Food

Malaysian food is not only colorful, spicy and eclectic – but also downright tasty .With such a pulsating diversity of food styles, Malaysia is a fabulous place to enjoy the art of eating and drinking. Rice is the staple food in Malaysia. The rice eaten in Malaysia tends to be the local variety of rice (mainly from Kedah) or fragrant rice from Thailand. Rice can be eaten with variety of curries, vegetables and meat. It’s usually eaten for lunch and dinner.

‘Live to eat’ is the National mantra for Malaysians. Dining in Malaysia is inexpensive and there a variety of places from 5-star hotels to local stalls by the road. The variety of food is unbelievable and eating is a national past time for Malaysians because you’ll never run out in trying new food 😉

I will write on the main food of the three races in Malaysia. These are just one portion of the food served, the ones i like 😉 There are many, do check this website for more. http://www.malaysianfood.net/

Malay

Satay

The secret of tender, succulent satay is the rich, spicy-sweet marinade made of peanuts and chilies. The marinated meat; chicken or beef, are skewered onto bamboo sticks and grilled over hot charcoals. Now there are new meats like rabbit, deer and also fish. A fresh salad of cucumbers & onions are served together with a spicy-sweet peanut sauce for dipping. Ketupat, a Malay rice cake is also an accompaniment to satay, great for dipping in satay sauce.

And guess what, the ebst place in Malaysia for satay is Kajang and that is where i live!! So yes, i am kind off bored with satay because everytime a visitor comes down, we have to eat there:-( But trust me, the place is always flooded with people and i must admit, it is tasty!!

Laksa

Thick rice noodles served in a tangy fish soup/gravy, made with mackerel and lots of aromatic herbs. Fresh garnishing of shredded cucumber, lettuce, pineapple, onion and fragrant mint leaves finishes the dish. There are slight variations in different parts of the country. The key ingredient is tamarind, used as a souring agent, giving it a tart tangy taste. This version of laksa from the ‘hawker food capital’ – Penang, is especially famous and well known as Penang Laksa or Penang Assam Laksa.

Nasi Lemak

This local Malay food is rice steamed with coconut milk and served with curry chicken or beef, fried anchovies and sambal (made of red chilies and onions). Sometimes pandan leaves are added when steaming rice to give it the fragrant aroma.

This is the best food who people who love spicy food. Though it’s kind off fattening but hey having it for breakfast just makes your day :-). You can see people sitting in the hawker’s stalls ordering for nasi lemak in the wee hours of the morning. It’s must try food in Malaysia and i am craving for it right now!!

Indian

The Indian food is usually hot and spicy. They eat their food with a variety of curries. As in accordance with their Hindu beliefs, they do not eat beef. Usually Indian food is sold at the various local stalls and often ordered with a glass of teh tarik meaning “pulled tea”. The tea is thick and frothy. The preparation involves passing the tea and milk from one big metal mug to the other with a “pour and pull” action.

Banana leaf rice

In banana leaf rice, white rice (or parboiled rice in authentic South Indian restaurants) is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curried meat or fish, pickles, and papadum (a cracker or flat bread). It is traditionally eaten with the hand.

The banana leaf is used as it is believed that the hot rice will release the coating on the banana leaf, which aids in digestion.

Briyani Rice

A very traditional Indian food where the rice is cooked in goat butter and spices. Briyani Rice refers to the rice only cooked without the meat, and is a choice of to eat with your selection of curries and side dishes. The dish is assembled by layering the flavorful rice with tender pieces of spiced-cooked lamb, mutton or chicken, with a garnishing of slivered almonds and raisins.

Chinese

Chinese food is generally milder compared to Malay or Indian food. But thanks to the influence from this multiethnic country, Chinese cuisine in Malaysia, has taken on a spicier touch, often reinventing classic Chinese dishes.

