Every Malaysian has sweet memories attached to buying and eating Pisang Goreng. The delectable snack reminds us of simpler times during high school or family gatherings where you would buy the Pisang Goreng to share among each other. The snacks are still readily available at street stalls and vendors for a low price.
Over time, there are now some variations to Pisang Goreng which may include some additional ingredients or fillings. Not to worry, the classic OG dish is always available, but don’t dally as those are the ones that are first to be sold out!
The Rich History of Pisang Goreng
Pisang Goreng is basically banana that is dipped in batter and deep-fried. Pisang Goreng is the Malay term for it and literally means fried banana. This snack has been synonymous with Malaysian culture for such a long time that no one ever really wondered how it came into existence. Believe it or not, it was the Portuguese who introduced Pisang Goreng to Malaysia in 1511, when they started having banana fritters for breakfast.
There are different versions of deep-fried banana around the world with the Colombian using Plantain – a special type of banana, deep frying it and lacing it with sugar. While the Philippines have Pritong Saging, a deep-fried banana that is fried in hot oil without any batter.
In Malaysia, we love our Pisang Goreng in a specific way, but the secret to a good Pisang Goreng is the type of banana used in the making of the dish. In Malaysia, Pisang Tanduk is often a popular choice to make Pisang Goreng, but those who prefer it sweeter and softer tend to use Pisang Kepok instead.
Today, the best Pisang Goreng is often found on the sidewalks or at a night market, but fine dining restaurants have started to include Pisang Goreng as part of their menu as appetisers.
The Varieties of Pisang Goreng found in Malaysia
Ten years ago, the concept of Pisang Goreng in Malaysia would have been pretty straightforward. It’s banana coated in rice flour, deep-fried in hot oil and eaten while it’s hot. People in Johor often have their Pisang Goreng with sambal or Thai Chilli Sauce.
Today, Pisang Goreng is seen as a dessert. If you know where to look for it, you can find a wide variety of Pisang Goreng. Here are some of the common variation you can find in Malaysia today:
Pisang Goreng Cheese
Deep-fried banana laced with shredded cheddar cheese and sweetened condensed milk.
Pisang Goreng Chocolate
Deep-fried banana laced with shredded chocolate and sweetened condensed milk
Pisang Goreng with Ice Cream
Fine dining restaurants often serve their Pisang Goreng with a choice of ice cream and nuts to the contrast between hot and cold. It’s almost like a Malaysian Banana Float.
Where to get the best Pisang Goreng in Malaysia
Every state in Malaysia has its own favourite local Pisang Goreng stalls. If you’re in Johor Bahru, head Bunpah Corner Pisang Goreng for their special Pisang Goreng Cheese and Pisang Goreng Chocolate Cheese. If you’re in Penang, you’ll have to try the Pisang Goreng from Famous Vadai & Goreng Pisang in Georgetown. If you’re in KL, make your way to Brickfield Pisang Goreng located just opposite the YMCA building. The stall has been there for over 30 years so you can trust that it’s going to be good.
On the other hand, if you want your Pisang Goreng to be delivered, order using the foodpanda app anda have it delivered to your doorstep while it’s hot!