When it comes to Malaysian cuisine, most people are familiar with dishes like satay, Hainanese chicken rice, and char kway teow. However, the diverse culinary traditions across this multicultural country have given rise to many underrated and undiscovered dishes that are waiting to be found. Beyond the usual suspects, here are some of the true hidden gems of authentic Malaysian cooking that are worth seeking out.
Table of Contents
Penang Asam Laksa
This sour and spicy soup is a cult favorite in Penang. While it bears some similarities to other laksa variants, Penang Asam Laksa stands out for its intense, tangy broth. It gets its sour kick from the use of tamarind and fermented prawn paste. Chilies, garlic, shallots, and lemongrass punch up the flavor. Thick rice noodles soak up the broth, which is topped with shredded mackerel, cucumber, onion, pineapple, and herbs. With its complex medley of tastes and textures, a bowl of asam laksa is the perfect meal for hot days.
Sarawak Laksa
Don’t confuse this laksa with the Penang Asam Laksa! Sarawak Laksa contains thick rice noodles swimming in a rich coconut broth. Shredded chicken, prawns, omelet strips, and chopped herbs get heaped on top. The broth is flavored with shallots, garlic, and candlenuts for a subtly nutty aroma. Unlike the more sour asam laksa, this version tastes distinctly creamy and savory thanks to the coconut milk. It’s an ideal comfort food from Borneo.
Nasi Lemak
It’s impossible to exclude nasi lemak when talking about Malaysian cuisine, as it’s considered the national dish. But its humble appearance hides just how good it is. Fragrant rice is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. It’s then served with sambal chili paste, fried anchovies, boiled egg, cucumber slices, and a protein like chicken or beef rendang. The textures and flavors contrast beautifully. No matter how you customize it, nasi lemak is the ultimate breakfast or snack.
Roti Canai
This ubiquitous flatbread has Indian origins but is a staple across Malaysia. Roti canai is made by stretching and folding dough into paper-thin layers before cooking on a hot griddle. The process creates a flaky texture similar to croissants. Roti canai is excellent on its own, but for the complete experience, order it with curry or dhal for dipping. Watching the stall vendors expertly spin and flip the dough into impossibly thin sheets is also performance art!
Beef Rendang
One bite of beef rendang will show you how Malaysian cuisine marries complex flavors beautifully. Tender beef is slowly simmered in a caramelized curry base of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, spices, and herbs. The resulting stew is rich and intensely flavorful, with the meat so tender it falls apart. Originating from Sumatra, rendang’s creation involves great skill and patience. Try it with ketupat (rice cakes) and you’ll see why it deserves more recognition.
Cendol
On sweltering Malaysian days, the sweet and icy treat of cendol really hits the spot. Shaved ice is topped with vibrant green worm-like rice flour jelly, red beans, plantains, grass jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. It’s an artistic riot of textures and colors that looks as good as it tastes. The balance of creamy, sweet, and refreshing makes cendol a unique and addictive dessert. It’s one way Malaysians happily cool down!
The diversity of Malaysian cuisine goes beyond the surface to offer hidden gems that reflect the country’s culture and history. From Penang laksa to beef rendang to cendol, I hope I’ve shed light on some underrated dishes that are waiting to be discovered. So go forth and explore the breadth of authentic Malaysian cooking. There are endless delicious surprises waiting around the corner!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of Malaysia’s best hidden gem dishes?
Some of Malaysia’s most underrated dishes include Penang Asam Laksa, Sarawak Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Beef Rendang, and Cendol. They showcase the diversity of Malaysian cuisine.
Why doesn’t Malaysian food get as much global recognition as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine?
Malaysian cuisine is less well-known partly due to less marketing and commercialization abroad. But its obscurity makes discovering its hidden gems all the more rewarding.
What are the origins of popular Malaysian dish rendang?
Rendang originated from Indonesia, particularly from the Minangkabau culture in Sumatra. Its creation involved slow-cooking meat in coconut milk and spices.
How is Penang Laksa different from Sarawak Laksa?
Penang Laksa has a sour, spicy tamarind-based broth while Sarawak Laksa uses a creamy coconut milk broth. They also differ in toppings.
What drink is popular for cooling down in Malaysia?
Cendol, made with shaved ice, rice flour jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar, is a perfect way to beat the heat in Malaysia.