Malaysian Food
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Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan.The name means ‘new city’ or ‘new castle/fort’ in Bahasa Malaysia. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2005, it had an estimated population of 425,294, making it the largest town on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.It’s known for its colourful markets and the muslim culture.

Pulau Kapas

Pulau Kapas is a small island located only about 6km off Marang in the east coast state of Terengganu (about 1h north of Kuala Terengganu). It has quite and relaxed atmosphere because it is bypassed by the majority of the backpacker circuit looking for a more remote place like the Perhentian Islands. Pulau Kapas only get fairly busy on the weekends when locals come to island. There are a few good snorkeling spots around the island. All accommodations and beach are on the west coast facing the mainland. The west coast is the weather side has no sand beach, only rocks - it can be reached after a short walk through the jungle. Pulau Kapas shuts down during the monsoon season between November and February.

Pulau Perhentian Kecil - Long Beach
Pasar Malam Stall: Nasi Lemak
Malay Restaurant
Fried Squid
Pasar Malam Stall: Nasi Goreng
Durian Seller
» Click here to see the Food Gallery

Kuih Ketayap

dessert | Malaysia, Malay
dessert with sugar and coconut flakes in a green rolled up pancake ... more

Bak kut teh

main dish | Malaysia, Chinese, Singapore
popular pork Chinese soup with tofu and salad leaves ... more

Mamak Rojak

main dish | Malaysia, Mamak, Singapore
salad with vegetables, egg and prawn fritters topped with a thick spicy-sweet peanut sauce ... more

Chapati

side dish, snack | Malaysia, Mamak, Singapore
basic flat indian bread made of dough, water and salt ... more

» click here for the full Food & Drink Database Malaysia

Keropok Lekor

The easiest way to describe Keropok Lekor is to call it fish sausage. It is the specialty from Terengganu, a state at the east coast and omnipresent in the streets and villages and very much a part of the live of the people there. Here are some pictures from one of the most popular Keropok Lekor stalls or shall I say factory, in Kuala Terengganu. ... more

Nasi Campur (Malay Mixed Rice)

Besides the Indian and Chinese food, there is also the flavorful and diverse Malay cuisine. The best way to experience this is to have your lunch at a Nasi Campur counter. Nasi Campur means Mixed Rice in Malay and refers to a plate of white rice that you will get from the kakak, (short: Ka, means sister in Malay and waitresses often been addressed that way), before filling your plate whatever that suits your taste from the counter. ... more

Jackfruit (Nangka)

Jackfruit or Nangka, as it is locally known in Malay, is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The jackfruit trees native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Phillipines and Sri Lanka but but also common in Malaysia, probably introduced by humans some time ago.The fruits can reach 36 kg in weight and up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter. ... more

I got it from my Mamak

Mamak stalls are restaurants in Malaysia mostly run by muslim Indians. Traditionally they started out as road side stalls but due their importance to Malaysian social life, hence their number of customer, there are big mamak restaurants and even chains now too. Mamak stalls are a true multi-racial melting pot, whether they be Malay, Indian, Chinese or others, this is place where everybody meets for a snack or a drink with friends, business clients, breakfast or just watching football at night. Many mamak stalls operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. You want your Roti Canai and Teh Tarik at 4am in the morning? No problem. Welcome to Malaysia! Found out what "mamaking" is all about. ... more

Malaysia likes it sweet - Cakes and Kuih

I think I mentioned it before somewhere that one of the highlights (of not the highlight) of Malaysia is the food. Besides the flavourful and sometimes spicy main dishes there is huge variety of cakes, commonly refered to as Kuih (or Kueh). Have a look at my friend's cakes: Bakelicous! ... more

Kuala Lumpur - chaos and harmony

A story by german traveller Chris about the crazy KL traffic and the day where all cars disappeared miraculously. And a story where they escaped from the heavy in a chinese tea shop. Read the original german story here. ... more

The Science of ordering drinks in Malaysia

Ordering drinks is easy once you understand the system. But don't worry, in the big cities you will get by at most places speaking english, but you want to try anyway, right? After a bit of practicing you can mingle with the locals and shout "Boss. Teh Tarik. Satu Lagi." ... more

Breakfast in Malaysia

I know it is very convenient when the hostel of your choice offers breakfast included and after having rice for so long you just enjoy the cornflakes or bread as if it was most exclusive delicacy. Oh, you just had it this morning? Well, then there is no excuse. Tomorrow, you'll do it malaysian style. Outside. On a plastic chair. For around 2 Ringgit including a drink. Deal? ... more

DID YOU KNOW?
Mat Salleh

The word malaysians use for westerners is “Mat Salleh”.

RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kota Bahru
big gate near Istana Balai Besar
STORIES
Traveler IQ Challenge
This is a really cool flash quiz from the Travelpod website. In this game you can test your knowledge about the locations of cities, sights, flags and so on (also some places in Malaysia). There are different versions available: World, North America, Europe, World Capitals, Canada, Asia, UNESCO Sites, Africa, Latin America, Oceania/Australasia, Flags of the World, Photos of the World, USA Challenge, Amazing Race. Let's see how well you know our planet. Check your knowlege here.
BOOK HOSTELS
Things to do & see
Singapore, Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam, also known by the name of its main thoroughfare Arab Street, was where Singapore′s Arab traders settled in the founding days of the colony. It is Singapore′s muslim centre and a shopping paradise ... more
Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek

Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak River and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. ... more
PRESS ARTICLES
Traditional geomantic designs (The Star)

Story about ancient Malay building principles, the ancient art of Malay geomancy, a parallel to Chinese feng shui and Indian vasthu sastra.