all over the country. For instance, in Kajang, the satay skewers are made slightly bigger and the peanut sauce is often flavoured with pineapple — adding a bit of sweetness. In Kelantan, the sauce is sweet and coconut-based — reflecting the local food culture. This dish showcases the great flavours and the diversity of Malaysian cuisine.
Satay is deeply rooted in Malaysian culture and is often served at festivals, family gatherings and celebrations. The smell of satay barbecue is familiar and comforting in night markets and grocery stores across the country. Whether you are eating it at a roadside stand or in a more casual setting, it is a food that brings people together as a united community.
Cultural Dishes #4: Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kandar is a famous and iconic dish that showcases Malaysia’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene and its melting put of cultures. Originating from the island of Penang, this dish is complex and it highlights the rich flavours and cultural influences of the region.
The word “nasi” refers to rice, while “kandar” refers to the act of balancing a pole on one’s shoulders with a basket of rice — this is based on its traditional way of serving. Nasi Kandar usually includes rice dishes and a variety of curries each with its own unique spices and flavors. Add ones range from spicy and mild to rich and savory and this often includes options such as chicken, beef fish or lamb. The uniqueness of Nasi Kandar is the combination of multiple curries and the complex layers of flavours that come together to create a mouth-watering delicious meal.
In addition, side dishes such as fried chicken, hard-boiled eggs and vegetables are often offered — adding variety and texture to the meal. The beauty of Nasi Kandar is not just with the taste, it is everything that can be done to customise the chosen meal.
Diners can mix and match different dishes and sides to create a dish that perfectly suits their tastes. This dish is seen as the foundation of Malaysian cuisine. It is diverse, delicious and rooted in the country’s cultural heritage. Nasi Kandar is a must-try dish for anyone traveling to Malaysia as it is a delicious introduction to the country’s rich heritage and truly reflects the local food culture.
Ampfood is an exceptional platform dedicated to discovering the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Malaysia. With a keen focus on food, Ampfood is your go-to resource for exploring the tantalising flavours, unique dishes and hidden gems that the Malaysian food scene has to offer.
