Here are the top five choices for breakfast in Malaysia
There is no better way to start your mornings than to do so with a happy tummy. Here are the top five breakfast Malaysians love.
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak or fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk is arguably a favourite for many Malaysians. Traditionally, nasi lemak is wrapped in banana leaf and serve with fried anchovies, sliced cucumber, hard-boiled egg and sambal (a slightly sweet and spicy sauce). These days, you can add side dishes such as fried chicken, beef or cockles to your nasi lemak for added variety. This cheap — a simple packet cost about RM1.50 (less than USD0.50) — breakfast option is available almost anywhere, from your neighbourhood makeshift stalls to your local mamak shops. Be forewarned though, it can get pricey in more upmarket joints.
Roti Canai
Roti canai or roti paratha is a type of flat bread that’s usually served with dhal (lentil curry) or chicken or fish curry. Roti canai is so popular that it is sold in roadside stalls, Indian and Indian-Muslim restaurants and even in hotels. While its original form is a plain flat bread, more creative chefs have added egg, slices of bananas, chocolate syrup and other concoctions to tempt the taste bud.
Kopi-O With Roti Bakar
Kopi-O is black coffee served with sugar minus the milk, and the coffee is usually strong. It is comparable to Starbucks’ version of an Americano, only cheaper. Roti bakar is toasted bread served with pandan jam on one side and butter on another. Go to the nearest Chinese kopitiam (coffee shop), order a cup of kopi-o and roti bakar (toast). Add a side of two half-boiled eggs, and you’re on your way to the start of an excellent morning. Dunk the toast into the coffee for an extra oomph.
Chee Cheong Fun
Chee cheong fun is made with rice noodles and in Malaysia, there are two variations to choose from. The traditional Hong Kong chee cheong fun consists of sheets of rice noodles sprinkled with diced pork or shrimps and drizzled with soy sauce. Alternatively, opt for the plain ones which are made by rolling the thin sheets of rice noodle together to make long rolls that are then cut into bite size pieces. Garnished with sesame seeds and served with sweet brown sauce and chilli sauce, this dish makes for a hearty breakfast if side fishes of fish balls, tofu, sausages, fried soy bean sheets, aubergines and bitter gourds are added to it.
Noodle Soup
Noodle soup is also a popular staple in Malaysia. The best part about noodle soup is that you can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is available at most of the neighbourhood coffee shops or kopitiams. A bowl of noodle soup can be quite filling and will keep you going for the day. Options range from plain broth noodle served with wantan, spicy prawn noodle soup, beef noodle soup, curry noodle soup, and more. Take your pick.
