Explore a variety of mouth-watering Malay specialties, from nasi lemak to konde cik puan, with rich spice flavours and delicious culinary traditions.
Typical Malay food is known for its rich spices and strong flavors. From dishes inspired by local culture to centuries-old trade influences, Malay cuisine offers mouth-watering dishes.
From the legendary nasi lemak to sweet and savory desserts, Malay food offers a unique culinary experience.
Here are 10 dishes to try a Malay specialty that is a must-try if you want to experience the richness of Malay Culinary flavors and traditions.
1. Nasi Lemak: The Magic of Coconut Milk and Delicious Side Dishes
Nasi Lemak is a dish that is familiar to Malay people. This dish is similar to uduk rice, but the difference lies in the use of coconut milk which makes it more savory and rich in flavor.
Nasi lemak is served with various appetizing side dishes, such as fish, boiled eggs, chili sauce, peanuts, crackers, and fresh vegetables. In some areas, chicken or beef curry is also a complement that adds to the deliciousness.
Nasi lemak can be found in many places, especially in the Riau Islands, as well as in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Nasi lemak is not only a breakfast food, but also a food enjoyed throughout the day by Malay people.
2. Nasi Kandar: Typical Malay food from Medan with spiced sauce
Nasi Kandar is one of the typical Malay foods that is very popular in Medan. This food has similarities with nasi padang, where the rice served is complemented with a variety of side dishes and abundant spice sauce.
In its presentation, nasi kandar is not served in a separate container like nasi padang, but the rice and side dishes are doused directly with spice sauce.
The name “kandar” comes from the bamboo tool used by traders to transport this food, which is often placed on their shoulders. This dish is a great choice for those who love strong spice flavors and a variety of side dish combinations.
3. Soto Mak Lung Terkeju: A Stunning Spice Sensation
Soto Mak Lung Terkejut is a typical Malay food that is full of spices. This food is famous for its strong spice flavor and the spicy and sour sensation it produces.
This soto uses basic ingredients of beef, bean sprouts, vermicelli, potatoes, soybeans, and emping as a complement. Its uniqueness lies in the surprising combination of flavors, which makes this dish different from other sotos.
Soto Mak Lung Terkejut is usually served hot, perfect to eat in the morning or during cold weather to warm the body.
4. Nasi Sombang: A typical dish with a tempting grilled aroma
Nasi Sombang is a dish that uses banana leaves as a serving base, giving it a distinctive, tempting aroma. This rice is cooked with various spices such as chilies and shallots which produce a spicy and appetizing taste.
The side dishes served with nasi sombang are usually chicken and fish, which are grilled with rice in banana leaves. This grilling process is what gives nasi sombang its distinctive aroma.
This food is made even more special because of the way it is made, which combines the natural flavors of spices and the grilling of the leaves. banana.
5. Nasi Dagang: Spiced Rice with Tuna Fish Side Dish
Nasi Dagang is a typical Malay dish that has a rich taste thanks to the use of spices and coconut milk in the cooking process. This rice is made from rice cooked with a little coconut milk and a mixture of selected spices.
Nasi dagang is usually served with fried tuna and chili sauce, providing a combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sour flavors.
Nasi dagang is served using banana leaves as a base, giving a natural and fragrant touch to this dish. This food is very delicious when enjoyed warm.
6. Cencalo: Fermented Shrimp Cuisine that Blends with Flavors
Cencalo is a typical Malay culinary dish made with fermented small shrimp. The process of making cencalo takes quite a long time because the shrimp must be cleaned and seasoned with salt, then stored in pottery for 20-30 days.
This fermentation process gives the shrimp a distinctive and strong taste, making it more savory and slightly sour. Cencalo is usually served with warm rice and sambal matah or garlic chili sauce, giving it a spicy and fresh taste that enhances the dish.
This food is famous in various Malay coastal areas, where shrimp is the main ingredient in their culinary delights.
7. Roti Jala Chicken Curry: Typical Malay Food with Indian Influences
Roti Jala is a popular food among Malays, especially when served with chicken curry. This bread has a unique shape, which is thin with cavities that resemble a net.
Roti jala originates from India, and was first introduced by Indian traders who came to Malay land. This dish is very popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, and can now be easily found in Malay restaurants.
Roti jala is served with a savory chicken curry, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or lunch.
8. Selais Smoked Fish: Traditional Fish with a Unique Smoking Process
Selais fish is a typical Malay fish that is usually served in the form of salted fish in the Jakarta area. However, in the Malay lands, this fish is processed in a different way. Selais fish is smoked for about 8 hours, then fried, stewed, or made into curry.
The smoking process gives a richer and deeper flavor to the fish, making it a more delicious and tasty dish. Smoked Selais fish is perfect served with warm white rice, chili sauce, or fresh vegetables.
9. Sago Noodles: Traditional Food with Maintained Health
Sago Noodles are a typical Malay food that is different from noodles in general. Made from sago, these noodles have a chewy and soft texture. Usually, sago noodles are served with anchovies, chives, and bean sprouts, creating a savory and salty taste.
In addition to being delicious, sago noodles also contain nutrients that are good for health, especially for diabetics because of their low glycemic index content.
This food is very popular in Riau, especially in the Selat Panjang area, and is often made as a typical souvenir from the area.
10. Konde Cik Puan: A Sweet and Savory Malay Snack
Konde Cik Puan is a Malay sweet made from steamed and mashed taro. The taro is mixed with tapioca flour, salt, and Malay spices before being steamed into a chewy dough.
Nowadays, Konde Cik Puan is often served with green beans in its taro dough, adding richness to the flavor of the dish. This dish has a sweet and savory taste that is perfect for an afternoon snack or a dinner dessert.
Although the recipe for Konde Cik Puan has undergone a few changes, its deliciousness remains intact and it is one of the favorite foods among the Malay community.
Malay cuisine has an unmatched richness of flavours, thanks to its rich use of spices and unique cooking methods. From the savoury nasi lemak to the sweet konde cik puan, each Malay dish is a mouth-watering culinary experience.
The diversity of these dishes reflects the long history of the rich and diverse Malay culture. If you are looking to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Typical Batak Food, these 10 Malay dishes are the perfect choices that will provide unforgettable culinary memories.