Dim Sum

Dim sum restaurants are usually large, noisy affairs – the dim sum served in little baskets or bowls and are whisked around the tables on individual trolleys or carts. Traditional dim sum includes various types of steamed buns such as cha siu baau, dumplings and rice rolls (cheong fun), which contain a range of ingredients, including beef, chicken, pork, prawns and vegetarian options.

Bak Kut Teh

A very popular Hokkien herbal soup where pork ribs are long simmered in a ‘tea’ of Chinese medicinal herbs and whole bulbs of garlic, often with dried shitake mushrooms (black mushrooms) added for earthiness. It is usually served with rice and other vegetables made with oyster sauce. It is not only healthy but its good for digestion as well. Bak means pork, now there is also chi kut teh which is chicken for people who don’t eat pork.

Islands

There an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the North Western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The largest is Pulau Langkawi with spectacular settings of an ancient mountain range with lively sunset everyday. There are many other islands that would be described in this page like Redang Island, Perhentian Island, and Penang Island.

Pulau Langkawi

The eagle

Lang means brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone. Therefore a giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah jetty. Langkawi island is called a Legendary island because of it’s many myths and legends. It is also known as Duty Free Island because the government has declared the entire island as a duty free zone. All goods sold are exempted from government tax. It’s a heaven for shoppers but you have to spend a minimum 48 hours to take back a reasonable amount of tax free goods.

The main attraction is the virgin white sandy beaches. They have a very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.

I have been to Langkawi, i think when i was about 14 years old. My dad drove us down. It was a beautiful place and i had so much fun with my little cousins and sisters. I remember my little cousins was about 2 years old and she was sleeping with me, when i got up in the morning, my bed was so wet!!! I was so angry but yes she is a kid heheheh. Otherwise, shopping was heaven there. The things were really cheap and we rented a car to drive around the place. But sadly i was too young to biuy alcohol but i remember my dad buying cigarettes and alcohol for my brothers!

Mahsuri Mousoleum

This was erected in honor of a beautiful maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. According to the legend Mahsuri bled white blood at her execution as a sign of innocence. On her dying bed, she cursed that Langkawi will remain barren for seven generations but thankfully now it is one of the most flourished tourist destination in Malaysia.

Tanjung Rhu

Lying on the Northern Cape, this beach offers magnificent views of nearby islands which can be reached at low tide on foot. A short journey by boat will bring you to Cherita Cave which is known as the Cave of Legends. It has legends regarding mystery and romance. The cave was used by a Giant Vishnu eagle to shelter and protect a royal princess from China. In the cave there’s ancient writings that is yet to be deciphered . There is also a rock formation that resembles a sleeping princess.

The Cherita Cave

Seven Wells

The waterfall is named seven wells because of it’s cascading waters which are broken by a series of 7 natural pools. It is surrounded by a lush green forest.

Black Sand Beach

This is the place where skulls, broken bones and ship wrecks remains can be found. There is a claim that the remainings belong to traders who sank together with their ships.

Summer Palace Langkawi

It is located amidst lush tropical greenery at Pantai Kok. It was constructed for an expensive movie set foe the making of the film ‘Anna and the King’ by 20th Century Fox. It is built from local timbers and it resembles a traditional Thai Palace.

The designs in the Palace

Pulau Redang

Redang is known as the best boral reef in the world. Redang archipelago comprises of 9 islands and is located 45km offshore of Terengganu. There are white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue sea and a brilliant underwater world. There are 500 species of live corals, more than 1000 species of invertebrate and almost 3000 species of fishes which include manta rays, sting rays, sharks and whale sharks. It is a heaven for divers. there are over 20 different diving spot, black coral garden and the mysterious submerged chamber. Mini mount and also historic shipwreck that set the stage for the Japanese occupation in Malaysia ; the H.M.S Prince of Wales and H.M.S Repulse which sank during the WW II.

Rantau Abang

The famous attraction here is the Leatherback turtle. During the months of May through September, this spot is the turtles nesting grounds. People sit all through the night waiting for the turtles to submerge from the sea. The turtles weigh 375 kg and grow up to 2.5 meters long.

