Guide Note

Malaysian Food reflects diversity in its culinary base with Indian, Chinese,Thai, British, and Indonesian cuisines having greatly influenced Malay gastronomy. Two common staples in the cuisine are rice and noodles which usually accompany every meal.

Fast Facts

1. Coconut milk is often used as a sauce base in cooking
2. Chinese and Indian immigrants have contributed to creating a spicier version of Malaysian food
3. Indian basmati rice and Japanese short rice are both in the Malaysian diet
4. Indian bread known as Naan is eaten as part of breakfast
5. Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Fish are common main dishes

Guide to Malaysian Food

Some common Malay dishes are:

• Keropok lekor - a savory cake made of fish and batter
• Nasi Paprik - a fried rice with paprika sauce and served with flavored chicken
• Ikan Bakar - a grilled fish with a tumeric sauce
• Kangkung belacan - a shrimp paste
• Nasi Lemak - a rice dish cooked in coconut milk, anchovies, and nuts

Desserts

Some common desserts in Malay cooking include Cendol which are green rice noodles in cool coconut milk, Pulut hitam which is a rice porridge with sago, and Pengat, a tapioca and banana mixture with brown sugar and coconut milk.