Malaysia
About Malaysia
Close to the equator, Malaysia spans the Malay Peninsula and part of Borneo near the center of Southeast Asia. Malays, Chinese, Indians and Indigenous peoples live together here. Malays originally migrated from Sumatra, and large numbers of Chinese and Indians arrived in the early nineteenth century under British colonial rule to work in tin mines and rubber plantations. Around two-thirds of the population is Muslim. Islam is the state religion, but freedom of religion is recognized, and towns are home to Buddhist and Hindu temples and Christian churches as well as mosques.
Eating customs among Muslims
Meals are generally eaten with the right hand. When using cutlery, a spoon is held in the right hand and a fork in the left.
Dietary Customs
Muslims do not eat pork and choose halal meat in Malay dishes. Halal refers to food permitted under Islamic law, and certified products carry a halal mark. Some Malaysian Indian and Chinese communities do not eat beef. Religious dietary rules mean that Malaysians may not all be able to share the same dishes.
Nyonya cuisine
In families descended from Chinese immigrant men and Malay women, sons are known as Baba and daughters as Nyonya. Traditionally, religion and aspects of daily life followed the father’s heritage, while language and food followed the mother’s, creating a distinctive culture. Nyonya cooking combines Chinese ingredients with Malay spices, resulting in dishes that may look Chinese but have a distinctly spicy flavor.
Nasi Lemak
Nasi means rice and lemak means fat: nasi lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk. It comes with the classic accompaniments of sambal, cucumber, boiled egg, ikan bilis and peanuts, plus a choice of a main dish such as rendang or curry. This everyday Malaysian breakfast is sold everywhere, from food stalls, markets and roadsides to station kiosks, hotels and Malay restaurants. Stalls keep triangular banana-leaf parcels ready for takeaway. It is also made at home, and for many people it is a taste of their mother's cooking.
Rendang
Meat slow-cooked with coconut milk and spices into a rich, curry-like dish. It is a popular choice to accompany nasi lemak.
Sambal
A spicy condiment made with chilies and onions that gives Malaysian food its distinctive flavor. Used in many dishes, its taste and heat vary from one household or restaurant to another.
Ikan bilis
Small dried anchovies, fried until crisp, that add a savory accent to the meal.
Kacang
Peanuts fried in oil with their skins on.
Boiled eggs
Malaysia is described as the world’s second-largest consumer of eggs. Nasi lemak usually comes with a boiled egg, although versions with a fried egg or a deep-fried boiled egg are also found.
Pandan leaves
These long, narrow leaves flavor the rice in nasi lemak. Sometimes called the vanilla of the East, pandan is also used in sweets.
Acharu
Malaysian pickles come in many varieties, including dried vegetables dressed with sambal.
Palm sugar
Gula Melaka is an essential ingredient in Malaysian sweets. Gula means sugar, and Melaka refers to the region famous for it. Made by reducing palm sap, it has a deep, rich sweetness. It is also poured over sago gula Melaka.
Teh tarik
This sweet Malaysian milk tea is poured from a height to create a frothy top. Pouring it repeatedly between cups gives it a smooth, mellow taste.
Sirap limau
A drink made with red syrup and lime. The syrup is similar to that used on Japanese shaved ice, while the lime adds a refreshing tartness that is especially welcome in the heat.
Bandung
A common drink at Malaysian food stalls, made by adding condensed milk to red syrup. It is notably sweet.
Kopi
Kopi means coffee in Malay. Malaysian states produce their own coffees, known for their strong bitterness and regional differences in flavor. Order kopi and you will usually be served Malaysian-style coffee.
What the flag represents
The star and crescent symbolize Islam and are shown in yellow, the royal color. The fourteen red and white stripes represent the thirteen states and the federal territories, including the capital.
Takeaway drinks, whether hot or cold, are usually served in plastic bags.
Malaysia
Capital: Kuala Lumpur · Area: approximately 330,000 km² (about 0.9 times the size of Japan)
Population: 31.63 million · Language: Malay · National flower: hibiscus
Ethnic groups: Malay (approx. 69%), Chinese (approx. 23%), Indian (approx. 7%), other (1%)
Religion: Islam (61%), Buddhism (20%), Christianity (9.0%), Hinduism (6.0%) and others
GDP per capita: US$9,360 (Japan: US$38,894)
With thanks to Tourism Malaysia