Perhentian Island

This island is rated as the most beautiful island in the world with a virtual paradise for snorkeling and diving in crystal clear water or just to laze on the white sandy beach, waiting for a coconut to fall 😉 There are many animals like monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels and butterflies. Sometimes the monkeys pay a visit to the people right in front of the chalets.

LA Hot Spring

Visitors flock this spring when afflicted with skin ailments. The water temperature rises from 45-49 degree celcius. It contains natural sulfur which is said to have healing processes.

Penang Island

Penang is considered the ‘Pearl of Southeast Asia. Georgetown is one of the oldest British colony in Malaysia (1876). There are many towering skyscrapers which coexist with traditional villages. Penang is known for its food, cultural heritage, shopping adventures and beautiful sights.

Kek Lok Si Temple

This the largest Buddhist temple found in 1890 by a Chinese immigrant. The design is said to have a touch of Burmese, Thai and Chinese architectures. It combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple’s embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. There’s also a seven-storey pagoda of 10,000 Buddha images displays the essence of an eclectic mix of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. The latest addition to the temple complex is the 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara – Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin – on the hillside above the pagoda. This statue was completed and open to the public at the end of 2002.

The temple’s name translates quite delightfully as ‘temple of Supreme Bliss’. As you walk to the entrance, you will walk through arcades of souvenir stalls, and pass a tightly packed turtle and fish ponds until you reach the 98 feet tower.

Shopping

Gurney Plaza first lifestyle oriented shopping mall. It houses many retail shops and also the Northern Region’s largest Cinema, which consist of 12 theatres and Malaysia’s first 80 seater Premier class theatre.

Queensbay Mall, Penang’s largest, longest and most packed shopping center. It is 2.5 million square feet located along the beach.

KOMTAR (Komplex Tun Abdul Razak) is an amazing 65 storey tower which colors the Penang skyline. It has offices, shops, magnificent restaurant and commercial office.

Malacca

Malacca was founded by Parameswara, a Srivijayan prince of Palembang who fled Sumatra following a Majapahit attack in 1377. According to a popular legend, Parameswara was resting under a tree near a river while hunting, when one of his dogs cornered a mouse deer. In self-defense, the mouse deer pushed the dog into the river. He was impressed by the courage of the deer, and taking it as a promising omen of the weak overcoming the powerful, Parameswara decided on the spot to found an empire on the very place that he was sitting. He named it ‘Melaka’ after the tree under which he had taken shelter.

A’ Famosa

After the Portuguese captured Malacca, they built a fortress to defend themselves. The fortress, called A’Famosa suffered severe destruction during the Dutch invasion. What’s left today is just the entrance walls, still well preserved till today.

St Peter’s Church

This was the primary location for congregations of Portuguese Catholics who had it constructed in 1710, during the period of Dutch rule. Now it qualifies as the oldest Catholic Church in Malaysia and still serves resident worshippers of the Catholic faith. They include descendants of the 600 men that Alfonso d’Albuquerque brought ashore after his conquest of Malacca. The existing bell in the belfry states the date and place of manufacture as 1608 – Goa, and was salvaged from an older church the Dutch had burned down. There is also an alabaster statue of the Lord Before The Resurrection.

Bullock Cart Ride

At one time the main mode of transportation for the rich of Malacca is the bullock cart ride. The features that separate the bullock cart of Malacca to that of others are, the pointed roof in the shape of the horn of a bull, trappings and colors. Itsa bumpy ride and a real slow one but the experience is amazing. You will get a closer look on other places around Malacca.

Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi’s mausoleum

Two of the Malacca Sultanate’s well-known warriors and champion of justice. Hang Jebat was unceremoniously killed by Hang Tuah in a duel of honour that lasted 3 days and 3 nights. He was killed in the name of justice to avenge the sultan’s hasty punishment against Hang Tuah for a crime he didn’t commit.

