Today (16 Sept 2019), Malaysia is exactly 56 years old. It signifies a major milestone for the country to be able to move forward and set a path for future generations. Today is the day we remember the struggles of our forefathers in bringing us together since we agreed to the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963. Today, we accept whatever differences that distinguish us from one another and with that in mind, today is the day we celebrate those differences, regardless of colours, cultures, ideas and beliefs.
Malaysia is a gastronomic delight with a wide variety of foods and dishes. The presence and mix of flavours and recipes from different ethnicity are astounding. Beyond that, the fusions or blends of these foods are even more amazing.
Today, let us all celebrate our love for this country over a palate of some mouth-watering Malaysian authentic dishes and a bowl of thirst-quenching Malaysian desserts.
1. Laksa
If you are a Laksa fan, spend your Malaysia Day with a bowl of Laksa. Feeling spontaneous? Then make a trip to any of the states in West Malaysia and indulge in a bowl of its official or unofficial Laksa. If you happen to be in Sarawak, then you are in the vicinity of the breakfast of the Gods.
The type of Laksa is usually classified based on the soup base used in its recipe. The three basic types of Laksa are curry laksa, Asam Laksa and another variant that could be identified as either curry or asam laksa.
Laksa is also differentiated based on the type of noodles used, from thick rice noodles, rice vermicelli to spaghetti. Some recipes employed a type of rice noodle, made from scratch.
2. Nasi Lemak
This dish requires no further introduction. Nasi Lemak is the official staple dish of almost every Malaysian. The fragrant rice, cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, the umami of small fried anchovies, the earthy flavour of roasted peanuts, the protein of a hard-boiled egg and the sweet and spicy sambal are the perfect blend of a complete and tasty dish.
3. Cendol (Durian)
Cendol is a dessert consisting of shaved ice, creamy coconut milk, red beans, corn, palm sugar syrup (gula Melaka) and tiny green strands of dough made from rice flour. Cendol Durian is all of the above, with durian pulp. This dessert is guaranteed to quench your thirst and craving for durian, all in one bowl.
4. Apam Balik
Apam Balik can be considered as pancakes. Unlike American pancakes, Apam Balik is thicker in shape, and the filling is often a mixture of sweetened, roasted peanuts, sweet corn and sugar. But what makes Apam Balik so delicious is the perfect mixture of the batter, complemented by the sweet and crusty filings. Apam Balik is the perfect dessert for your afternoon Earl Grey tea break with your family.
5. Satay
Either as an appetiser or a main dish, satay is a must when it comes to street food. Satay is a dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with peanut sauce, compressed rice and slices of cucumber. Satay meat may consist of chicken, mutton, goat, beef, pork and fish.
The meat is usually grilled slightly charred, giving the meat its tenderness and juiciness. Spend your Malaysia Day by going to your favourite Pasar Malam or satay street vendor and grab a bite of that juicy meat.
At foodpanda, we are fortunate to be able to serve our valued customers the very best of Malaysian cuisines. At foodpanda, it has always been our honest intention to foster a personal relationship with our valued customers through food. Such a personal relationship is only possible with the commitment given by our riders in serving you. So, to all of our riders out there today, serving our valued customers, you guys are the best lah!
In the spirit of Malaysia Day, let us all ride on this philosophy, personified in the form of our national dish, Nasi Lemak.
May we always be pleasant in character,
as pleasant as the aroma of the fragrant rice.
May we always be down to earth,
as humble as the earthy crust of the roasted peanut.
May we always include diversity,
as we always accept the umami of anchovies in our palate.
May we always be strong-willed,
as strong as the hard-boiled egg.
May we always be youthful in mind,
as youthful as the freshly sliced cucumbers.
And may we always be vibrant,
as vibrant as the sweet and spicy sambal.
Happy Malaysia Day.