Uniquely Malaysian, Part I (Glorious Rice)

Original source : http://www.hungrygowhere.my
Posted : August 2014
Author : HGW Editor

We bring you 57 uniquely Malaysian dishes to celebrate 57 years of Merdeka.

In anticipation of Hari Merdeka, the HungryGoWhere team has unearthed 57 quintessentially Malaysian food and drinks to celebrate our country’s 57 years of independence. You might find them anywhere else in the world, but these dishes and drinks – from Sabah and Sarawak all the way to Penang – will always evoke thoughts and memories of home. We begin the countdown to Malaysia Day – the birthday of this glorious nation we call Malaysia – with the first in our series, comprising a collection of our very own rice dishes!

Rice, rice, glorious rice!

1. Nasi Lemak

Nothing comes close to the sheer satisfaction of having a steaming plate of coconut milk-infused rice with spicy, sweetish sambal, cool and crisp cucumber slices and some crunchy, salty peanuts and anchovies on the side. Malaysians love their nasi lemak, be it with servings of tender rendang, fried chicken and sambal squid, or just plain and simple in a tidy little banana leaf pack.

2. Nasi Kerabu

Originating from the shores of the beautiful states of Kelantan and Terengganu, nasi kerabu’s blue-tinged rice with pickles and salad has become a clear favourite for all Malaysians.

3. Nasi Kandar

Nasi kandar may have been birthed in Penang, but it now resides in the hearts of all Malaysians. Steamed white rice with a concoction of curries poured directly on to the rice, along with side dishes, results in a uniquely Malaysian dish that is both appetising and versatile.

4. Nasi Dalcha

Nasi kandar’s younger brother, nasi dalcha is just as delicious especially if you can appreciate perfectly cooked dalcha with just the right balance of spice and aroma.

5. Nasi Kukus

Nasi kukus is special because the rice in question is steamed individually in aluminium bowls only when an order is placed, ensuring freshness and an extra fragrant serving of rice. Usually eaten with sambal, ayam goreng berempah and fresh, raw vegetables, this east coast native has become a much-loved dish all over Malaysia.

6. Chicken Rice Balls

Mention Melaka, and Hainanese chicken rice balls will likely be the top of any foodie’s makan list. Juicy, fragrant balls of rice to accompany silky-smooth pieces of poached chicken maketh the perfect lunch in this historic state.

7. Nasi Goreng Kampung

The best dishes in life are the ones we grew up on, and nasi goreng kampung is definitely one dish most Malaysians will remember fondly.

~Blog Admin~