Malay dishes are characterized by the coconut sauce and rather bold spices. However, Malay food tastes slightly different in each part of the country. Nyonya dishes, which are a mixture of Malay and Chinese flavor, have a combination of sweet, sour and spicy. Otak-otak (grilled fish with rice wrapped in leaves) and tim bebek (steamed duck) are examples of two popular Nyonya dishes.
Nasi lemak, served with vegetables and fish, can be found in almost every corner of the country, while the price is not too high at RM 15 (about Rp 37,500). If you desire more Malaysian food you can find it in Kuala Lumpur at Mid Valley Megamall, which is located in Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra.
Here at the Ayam Nor restaurant you can savor various dishes, including nasi lemak ayam golek (nasi lemak with chicken), nasi ayam daging rendang (rice with chicken simmered in spices and coconut milk), mee rebus Johor (Johor noodle soup) and mee bandung muar (Bandung noodles muar).
Meanwhile at Suria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center), located at the lowest part of the Petronas Towers, you can find many restaurants and food stalls. On the fourth floor there are also various Asian restaurants. What is interesting is that the waiting staff are mostly Indonesian. The Chow Kit area is more Indonesian with its numerous Padang restaurants and jamu stalls. The menu here is very similar to those in Indonesia, and the area is often referred to as Indonesia town.
Fancy some Indian food? Then visit Bombay Palace on Jl. Tun Razak, which has an excellent menu and service. The food here is mostly Northern Indian, which is not as hot as Southern Indian food. Another choice for authentic Indian food is Restaurant on Jl. Telawi and The Taj at Crown Princess Kuala Lumpur. So, are you ready to go on a food adventure that will tickle your taste buds? (Burhan Abe)
The Jakarta Post, June 22, 2008
