Nasi Lemak
Often eaten: Breakfast or anytime during the day
Known for: Whole of Malaysia
everydaytraditional
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0)
3 dishes to discover
Food of Malaysia
Malaysia is a country known for its diverse culture, which is also reflected in its food. Each dish tells a story of the many communities that live in Malaysia, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous peoples. The food is often full of spices and flavor, making it a delicious adventure for everyone.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Malaysia, people love to eat together. Meals are a time to share stories and enjoy each other's company. Food is also a big part of festivals and celebrations.
Eating Etiquette
It's polite to use your right hand for eating or use a fork and spoon. It's nice to offer food to someone else before serving yourself.
When People Eat It
Satay
Often eaten: Dinner or during festivals
Known for: Whole of Malaysia
festivetraditional
Roti Canai
Often eaten: Breakfast or snack time
Known for: Peninsular Malaysia
everydaytraditional
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
Nasi LemakNasi Lemak
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 cups (370 g)Rice
- 1 cup (240 ml)Coconut milk
- 1 leafPandan leaf (optional)
- 4 eggsEggs, hard-boiled
- 1 cup totalCucumber and peanuts
- to serveSambal (chili sauce)
How to Make It
- 1Rinse the rice, then cook it with the coconut milk, pandan leaf, and a pinch of salt.
- 2Let the rice steam until fluffy and fragrant.
- 3Boil the eggs and slice the cucumber.
- 4Scoop the coconut rice onto each plate.
- 5Arrange egg, cucumber, and roasted peanuts around the rice.
- 6Add a spoonful of sambal on the side — Malaysia's national dish.
SataySatay
Makes 12 skewersIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Chicken, cubed
- 1 tsp eachTurmeric and curry powder
- 1 stalk, 2 clovesLemongrass and garlic
- 1 cup (240 ml)Peanut sauce
- 12 skewersSkewers
How to Make It
- 1Blend the turmeric, curry powder, lemongrass, and garlic into a marinade.
- 2Coat the chicken cubes and let them marinate for 1 hour.
- 3Thread the chicken onto soaked skewers.
- 4Ask a grown-up to grill them for about 10 minutes, turning until cooked and a little charred.
- 5Warm the peanut sauce.
- 6Serve the skewers with peanut sauce, cucumber, and rice cakes.
Roti CanaiRoti Canai
Makes 6 flatbreadsIngredients
- 3 cups (375 g)Flour
- 1 cup (240 ml)Water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml)Oil or ghee
- 1 tspSalt
- to serveDhal or curry
How to Make It
- 1Mix the flour, water, and salt into a soft dough and knead until smooth.
- 2Rub each ball of dough with oil and rest them for 2 hours.
- 3Ask a grown-up to help stretch and flap a ball into a very thin sheet.
- 4Fold the thin sheet into a square pocket.
- 5Cook on a hot, oiled griddle for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and flaky.
- 6Serve hot with dhal or curry for dipping.
Vocabulary
Did you know that just like how tacos in Mexico can be filled with different things, Malaysian roti can be filled with eggs, bananas, or even sugar and condensed milk?