8 Must-Try Malaysian Food
March 10, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East, Feature Highlights
Malaysia is home to fabulous street eats and equally tasty restaurants. With various influences from Malay and Chinese traditions, spicy Indian and Nonya dishes, Malaysia offers much to savour in all of its 13 different states and many more cities. The culinary scene is bustling with choices, fueled by this diversity of the country’s multicultural heritage. Here, we share with you the local favorites from three popular foodie stops in the region – Malacca, Penang and Ipoh Perak.
Ayam Buah Keluak
Nonya Cuisine is also a must try in Malacca, where you can find mouthwatering food combining Chinese ingredients with Malay herbs and spices. The Malaccan version of Nonya Cuisine favor the use of coconut milk, and is therefore richer in taste. Ayam Buah Keluak is a popular Nonya dish, which is chicken stewed with black nuts. Don’t be put off by the murky, ink-like gravy! The sauce is rich and creamy, and mixes very well with the kepayang nuts and chicken meat.
Photo credit - Pinoy Food
Ikan Bakar
The aromatic grilled fish dish is another must-try – ikan bakar (literally, burnt fish in malay). The fish is marinated in a myriad of spices, then wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over charcoal fire. In Malacca, head towards Perkampungan Ikan Bakar Terapung, 11 km off Malacca Town, where you can get freshly barbequed fish along with a good selecion of seafood such as cockles, squids and oysters grilled on the spot.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kandar is a popular northern Malaysia dish that originated from the state of Penang, so its small wonder you’ll find so many stalls around the state offering this dish. This Malaysian staple comprises simply of plain or flavored rice accompanied by side dishes such as fried chicken, curried spleen, cubed beef, fish roe, fried prawns or fried squid.
A mixture of curry sauces is then poured on top, imparting
a diverse taste to the rice. Other than in Penang, Nasi Kandar is also a popular dish in Ipoh, Malacca and more.
Photo credit - EightySixx
Penang Char Kway Teow
Another popular dish is char kway teow, flat rice noodles fried with beansprouts, prawns, cockles, chives and eggs in a rich dark sauce. The Penang version of this popular South East Asian dish (you can also find local versions in Indonesia and Singapore), is smooth and smokey, with additional light and dark soy sauces, extra spices and the use of broader width variety of flat rice noodles.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Penang Laksa
No visit to Penang is complete without a bowl of its namesake laksa. The Penang laksa is a rice noodles dish served in a thick and tasty spicy broth, spiked with flaked mackerels and a generous serving of vegetables. In Penang, head towards Lorong Selamat, off Macalister Road to try out this renowned dish – there are two versions, the sour type, and the lemak type (with the addition of coconut milk).
Photo credit - Chee Hong
Chicken Rice
One of the most popular dish in Ipoh is the humble chicken rice. In Ipoh, the chicken is poached Hainanese style, served with beansprouts and pork meatball soup. The famed Lou Wong Restaurant is a popular place specializing in chicken rice. Their chicken is perfectly done, cooked just enough to retain a juicy smoothness that is often absent from overcooked chicken. They come mixed with beansprouts and drizzled with a tasty combination of sesame oil and soy sauce mix.
Photo credit - Charles Haynes
Ipoh Hor Fun
When in Ipoh, be sure to try out their famed Ipoh Hor Fun. There are two variations of the dish itself. The soupy version comes served with a clear chicken and prawn browth, topped with shredded chicken meat and spring onions. The other version is a fried version, boldly flavored and enhanced with a splash of dark gravy.
Photo credit - avlxyz
Nasi Lemak
Perhaps the most popular and ubiquitous staple of Malaysian cuisine is nasi lemak, a simple dish comprising of rice cooked with coconut milk, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), roasted peanuts, some vegetables and a generous portion of a tasty sambal chilli. This is a popular dish that can be found all over Southeast Asia, each with their own local influences in the dish.
Photo credit - emrank
This post is part of WanderFood Wednesday, a Blog Carnival held by Wanderlust & Lipstick. Check them out for a visual treat of tasty dishes, or take part in the carnival yourself!
About the Author. Nikolas Tjhin. A graphic and web designer in its previous incarnation, Nik’s journeyman career has seen him do work for various creative studios in Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Singapore and Jakarta. Now, he’s settled down for the time being and focusing his efforts as the editor of an Asia travel zine, Unearthing Asia.
Natural Attractions – Langkawi
March 9, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East
Langkawi is home to Malaysia’s legends and a gift of mother nature to its inhabitants. Covered in mystery and natural beauty, the coast-side island is filled with natural attractions and cultural history. Here’s a list of the best attractions in this beautiful little island!
Photo credit - Ewan M
Pantai Cenang – Island Hopping
Start your morning with breakfast at Pantai Cenang, Langkawi’s most popular beach. Don’t forget to try out some of Malaysia’s local cuisine, such as the nasi lemak (literally, “rice in cream”). This name is derived from the cooking process of nasi lemak, where the rice is soaked and cooked in coconut cream, giving it more fragrance and flavor to the rice. Combined with ikan bilis (anchovies), peanuts, eggs and a spicy sambal, this is a full-filing combination to get you through the day.
