Malaysia Gourmet Tour

MALAYSIAN GOURMET TOUR
Malaysia is a diverse and multicultural country with over 20 ethnic groups calling Malaysia home. Needless to say, this diversity also presents an array of interesting, original, and unique cuisines. As Malaysia modernises and becomes more cosmopolitan, an increasing number of international cuisines have become more accessible to Malaysians and all those who visit. Dining opportunities range from popular hawker stalls along the streets to smart, trendy, and formal restaurants.

The Indian, Malay, Chinese, and Peranakan (a unique blend of Chinese and Malay styles) cuisines have roots that go back many centuries. Traditional Malay cuisine has been greatly influenced by early traders from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, India, and China as well as from the Middle East. The food is often described as spicy and flavourful with a variety of spices and herbs ground together to make a paste called ‘rempah’ which is one of the main cooking ingredients. Coconut milk is an important ingredient in Malay sauces.

Indians came to Malaysia as immigrant workers in the estates and brought with them their religion, culture, and various cuisines. Indian cuisine in Malaysia is strongly guarded and has changed very little despite modern changes experienced throughout Malaysia. The cuisine is characterised by the sophisticated and subtle use of various spices, herbs, vegetables, and a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. In general, Indian cuisine doesn’t use pork or beef and there are lots of vegetarian dishes as many Indians do not eat meat.

Peranakan or Nyonya has its roots in the historic port of Melaka. Its pungent, spicy, and fragrant cuisine uses the most aromatic of ingredients while preparation and cooking can take several hours to ensure full flavour and tender meat. Sauces and pastes are made from scratch and patiently pounded with passion and deliberation. In old days, cooking skills were an essential measuring tool to indicate if a woman would prove to be a good wife or not. It is said amongst the Nyonya community that when a man was seeking a bride, he would listen to the pounding of spices as it signified the amount of attention a woman would give to her cooking.

Chinese immigrants came to Malaysia to work in the mines, mills, and on the docks while introducing their cuisine to Malaysia. In comparison with the other Malaysian cuisines, Chinese is the most versatile using the main cooking methods of steaming, simmering, and frying. Chinese cuisine is also considered the least spiced of all the styles found in Malaysia. Flavours are distinctive and reflective of the different areas in China from where the settlers came. However, as the Chinese in Malaysia became more affluent, the choices of cooking ingredients also increased, although the flavours remained distinctly Chinese. Sumptuous Chinese banquets are most affordable in Malaysia.

Our gourmet tour takes you to three of Malaysia’s main food cities - Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. Besides visiting markets and spending time learning how to cook, you will be able to go sightseeing to see more of Malaysia.