Time to tickle those taste buds!

Between devious monkeys and lost toenails, I’ve failed to mention Malaysia’s one true indulgence. More fanatical than their passion for Manchester United, more fervent than their infatuation with knock-off Coach bags and yes, even more captivating than their karaoke craze. Malaysians are irrevocably in love with food – and rightfully so. The fusion of cultures lends way to a tantalizing array of dishes that tickles the taste buds of any food enthusiast. This one deserves a post all on its own.

The blue energy in me wanted to structure this entry into breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the Malaysian diet has no structure, no pattern, no method to the madness. They just eat, all the time. Alas, you cannot blame them. Just take a look at what’s on the menu…

Side note: I apologize in advance if this makes your mouth water!

Traditional Malay Food
Whether in the heart of KL or the outskirts of Subang Jaya, you’re bound to find Nasi Lemak – it’s rice steamed with coconut milk and garnished with nuts, cucumbers and boiled eggs. It’s a staple breakfast item but also a welcomed lunch or dinner meal. No structure, lah!

Another heavy weight on the food scene is Roti canai – roti bread served with daal and fish curry. I tend to fancy its sweet counterpart – Roti paper, aka the Harry Potter Sorting Hat.

My favourite meal to date was at the Pasar Manam (night market) in Kampung Baru, KL. Think the CNE, flea market and a hundred garage sales all rolled up into a vibrant hive of commercial activity – that’s the night market. It’s a shopper’s paradise! If the charm of pirated DVDs and fake Gucci sunglasses are not enough to draw you in, the smell of barbequed chicken drizzled in peanut sauce and fried bananas will definitely get you. Guaranteed. For the more adventuresome, there is always fried pigeon!

Comfort Food
When home feels like it’s light years away, there’s always the familiar feel of Burger King, Starbucks and McDonalds. But even they have their own Malaysian twist. Chili sauce is a given, you must make a special request for ketchup. Fast food takes twice as long and is three times more expensive as the traditional Malay food. And Daddy, much to your dismay, some restaurants charge extra for ice!

I do have a weekly splurge that racks incredibly high on my list of expenses – peanut butter. A small jar costs the equivalent of four Malay meals. Waaah!

As divine as the food is here, nothing compares to Nanima’s food back home…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NANIMA!

P.S. The debate over Nanima’s actual date of birth is as controversial as the question ‘who is the favourite Premji child?’ (…and of course, Baby Ma’s opinion matters most on the latter dispute.) Since it’s May 28th here and May 27th right now in Toronto, I figure we’ve got it covered this year. We love you, Nanima!