LIST: Must-try food offerings for first-timers in Malaysia
You know what they say: Always try local food in foreign places.
If there's one word that could put Malaysian cuisine in a nutshell, it would be "strong." Home to many spices and different cultures, Malaysia has a rich variety of dishes that are mouthwatering in their own ways.
That's what we enjoyed during our recent trip to Malaysia, where we had a gastronomic experience we won't forget.
Here's a list of food offerings we particularly enjoyed as first-timers in the country.
Malaysian satay
Just like curry chicken or beef barbecue, Malaysian satay is savory, tangy, and a little sweet. These satay skewers are usually accompanied with nasi impit or square rice as well as peanut sauce.
Kari ayam and pita bread
This is addictive! The spiciness and savoriness of kari ayam or Malaysian-style curry combined with the simplicity of freshly cooked pita bread is a match made in heaven. No kidding—we ate five halves of pita bread in one sitting.
Pengat durian with sticky rice
Durian is that fruit that you either hate or love—there’s no in-between. If you're into it, this dessert will make you appreciate magic in subtlety. The chewy, sticky rice covered in the thick, sweet coconut sauce with durian bits, which alters the taste slightly, makes it heavenly.
Cendol
Made with pandan jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar, this sweet treat is quite similar to the Filipino crowd favorite, halo-halo. And just like it, the taste will depend on what you choose to enjoy it with.
Durian chocolate
You'll see this fruit anywhere in Malaysia, even in chocolates! We got to try the dark chocolate-covered durian flesh, which we think is a must-try for durian lovers. We liked how the fruit's distinct taste gracefully danced with the sweetness and bitterness of dark chocolate in our mouths.