Spend some time enjoying the white sandy beaches at Pantai Cenang, and immerse yourself in the various water sports available here. Go swimming, hire a jet ski, go parasailing or hop on a banana boat. You can also go island hopping to nearby islands, such as Pulau Rebak Kecil and Pulau Rebak Besar.
Photo credit - Khalzuri
Langkawi Geopark
Hop into a cable car to the very top of Mount Mat Cincang at the Langkawi Geopark. Here, you can take in the breathtaking views at the two viewing platforms and head over to the 125-metre bridge suspended 700m above sea level for a bigger thrill. The Geopark is also home to various other attractions, such as Elephant Rides, Reptile Encounters as well as home to the Ninth Tiger Sub-species – the Malayan Tiger.
Another major attraction at the top of Mount Mat Cincang is the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall (Seven Wells). Seven pools whose water flow into each other creates a mesmerizing picture for you to enjoy. Dip into the pool for a relaxing laize-faire afternoon.
Photo credit - kaeru.my
Kuah Town
Kuah Town is Langkawi’s main town, as well as the entry point for ferry from either the mainland or from Penang. The town isn’t really all that big, but you’ll be able to do some shopping over at the Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), the Langkawi Fair or at the various bazaars at the center of Kuah. This is a great place to pick up batik, local handicrafts and duty free goods.
The name “Kuah” comes from the malay word for ketchup, soup or gravy, this is owing to the local legend that the town arose from a cup of gravy spilled on the land by two giants fighting.
Visiting Malaysia? Don’t forget to check out our other articles on Malaysia
Cruising through Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur’s New Buzz - Redang Island in Photos
About the Author. Char Magalong. Char Magalong, freelance web designer and programmer, spent two years living, working and traveling in Singapore. Another two years stint right after that in Malaysia led to homesickness, after which she promptly returned to the Philippines. With her myriad of treasured experiences for apt comparison, she comments regularly on the beauty of Philippines and its surrounding country side.
Cruising Through Malaysia
September 13, 2009 by freelance
Filed under Exotic South East
Many towns in Malaysia were founded at the mouths of rivers as they were an important means of transport. Today, these rivers provide an alternative means of taking in the sights of a town as well as the plant and animal life along their banks. Tourists should try one of the the several leisurely river safaris available in East Malaysia.
Photo credits - Chang'r
Malacca River Cruise
Top of the picks is a river cruise that has been made famous by the Hollywood movie called “Entrapment” shot in 1998. It is none other than the Malacca river cruise. From the jetty at Dutch Square, the boat proceeds upriver and passes under Tan Boon Seng Bridge. This bridge has historical significance as its capture by the Portuguese in 1511 divided Sultan Mahmud’s Shah’s forces, weakening them. As a result, the Portuguese were able to capture the town.
Soon, old shophouses come into view on the left and right banks. The next bridge that the boat passes under is the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge. It was originally built in 1908 and replaced by its present structure in 1963. During World War II, (1942-45), the Kempetai (Japanese Military Army) displayed the beheaded heads of resistance forces at the foot of the bridge to serve as a warning to the community. After another five minutes of wind, a footbridge by the eerie name of Ghost Bridge passes overhead. The origins of the name is a mystery today. Then, the boat passes under the Old Market Bridge that links Kampong Hulu and the former Central Market. Fishing boats still berth here to unload their catches which are transported to the new Central Market.
Photo credits - Shutterhack
Kuala Trengganu
Kuala Trengganu, off the coast of Malaysia offers a river cruise with several interesting stops. From the Shah Bandar jetty near the Central Market (locally referred as Pasar Payang), the tour boat departs upriver along the Trengganu River to Pulau Duyung (Mermaid Island), the first stop. A boat-building industry thrives on this island, which is also linked to the mainland by a bridge. Here, both luxury yachts and fishing boats are constructed by craftsmen without any blueprint, a skill inherited from their forefathers.
The riverine tour continues to Jeram River, with a stop at Kampung Jeram that holds a surprising sight. Amidst the traditional wooden Malay houses stands a Chinese temple with its red roof. According to legend, Admiral Cheng Ho of the Ming Dynasty sailed through the locality in 1414, and made a stop for supplies. His ship ran aground in the shallow waters of the river, and he came on land, spending several days with the villagers. In 1943, the Terengganu Chinese Cultural Association built a temple to honour the admiral. Called the Sam Poh Kong Temple, it comes alive during Chinese New Year and other festive days when devotees come to pray.
The next stop is the Pura Tanjung Sabtu Cultural Center, which has ten traditional houses. The centre belongs to the family of Tengku Ismail Tengku Su, a Terengganu prince, whose aim is to preserve the architectural heritage of his state. Finally the ship takes passengers back to the estuary of the Terengganu River to the State Museum Complex in Bukit Losong. The largest in the country, it consists of a Main Museum, Maritime Museum, Fisheries Museum, four traditional houses and herbs and botanic gardens.
