Visitor Guide To Malaysia: Malaysia Hotels, Malaysian, Travel

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Malaysia is a gastronomic delight. This is not surprising as food is an extremely serious matter for Malaysians, and what is considered most important is the flavour and taste, be it fine dining or simple street food. It is quite common for Malaysians to travel far and wide within the country in the search of outlets which have been given the thumbs up by other fellow Malaysians.   With the wide range of cultural influences the choices available encompass a wide assortment of flavours, whether ethnic influenced cuisine or fusion food. The influence of the Chinese, Indian and the tantalisingly spicy Thai cuisines are significant in Malaysia's culinary heritage.

Rice is the mainstay of almost every Malaysian meal, particularly lunch. A good meal here comprises a generous helping of rice accompanied by a selection of dishes, which could include fish, seafood, red meat, poultry and vegetables. Each state boasts of its own distinctive flavour with recipes varying widely.

A staple in Malaysian cuisine found all around Malaysia, with variations by state,  is the all time favorite ‘nasi lemak’ comprising fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and accompanied by peanuts, fried anchovies, hard boiled egg, sliced cucumber and a generous portion of sambal (chili gravy). Roti Canai, a sort of flour pancake, served with curried lentils is another general favourite found all over the nation as is Satay, skewered meat barbecued over hot charcoal fire and served with ketupat (sort of rice dumplings), cucumber and spicy peanut sauce.

Excellent and inexpensive food can be obtained virtually anywhere in Malaysia. Dining at hawker stalls is a common much loved practice whether in villages or big cities. Another favoured venue is dining at the humble ‘mamak’ shop which has become increasingly sophisticated with a wider variety of cuisine and entertainment.

There is also an amazing range of local fruits to choose from. Mangosteens, pineapples, mangoes, rambutans, langsat, guavas, starfruit and of course durians, Malaysian fruits are full of great fresh flavour. In addition to eating it whole you can also try it in other forms, i.e. juices, smoothies, lassi or as ice creams!

Finding food in Malaysia is not difficult as many outlets are open around the clock 7 days a week.