Malaysian cuisine reflects the multicultural aspects of Malaysia.

Various ethnic
groups in Malaysia have their own dishes, but many dishes in Malaysia are derived from
multiple ethnic influences. Food preparation differs from place to place, although many
of the foods used are alike. Spices, aromatic herbs and roots are all used in Malaysian
cuisine.
Being the largest group in Malaysia, Malay food can be found everywhere in the
country.
In general, Malay dishes revolve around a rempah, which is a spice paste or mix similar
to an Indian Masala. Rempahs are made by grinding up fresh or dried spices and herbs
to create a spice paste which is then sauted in oil to bring out the aromas.
One of the Malays famous dishes is nasi lemak. Nasi lemak is actually rice cooked in
coconut milk and is usually served with sambal mixed with ikan bilis or anchovies.
This dish is usually taken during breakfast. Other well-known Malay dishes are
kangkung belachan, rendang, and roti jala.
Another ethnic group which has a variety of dishes is the Chinese. Most Chinese meals
however, have pork as their sub-ingredient, but due to the popularity and unique taste of
the actual food, there are chicken options available for the Malays (most Malays are
Muslims).
Bak Kut Teh or pork ribs soup is one of the renowned Chinese dishes. It is a soup
cooked with herbs, garlic and pork ribs which have been boiled for many hours. The city
of Klang is famous for it. In some towns, additional ingredients include sea cucumber
and abalone. Bak kut teh is believed to have medicinal properties.
Besides bak kut teh, other popular Chinese dishes food are bakkwa or barbequed pork
which can be found easily during Chinese New Year celebration period, char kuey teow
or stir fried rice noodles with prawns, beansprouts, chives and cockles, and tau foo fah
which is actually a very soft, silky tofu flavoured with syrup.
For the Indians that migrated to Malaysia in the 19th century, the food is from both
Northern and Southern India, also adapted to what it is now today.