Hang Tuah’s well is located in Kampung Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood among four of his good friends who would later become the famous warriors of Malacca Sultanate. The well is said to be the abode of his soul which takes the apparition of a white crocodile. For a commoner to catch the glimpse of Hang Tuah is hardly likely. It is said that the holy among us can ever hope to see the apparition.

Hang Tuah’s Well

I have been to Malacca a number of times because my uncle lives there. I have been to the A’ Famosa, rode on the bullock cart and of course i have visited the mausoleum. The bullock cart was a real bumpy ride. I went there with my classmates (an educational tour) and we were laughing all throughout the ride!! there are many hawker stalls that make handy crafts, carvings of names on wood and miniatures made of glass. It’s pretty cheap as well.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is affectionately known as KL. It’s the best place to do your shopping, see skyscrapers surrounding you and also the diversity of KL nightlife. There’s a lot to write on places to visit in KL. I have chosen a few that interest me. So hopefully, it’ll interest you all too:-)

Eye Of Malaysia

Eye of Malaysia has the similar concept and style to the famous Eye of London. Visitors experience a 360 degree panoramic view of KL in a 12 minute ride that goes 60 meters high. Every night at 8, there’s an International Watersky Spectacular show that features jet and water ski stunts.

KL Tower

The KL Tower is the fourth tallest communication tower in the world. It stands tall at 421 meters and was built in 1995. The roof of the pod is 335 meters and the rest of the tower has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area. The upper area contains a revolving restaurant. Its a nice place to dine up in the clouds with breathtaking views of the city. There is also a tower terrace to relax to the sounds of cascading pool and hear the breeze whispering through the trees. The latest attraction there is the reverse bungee called the G-Force.

I personally haven’t been there. I always thought that after my classes back home, i should take a trip there, but now i regret not going there because then i will have more to say about this awesome building.

Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)

This is the world’s tallest twin towers and Malaysia’s pride. It has 88 storeys containing a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling park, exclusively for lovers, i must say;-) and of course an extravagant shopping experience.

This structure was designed by an Argentinian-American architect, Cesar Pelli. Other attractions are the Petrosains Science center, Petronas Art Galery and the Aquaria Oceanarium.

The Aquaria

Well, i have definitely been to this place solely because my second brother works here. I was amazed to see the structure. The park is an amazing place to with water fountains, trees and birds chirping around. It’s a nice place to sit and release the stresses of your life. If you are a shopaholic, you must never miss KLCC. It’s a heaven shopping there but of course you must have a lot of cash!

The inside of KLCC

Bukit Bintang

This place is the best place to shop till you drop, for night owls who wants a late night coffee and also for party people. There are many shopping complexes around this place like Lot 10, Starhill, Sungai Wang Plaza and Imbi Plaza. There are things that range from the cheapest to the most expensive branded stuffs. It caters for both the poor and the rich. The best part, you can bargain an expensive stuff for a really cheap price.

Lot 10

There are many hotels around here. There are many places to dine as well. The day just never seems to end in Bukit Bintang. There so many things to do. For example, you can shop, relax and have a cup of coffee, shop again, have dinner and head to the clubs to have some fun. There are also late night stall by the side of the road which serves delicious food with hot tea, coffee and Malaysians favorite roti canai (it’s a kind of food that’s made of flour and served with spicy curry).

The clubs are just as wonderful as it gets. There are different clubs that cater to different type of music. Whatever your musical tastes, be it trance, garage, techno, indie, R’n’B or good old fashioned 70s or 80s nostalgia, it’s easy to find a venue in which serious fun can be had. There are also live music by the road side (watch it as you sip your coffee and feel the music).

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Sultan Abdul Samad building was built according to the Morish (Arab and Berber descent) architecture in 1897. It was used to house important government department during the British administration. The clock tower is significant to many major events; from the lowering of the Union Jack at the stroke of midnight when Malaysia (then Malaya) gained independence to the numerous New Year eve celebrations. The Malay flag was hoisted the first time on August 31, 1957 by Tunku Abdul Rahman. Merdeka Square is located in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building. The annual National Day parade is always held there.

