[Star Travel]Nyonya Cuisine Not Enough? Must-Eat and Must-Buy Recommendations in Malaysia

Tripbaa Fun Bar!, Asia’s Free-Independent Travel Experts

Malaysia is a country woven from diverse cultures, and this is evident from its tourist attractions or religious architecture. This is also deeply reflected in Malaysia’s must-buy & must-eat lists, which are closely tied to its culture. From authentic Malaysian flavors to Chinese cuisine, or distinctive Nyonya dishes, all make it onto the list of must-try Malaysian foods.

So what are the must-eat and must-buy items in Malaysia? After checking out the recommended list below, be sure to add these to your must-do Malaysia list before your trip.

After trying the rich-flavored dark-based Bak Kut Teh in Malaysia, if you can’t get enough of its taste, you can purchase it at supermarkets or convenience stores. Many recommend the A1 Bak Kut Teh seasoning pack, but actually, locals often go straight to Chinese medicine shops to pick their own ingredients. If you really want to buy it, most would choose the Kuala Selangor Bak Kut Teh seasoning pack—the sweet taste seeps better into the bone broth and meat slices. So when talking about must-buy items in Malaysia, this is definitely not to be missed. Remember to bring some of this flavor home before returning.

Thailand’s durians are considered the most popular among tourists, but actually, most people have already tried them. Malaysian durians are incredibly sweet and many people love them because they are grown naturally, giving them a uniquely rich flavor. Every year from June to August, Penang hosts a Durian Festival along with many fun durian-related activities.

In the city center of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, there is also a street called “Durian Street,” where you can head to buy or even have durians delivered. Without a doubt, the most popular variety there is the Musang King.

Must-Buy in Malaysia – Chen Dong Fu Dong Cheng Durian (Little Trishaw Concept Store / Pedicab Gift Shop)

For those wanting to send delicious food to friends or family who can’t make it to Malaysia, instant noodles are a great option. Bak Kut Teh instant noodles, Penang White Curry instant noodles, or spicy Maggi flavors are some of the must-buy Malaysian souvenirs that let you enjoy local flavors and fill you up.

Located in Malacca, San Shu Gong is a souvenir shop that almost every visitor stops by for snacks. Tau Sar Piah has a floral aroma, with a chewy filling of mung beans or peanuts—the most popular are the ones with brown sugar. These are definitely some of the most beloved Malaysian snacks. Various nuts or dried fruits can also be purchased here, making it a great spot to get uniquely Malaysian gifts.

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Originating in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia, Bak Kut Teh is the most authentic version of this dish. But don’t be mistaken—it’s not tea at all. The name comes purely from its phonetic similarity in Hokkien. Bak Kut Teh does not contain any tea leaves. It is made by simmering Chinese herbs, spices, and pork ribs together, and the hallmark of the Malaysian style is an extremely dark broth. Be sure to try Bak Kut Teh in Malaysia—don’t keep thinking Singapore is its birthplace.

Bak Kut Teh. (Photo / Photographer: CCFoodTravel.com, Flickr CC License)

Throwing your favorite ingredients into a satay pot creates the night market favorite Satay Celup. Malacca is home to famous spots that are popular with tourists. Originally, satay was simply grilled over charcoal, similar to Taiwan’s barbecue style. But in recent years, Satay Celup has become popular in Malacca—a method of cooking ingredients in a hot pot with sauce.

The secret to its deliciousness lies in the satay sauce, usually made with peanut powder, sugar, and around twenty different spices. Each stall’s unique selling point is its sauce blend. Don’t forget to try and compare several when you’re in Malaysia.

The term Nyonya highlights the cultural history background of Malaysia as well as the diversity of its cuisine. Female Chinese immigrants who married into Malaysian families and had children were called Baba-Nyonya, or Straits Chinese. Therefore, Nyonya dishes are the result of blending Chinese and Malay culinary traditions. The flavors vary depending on the region.

Nyonya Kuih. (Photo / Photographer: Alpha, Flickr CC License)

Laksha is the ancient Indian word for laksa, meaning “a great many,” showing the richness of this dish. Its cultural background is even more diverse than Nyonya cuisine. Laksa is a food created through the interweaving of Chinese, Malaysian, and Nyonya cultures.

Although laksa comes in many flavors, the most famous in Malaysia is the coconut milk-infused Curry Laksa. Basic ingredients include shrimp, chicken slices, eggs, and bean sprouts. Curry laksa is further divided based on special ingredients added, such as Nyonya, Thai, and Katong laksa. Be sure to try the different styles in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Malacca.

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Laksa. (Photo / Photographer: nonrev, Flickr CC License)

Cendol, originating from Indonesia, is also known as Es Cendol or sometimes mistranslated as “shaved ice dessert.” It has become a popular cooling treat in Malaysia. The green rice flour jelly on top is its signature feature. During preparation, the ice is sweetened with coconut sugar, and after selecting preferred toppings, it is drizzled with coconut milk. Cendol is basically a ubiquitous dessert across Malaysia.

Cendol. (Photo / Photographer: Derrick Loh, Flickr CC License)

The term “Niang” comes from the Hakka word meaning “to stuff.” This Hakka-style dish—Niang Doufu (Stuffed Tofu)—is a tofu dish filled with meat. In the 19th century, when the Hakka people migrated overseas to Malaysia, they brought this signature dish along, which has now become one of Malaysia’s must-try foods.

Niang Doufu (Stuffed Tofu). (Photo / Photographer: Alpha, Flickr CC License)

Usually we cook rice by steaming rice with water, but Nasi Lemak is made using a rice cooker—with coconut milk instead of water. This method gives the rice a unique coconut flavor, and additional aromatic seasonings can be added to enhance the taste. Nasi Lemak is a common breakfast in Malaysia—you’ll see it wrapped in banana leaves or newspapers at street corners.

[Tripbaa Fun Bar!] Authorized Repost | Original Article: [Malaysia Must-Eat & Must-Buy: Irresistible Niang Doufu & Local Expert Recommendations]

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