Adjusting to Malaysian Food as an Expat 🍛🌶️

Moving to a new country is always an adventure, and one of the biggest parts of settling into life in Malaysia is getting used to the food. If you are an expat, you will quickly notice that food is everywhere here, and it plays a huge role in Malaysian culture. From street stalls to high-end restaurants, the variety of flavours and dishes can seem overwhelming at first. However, with a little curiosity and an open mind, you will soon find yourself enjoying every meal.

Here is how you can adjust to Malaysian food and make the most of your culinary journey.

1. Start slow and simple

Malaysia is famous for its vibrant and diverse food scene. There are countless options influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and even Thai cuisine. However, if you are new to it all, it is best to start with something simple. A good starting point is nasi lemak, the national dish of Malaysia. It consists of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal (a spicy chilli paste), anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber. It is a dish that represents many of the key elements of Malaysian food – rich, flavourful, and balanced.

Another simple yet satisfying dish is roti canai. This flaky, buttery flatbread is served with curry on the side and is a popular breakfast or snack. It is a great introduction to Malaysian flavours without being too overwhelming.

2. Be open to spice

One thing you will quickly learn about Malaysian food is that it loves its spices. Sambal, curries, and chilli sauces are staples on many tables. For those not used to spicy food, this can be quite an adjustment. If you are not a fan of heat, do not worry. Many dishes allow you to control the amount of spice by adding sambal or chilli sauce to your taste.

If you are adventurous, give laksa a try. This spicy noodle soup comes in various forms, with some of the most popular being asam laksa, which has a sour tamarind base, and curry laksa, which is rich and creamy. Laksa is a great way to experience the bold flavours of Malaysia, but be warned, it can be fiery.

3. Try new ingredients

Malaysian food features ingredients that might be unfamiliar to many expats. From belacan (fermented shrimp paste) to kangkong (water spinach), there is a whole new world of flavours to explore. Some of these ingredients have strong flavours, but they are key to creating the depth and richness that Malaysian cuisine is known for.

One dish where you can try something new is char kway teow. This stir-fried noodle dish includes ingredients like cockles and Chinese sausage, alongside prawns and eggs. The mix of textures and flavours is a delight, and it is a popular choice among locals and expats alike.

4. Embrace street food

If there is one thing Malaysia is known for, it is its street food. Hawker stalls and night markets are everywhere, offering everything from satay (grilled skewers) to nasi goreng (fried rice). The best part about street food is that it is usually very affordable, so you can try a variety of dishes without spending much.

One of the best street food experiences you can have is at a hawker centre. These open-air food courts bring together vendors selling all sorts of dishes, from Chinese dim sum to Indian banana leaf rice. It is a great way to sample a bit of everything and find out what you like best. Do not miss out on satay, which is skewered and grilled meat served with a rich peanut sauce. It is a crowd favourite and a great way to ease into Malaysian street food.

5. Do not shy away from local fruits

Malaysia is home to some of the most unique fruits you will ever come across. While fruits like bananas and mangoes are common, you will also find exotic options such as rambutan, mangosteen, and the infamous durian. Durian is known as the “king of fruits” and has a very strong smell and flavour. It is definitely an acquired taste, but many locals and expats swear by it once they get used to it.

If durian seems too much for you, start with something like mangosteen. It has a sweet, tangy flavour and is often considered one of the best-tasting tropical fruits.

6. Adapt to eating out

In many parts of Malaysia, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, eating out is a regular part of life. It is common for locals to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside the home, and there are countless food courts, hawker stalls, and restaurants ready to serve you. Do not be surprised if you find yourself dining out more often than cooking at home; it is just part of the culture here.

If you prefer something more familiar, there are plenty of international food options too. From Italian to Japanese, you will find that Malaysian cities cater to a wide range of tastes. However, try not to rely too much on familiar foods. Embracing the local cuisine is a key part of settling into life in Malaysia.

7. Share meals with locals

Food brings people together in Malaysia, and sharing a meal with locals is one of the best ways to experience the culture. Malaysians are known for their hospitality, and if you are invited to a meal, it is a great opportunity to try home-cooked food and learn more about the country’s culinary traditions.

Be open to trying everything on the table, and do not hesitate to ask questions about the dishes. Malaysians are proud of their food and will be happy to explain what everything is. Sharing a meal is not just about eating; it is about connecting with people and experiencing the warmth of Malaysian culture.

Adjusting to Malaysian food as an expat can take a bit of time, but it is a delicious journey worth taking. Start slow, be open to new flavours, and do not be afraid to dive into the local food scene. From street food to home-cooked meals, Malaysian cuisine offers something for everyone. The more you explore, the more you will appreciate the rich and diverse food culture that is an integral part of life in Malaysia.

Malaysian Link is here to help you with every step of your journey. Whether you are looking for recommendations, want to learn more about local food customs, or just need advice on where to start, we have got you covered.

📷: Hapiz