Photo credits - nadi0
Kampong Kuantan
For nature lovers, a highly recommend river cruise is down the Sungai Selangor (Selangor River) at Kampong Kuantan to see the rhythmic flashing of lights produced by thousands of fireflies resting on mangrove trees. The phenomenon resembles the twinkling lights of Christmas trees and is truly spectacular. Locals call these fireflies kelip-kelip but they are actually beetles of the Lampyride family. On average each firefly measures six millimetres long. The males produce flashing lights in their thorax thrice every second. At the jetty at Kampung Kuantan, boat operators take their passengers (minimum two persons) upriver for about 40 minutes and turn back, allowing them the opportunity to observe this mating ritual of the insects.
Photo credits - BlueDolphin_Stefania
Kuching
Nestled on the banks of the Kuching River, the capital of Sarawak, Kuching, has an interesting boat ride that begins from the waterfront in Main Bazaar. The narrow bustling streets near the river are chock-a-block with colourful temples, raucous markets, historic building and Chinese shophouses selling handicrafts of all manner. Admire the Astana, built by Charles Brooke in 1869 on the opposite bank. Today, it is the official home of the Governor of Sarawak. Further ahead, there is Fort Margherita that dates back to 1879. The fort resembles and English castle, and now serves as the Police Museum. It was named after the wife of Charles Brooke. As the boat slides eastward, the cheery colours of the wooden houses of Kampong Boyan, Kampong, Gersik and Kampong Sourabaya Ulu greet you. Finally, you are deposited on the east side of the city centre. What a joyful ride for a song.
About the Author. Ewe Paik Leong. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Ewe Paik Leong has almost 20 years’ experience as a writer/editor. He has held editorial positions in publications ranging from lifestyle, medical, building, travel and business to motoring. He won second prize in the Her World Short Story Competition 1980, and was listed in the Malaysia Book of Records (1st and 2nd editions) as “the writer with the most short stories published on a freelance basis.”
Redang Island in Photos
April 3, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East
Redang Island, a long 12 hours bus ride away from Singapore, was this little get-away island perfect for lazing out your weekend away. Be warned however, there isn’t much in terms of things to see and or do. But I was glad to at least note that the claims of over-tourism well exaggerated. The crowd was there for sure, but it was not hard at all to find my own peace and quiet whenever I want to.
This post is part of Photo Friday, a Blog Carnival held by Delicious Baby. Check them out for photo-sharing goodness, or take part in the carnival yourself!
Summer Holiday at Redang Island
January 19, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Exotic South East, Feature Highlights
My weekend get-away journey to Redang, the island of Summer Holiday fame, began with an excruciating twelve hours bus ride up north towards the state of Trengganu, Malaysia. From there on, I had to wait another hour as the ferry lumbered on. But even then, I was already restless with thoughts of white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Halfway through the trip, I gave up trying to fall asleep and joined several other tourists up on deck, enjoying the windy ocean breeze. As we marooned slowly by the pier, a noticeable air of enthusiasm broke out amongst the passengers - we have arrived.
Panoramic view of Redang Island. Photo by sumasiapa at deviantart.
Redang Island is famed for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the tropical fishes that inhabit the numerous coral reefs.
Measuring a mere 7 km long and 6 km wide, this island paradise is the largest amongst the nine that forms the Redang Archipelago. It is a favorite destination amongst Malaysians and Singaporeans, with most tour packages offering a three days, two nights stay that is just the right amount of time for you spend here. The island is very low on sights, so most visitors spend their time lazing on the beach or exploring the corals.
The roads on the center of the island connect together the airport, the jetty, two resorts, and the southern fishing port, but provide no connectivity elsewhere. Most resorts provide their own means of transporting tourists in from outside, but exploring the other side of the island would be almost impossible. There was no room for exploration, for wandering around, getting lost in a foreign far away place. Instead, I was stuck in my own resort, only able to enjoy the services available here.
Villas and resorts stood side by side next to the beaches.
Redang Island.
Redang Island. Photo by sumasiapa at deviantart
Once I conceded this point however, I grew to enjoy my time here a lot more. The famed beach did not disappoint, with smooth, soft white sand and crystal clear ocean water.
Snorkeling is a popular activity, and I didn’t even have to go on a boat trip to enjoy being with the fishes. Arm yourself with bread for fish food and you can see them already very near to the beach. For the more initiated, there are also various dive sites for you to enjoy. Several of these sites are fairly new diving destinations, with the visiting restrictions lifted only in 1999. You’ll be able to enjoy good visibility in the deep clear waters, although visibility can drop dramatically after a storm.
At night, Redang’s clear sky provides a breathtaking view of the myriad of stars. I lay on the cool sand and let my eyes adjust to the darkness, revealing even more stars. Thousands and thousands of them. Yet another way to pass the time here, lazing the night away. Thoroughly, this island is a place to relax, escape from the numbness of nine to five and just while your time away. There isn’t much to see or do, but for those who know what they want, this may just be the perfect fit for that much needed summer get-away.
