As Malaysians, we can’t deny the fact that we all love nasi lemak. After all, it’s one of our most popular national dishes (though sometimes our neighbours like to claim it as theirs) that we can eat for breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner or even supper!
But of course, besides this dish, our country has so much more to offer from all the different states. If you’re on a food hunt for the must-try dishes from each state in Malaysia, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve got you covered with this extensive list!
1. Sarawak: Kolo Mee
Source: Miri Community
This dish may seem simple but it carries a deep meaning! Kolo mee actually symbolizes the harmonious lives of all the ethnics in Sarawak living together and transcending cultural and racial boundaries.
The springy noodle is served with either char siew, chicken or beef slices and minced meat, which is then lightly tossed in some meat stock and soy sauce. You can drop by any coffee shop in Sarawak and they’ll mostly likely have their own version of kolo mee and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Sabah: Tuaran Mee
source: vkeong
Nicknamed Sabah’s “Gold Noodles” and often referred to as the best noodles in Sabah, these egg noodles are traditionally handmade, fried and served hot with egg roll slices, roasted pork or chicken and beef slices along with some vegetables.
One bite alone is enough to give you a warm tingly sensation inside, making you feel right at home. A must-try when you are in Sabah!
3. Johor: Laksa Johor
source: iResipi
Unlike other laksa dishes in Malaysia, Laksa Johor uses spaghetti instead of the normal rice noodles. Reason being, the paddy is not grown as much in Johor.
Also, this is the only laksa dish that you will be asked to eat with your hands because of its thick broth and honestly, doing so will enrich the whole eating experience. Pakai jari lagi sedap! So, the next time you visit Johor, don’t forget to get your hands dirty with a healthy serving of this delicious noodle dish together with its array of condiments and herbs like cucumber, bean sprouts, long beans, daun kesum and daun selasih. You will be asking for more!
4. Melaka: Chicken Rice Balls
source: hungrygowhere
Fans of chicken rice, here’s an alternative way to devour your favourite dish. With its bite-sized spherical shape that can easily be eaten, the chicken rice balls are served just like your normal chicken rice dish, with all the condiments accompanying those juicy and fragrant chicken. No complaints, still will eat kaw-kaw.
Since Melaka is a historic city, maybe you can try to make your own history by seeing how many chicken rice balls you can pop into your mouth. You will be surprised!
5. Negeri Sembilan: Masak Lemak Cili Padi
Source: TieTheApron
This state is very popular for its coconut milk-based dishes and spicy food. Among all, the most popular would be the Masak Lemak Cili Padi dish, which is literally a combination of the two ingredients mentioned earlier.
Imagine slurping the warm broth that’ll instantly awaken your taste buds while increasing your appetite thanks to the heat from the chilli. Sure, it makes us sweat but it’s so worth it! Trust us when we say that you’ll be licking the bowl clean and as soon as you leave, you’ll be mentally planning your next trip here again!
6. Selangor: Satay
Source: The Star
Yes, we know that satay is sold all over Malaysia but have you tasted the ones in Selangor, specifically in Kajang? The town is synonymous with the grilled succulent meat on skewers and once you have tasted the satay here, you can never have anything that comes close in terms of quality.
Typically, satay is always served with peanut sauce along with some cucumbers, onions and ketupat. What sets the satay in Kajang apart from others is the quality of the meat and also the tasty, thick and slightly sweet peanut sauce. These days, you can just take the MRT there! How convenient!
7. Pahang: Gulai Tempoyak Ikan Patin
Source: JJCM
There are two main components of this dish; tempoyak, which is fermented durian (yes… durian on its own is not strong enough) and Ikan Patin, which is a fresh water fish known for its fatty texture. Don’t let the ingredients turn you off though, give it a try and you might just get hooked!
Some might consider this dish to be an acquired taste but along the years, it has gained popularity among Malaysians. It’s a dish you should taste at least once in your life!
8. Terengganu: Nasi Dagang
Source: Fried Chillies
This is the most popular breakfast dish in Terengganu, sort of like the ‘nasi lemak of the East Coast’. Actually, you can find this dish being served all day from day to night. Meanwhile, the fragrant rice is a mix of Jasmine and sticky rice, which creates a very fluffy yet delicious combo.
Nasi Dagang is accompanied by Gulai Ikan Tongkol, a tasty thick curry that will surely make you feel homey, filling both your stomach and soul.
9. Kelantan: Nasi Kerabu
Source: FoodAdvisor
This is by far the most popular dish on the list. You can actually get this anywhere around Malaysia even though originally it is from Kelantan. However, nothing can beat the experience of eating nasi kerabu in its home state.
From the blue-ish rice to the variety of lauk and keropok together with the fresh herbs on the side, nasi kerabu is a must-try when you visit Kelantan even though you’ve tasted another version of it outside the state.
10. Perak: Kai Si Hor Fun
Source: Food Canon
Having a good bowl of Hor Fun when you are in Ipoh is a must. This simple flat rice noodle dish is drenched in chicken or prawn broth, topped with shredded chicken, prawn and some chopped chives to add more flavour.
It might not be as rich as a curry-based dish but the warmth of the light broth is hearty enough to soothe your soul!
11. Penang : Char Koay Teow
Source: vkeong
If you love food, chances are you’ve been to Penang, the food haven of Malaysia. It is hard to pinpoint one single dish to represent the state but the most popular that seems to outshine the rest is Char Koay Teow. Some might argue that nasi kandar is better, but we believe you’re really missing out if you don’t eat char koay teow here!
Th typical dish comprises stir-fried flat rice noodles mixed with bean sprouts, fresh shrimps and eggs. Alternatively, you can opt for duck eggs to add a more complex taste to the dish. Sometimes, you may even find crab meat or prawn mantis being added to the mix!
12. Kedah: Nasi Ulam
Source: MyResepi
This is a great dish from the largest rice producer in the country! Nasi Ulam is basically rice mixed with a variety of raw vegetables, herbs and spices that’s then topped with toasted grated coconut or kerisik. You can choose to have it on its own or pair it with other side dishes and lauk.
This is quite a rare dish and most of the time, even Kedahans will have a hard time finding a place that sells the dish, because of the sheer amount of effort it takes to prepare it.
13. Perlis: Harum Manis with Sticky Rice
Source: Ringkas Tapi Sedap
This state has mangoes that are sought-after whenever it is in season. The fragrant smell, tender flesh and overall sweet taste of the mango called Harum Manis are the main reasons why it is so popular among the locals.
Although you can eat it on its own, the locals would suggest having it with some sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and some salt. But be warned, although the main element is fruit, the dish is really rich and you might suffer from food coma if you have one too many!
So, how many dishes from this list have you tasted and which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments and tell us if we missed any other signature Malaysian dish!
Also read: The Femes Penang Siam Road Char Kuey Teow is BACK and This Time They Have a Store!
