Food Adventures in Malaysia

Like its people, Malaysian food is an epitome of diversity. I want to share some photos of Malaysian cuisine I took when I was there. I forgot the names so I would appreciate you helping me out in identifying them. The only one I remember so well is the famous Nasi Lemak, the national dish of Malaysia. This dish can also be found in Singapore and Brunei and has a variety in Thailand.

When I was in Malacca, my friend and I had our New Year’s Eve dinner at Calanthe Art Cafe, an accidental find along Jonker Street. It seems to be a popular dining place as tourists and locals flock the al fresco dining area of the restaurant. There are lots of interesting details and decorations which are easy subjects of conversations while dining. Here are some of the photos:

Stalls selling local delicacies are everywhere in Malacca. We were able to chat with a lady selling Onde (sweet coconut rice balls) along the pavements of Malacca. She graciously showed us how to make the green little balls of coconut and sugar and even posed for the camera with her homemade delicacy. She also allowed me to deep fry some onde balls while we encourage passersby to buy and try for only 1MYR per pack! It was really good!

It was a hot afternoon in Malacca when we checked out the Christchurch. Just across it, a cart manned by 3 men were selling refreshments like pancakes. The Cendol is the most popular one, made of sweetened fruits, milk and ice. We have almost similar one in the Philippines so I opted for the ABC instead (see photo below) for only 3 or 4 MYR. There were small tables and chairs set up under the shade of the tree and it was a nice experience trying out their local refreshments while watching the boats passing thru Malacca River.

They also have a variety of banana fritters made of the longest banana I’ve seen in my life.

My friend told me that my Malaccan experience won’t be complete without trying the Chicken Rice Balls and Otak at Famosa Chicen Rice Ball Restaurant. And yes, these local dishes should not be missed when you visit Malacca. The intricate designs of the restaurant is a bonus.

Chicken Rice Balls

Otak is made up of fish meat and spices wrapped in banana leaves.

The interior of the Famosa Restaurant.

One thing I will miss about Malaysia is the Old Town White Coffee; it is strong and at the same time sweet. After long hours of walking and sightseeing, we always end up sitting at the nearest coffee shop, sipping our cups of white coffee and planning our schedule for the next day. I liked it so much that I brought with me 3 bags back home.

Aside from the coffee, I discovered a canned drink that I liked so much that I bought it several times when I was in Malaysia.

Chrysanthemum Tea

Other than Malaysian food, of course I have to try Chinese Malay dishes. These were the ones we tried at Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur and the chicken crispies are my instant favorite! Here are close-up photos of dishes I had while in KL.

Crispy chicken flakes

A fusion of Chinese and Malay cuisines

This one was what he had for lunch in Malacca. These are chicken topped on steamed rice and served in clay pots.

Noodles and chicken toppings

Bean sprouts and other veggies at Hakka Restaurant in KL.

The most interesting one I had is the Chinese Hakka noodles/salad called Lo Sung, a dish of celebration and fortune. Before eating it, people had to pick up the noodles with chopsticks and bring them as high as they can, without spilling of course. The higher you pick it up, the more blessings/luck you will receive. Plus, you have to say greetings loudly while doing it. Here is a photo and video of it.