Dataran Merdeka

Tugu Negara

Tugu Negara (National Monument) is a sculpture that depicts a group of soldiers that died in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom against the Japanese occupation during the World War II and the Malayan Emergency which lasted from 1948 till 1960. It was sculptured in 1966 by Felix De Weldon who was also the creator of the famous Iova Jima monument in Washington DC. Every July 31^st, on Hari Pahlawan (Heroes Day), this monument is paid respect (laying garlands) by the leaders and the police force of Malaysia.

Batu Caves

42.7 meters high statue of Lord Muruga

Batu Caves is one of an interesting place to visit in Selangor. Its a place of worship for the Hindus. Enjoy the distinctive Hindu nature of the surrounding small stalls, little temples, colorful wooden carved figures of the deities and the sweet delicacies sold in the stalls. Batu Caves is made up of three main caves and several small ones. To reach the main temple, we have to climb 272 rock stairs and go through numerous macaque monkeys.

When you reach the top, you can see Lord Subramaniam taking the center stage as the fearsome Durga – Shiva’s female half – are arranged to tell parables from the Bhagavad Gita and other Hindu scriptures. The area is illuminated by daylight through holes in the ceiling.

There is also the Art Gallery which shows paintings depicting scenes from Hindu lore and statues of deities.

Every year the Hindus celebrate Thaipusam in regards of Lord Muruga’s Birthday, the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, a manifestation of beauty, youth, masculinity, valour and vitality. Batu Caves is one of the main temples that holds this event. Batu Caves will be flooded with about 1 million people from all around the world. Many of the devotees carry kavadis, large frameworks with various metal skewers and hooks, which are used to pierce the skin, cheeks and tongue.

One of the devotees with pierced toungue. Devotee carrying the Kavadi.

Devotees then atone for their sins by dragging kavadis or ‘burdens’ up the 272 steps to the cave and depositing them at the feet of the deity. Family and friends will guide the kavadi bearers up the 272 steps of Batu Caves to go to the Temple Cave, some using drum beats and flutes as a driving rhythm while others hear the shouts of ‘vel, vel, vetri vel’.

Devotees climbing the stairs on Thaipusam

Hari Raya Puasa

This is the most significant celebration for the Muslims. It’s a festival celebrated by the Muslims which signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. Muslims starts the day by performing Hari Raya Puasa prayers in the mosques followed by visits to the graves of the departed. Open house or invitation for relatives and friends to come to their house is practiced. Plenty of traditional Malay delicacies are served during this festive season.

Ketupat: One of the main delicacies served on this day. It’s served with peanut sauce.

The mosque: Muslim’s prayer place.

Chinese New Year

The Lion Dance

Chinese New Year is celebrated by the Chinese. It is ushered in with the lighting of fire crackers at midnight on the eve of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Family members from far come back for the gathering. A reunion dinner for the family is held on the eve of the New Year. There are lion dances too. Red paper showing Chinese characters of prosperity and wealth are pasted either in front or inside the house. Ang-Pow or red packet containing money is given out to children and is usually given by married couples. Open houses are practiced during this day. The New Year last for fifteen days and the last day is called Cap Goh Mei.

Moon Cake

The Ang Pow

Deepavali

Deepavali is celebrated by the Hindu’s all over the Malaysia. It’s known as the Festival of Lights. The celebration symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. It marks the return of Rama after 14 years of exile. In the morning of Deepavali, the Hindu’s bathe in hot oil, put on new clothes and do their prayers. The houses are lighted with little lamps made from clay pots filled with coconut oil and wicks. This is believed to invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth who will not enter an unlit house. After going to the temple, we usually have lunch or dinner with family and friends. Visiting during Deepavali is a norm among the Malaysians and is something everyone looks forward too.

The picture on the left is a hand made design with colored rice. Usually drawn in front of the house during Deepavali. The second picture is the lamp which is used to lit around the house.