New year, new you, that’s how the saying goes, right? Every year, we set resolutions like losing weight, trying a social media detox, or even quitting smoking.
These are great resolutions, but the thing is, we often repeat the same resolutions each New Year without truly sticking to any of them. So, let’s spice up the beginning of 2024 by exploring the most bizarre foods in Malaysia!
1. Buffalo Penis Soup @ Sup Haji Abu
This dish isn’t for the faint-hearted. At Sup Haji Abu, you can find this herbal, lightly-spiced soup crafted with bulls’ penises and served alongside slices of Bengali bread.
Referred to as pizzle or torpedo soup, it’s said to be an aphrodisiac and believed to promote men’s health. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but, hey, you won’t know until you give it a shot, right?
Location: 24, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit
Operating hours: Open daily, 4pm-4am
2. Sago Worms @ My Native Sabah
Sago Worms or Butod are these cool delicacies in Sabah and Sarawak that locals have been munching on for ages. These worms are basically the larvae of palm weevils, and they hang out inside the trunks of fallen sago palm trees.
They’re packed with protein and fat, and even though eating grubs might sound a bit wild, just think of it like Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King. Slimy, but oddly satisfying. So, the next time you’re in Sabah, you might want to give it a try! ?
Location: Lot 48, 1st Floor, BLK F, LRG 333-5 Plaza 333, Jln Bypass Penampang Penampang, Sabah
Operating hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-8:30pm | Sunday closed
3. Live Octopus @ Crazy Fish
Craving a unique seafood experience? How about live octopus drizzled with sesame seeds and sesame oil, served immediately? ?? Check out Crazy Fish at Solaris Mont Kiara, the go-to spot for an introduction to Korean sea produce.
Their standout dish is ‘sannakji’, a chopped-up octopus served while its body parts are still moving. It might sound a bit unusual, but it’s all part of the experience! ?
Location: 9, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mont Kiara
Operating hours: Monday, 4pm-4am | Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4am | Sunday, 11am-12am
4. Fish Sperm Sacs @ Hanare Japanese Restaurant
This tender, creamy white delicacy might seem like regular seafood, but Hanare Japanese Restaurant’s specialty is actually the milt of a male cod.
Topped with thinly sliced scallions and a drizzle of ponzu sauce, the raw fish sperm is served, and some folks say it melts in the mouth. ?
Location: Hanare Japanese Restaurant; Vista Tower, 182, Jln Tun Razak, Kampung Datuk Keramat
Operating hours: Open daily, 12pm-10pm
5. Stinky Tofu @ Uncle Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu, does it actually live up to its name? The answer is YES! But don’t let that scare you away from digging into this popular dish. That funky smell comes from soaking the tofu in a mix of fermented shrimp and veggies. Then, it gets fried up and served with chili and pickled veggies.
You can get stinky tofu over at Uncle Stinky Tofu. Thank us later! ?
Location: Desa Setapak, Kuala Lumpur (next to Thai Moment)
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday, 11pm-4am | Friday closed
6. Curry Mee with Coagulated Pork Blood @ Restoran Lim Mee Yoke
There’s just something awesome about waking up to the yummy smell of a tasty dish and dig into a hot bowl of spicy broth and noodles on a chill weekend morning… It’s even better with coagulated pork blood!
Yup, you heard us right. At Restoran Lim Mee Yoke, their must-try dish is the curry mee, complete with tofu puffs, prawns, green beans, and coagulated pig’s blood. If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss the chance to savor this comforting delight!
Location: 14, Jalan SS 2/10, Taman Bahagia, Petaling Jaya
Operating hours: Open daily, 9am-4pm
7. Braised Chicken Feet @ Guang Ji Chicken Rice & Hor Fun
Guang Ji Chicken Rice & Hor Fun serves up incredibly tasty braised chicken feet. They’re so tender and smooth that you’ll find yourself taking one bite after another without even thinking twice.
While chicken feet might sound unappetizing to some, it’s actually a common delicacy in Malaysia. Although skeptics may hesitate, you might be surprised at how you could end up loving this unexpectedly yummy treat! ?
Location: 38, Jalan San Peng, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:30am-3:30pm | Wednesday closed
And that wraps up our list, folks! What are your thoughts? Would you be willing to give any of these a try?
Life’s too short to be normal, you and your taste buds could use a wild adventure. So, here’s to a year of deliciously bizarre experiences, and wishing you all a happy new year! ?
Also read: 11 Hidden Speakeasies in Kuala Lumpur to Jazz Up Your Christmas Night (2023 Edition)
