Local gastronomic heritage has drawn from each of the constituent cultures of Malaysia as well as from neighboring states to produce what many people consider to be the most delicious cuisine in the entire world. The internationally renowned cuisine of China's Canton, exotically flavored vegetarian dishes of southern India and pungent Muslim food are significant sources of Malaysia's culinary heritage. Fresh tropical fruits and succulent Malaysian seafood are featured ingredients, while chilies and curries of India and Thailand form the basis of spicy dishes. Coconut milk is ubiquitous in Malaysia, imparting a delicious smoothness to curries and other dishes.
The staple food of Malaysia is rice accompanied by meat, fish and vegetables. Coconut milk is an essential ingredient in most preparations with each Malaysian region having its own specialties. The most popular and authentic Malaysian dish is satay. This mouth-watering specialty consists of bite-sized pieces of beef, mutton or chicken marinated in spices, which are skewered through thin bamboo strips, and barbecued over charcoal fire. Satay is served with ketupat (rice cake) and fresh cucumber, pineapple and onion salad. Sweet, spicy peanut sauce accompanies this dish. Other popular dishes are nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice and fried noodles. Tantalizing meat-free dishes can be found in Buddhist vegetarian restaurants or in South Indian banana-leaf restaurants, where your food will be served on a banana leaf.
"Authentic" Malay food is not as widely available in Malaysian restaurants, when compared to Chinese cuisine or American fast food. Restaurants in large hotels offer international cuisine from such countries as Japan, Korea, France and Italy. Excellent and inexpensive street food, however, is widely available throughout Malaysia, as the roadside stalls are a much-loved practice.
Alcohol is fairly expensive in Malaysia. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol, so it may be necessary to head to hotels or Chinese liquor stores for such beverages. Wine, although expensive, may not have a good flavor, due to the tropical heat. Beer is fairly common, yet is often served warm. A good alternative to alcoholic drinks is delicious and fresh tropical juices. |
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Name: Malaysia |
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Area: 330.000 sq. km. |
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Capital City: Kuala Lumpur |
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Population: 19.7 million |
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Language: Bhasa, English, Chienese |
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Currency: Malaysian Ringitt |
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Time Zone: GMT +8 hrs |
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Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Tao |
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