If there’s one thing that Malaysians can all agree on, it’s probably their shared passion for food. Regardless of ethnicity, language, and religion, the Malaysian is generally an avid foodie. Here are 6 most popular Malaysia foods that you have to try!

1. NASI LEMAK

Frequently referred to as the national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak can be consumed at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its name, which in Malaysian literally means ‘oily or fatty rice’, is taken in this context to mean ‘rich’ or ‘creamy’, and refers to the cooking process. To make the dish, rice is soaked in coconut cream and then steamed with a pandan leaves, to provide a delicious aromatic flavour. This is then wrapped in banana leaf and served with cucumbers, roasted peanuts, hardboiled egg, and fried anchovies in shrimp paste and chili sauce.

2. Banana Leaf

In banana leaf rice, white rice is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of vegetables, curried meat or fish, pickles, and the super addictive papadum (look like giant, round, flat crisps). Most of the time, however, only the gravy of the curry will be served, and no meat is served as it is meant to be a traditional Indian vegetarian dish. This meal can get really sloppy since it is traditionally eaten with the hand, but most people have this down to a fine art!

3. Roti Canai

This popular flatbread dish originates from southern India. Made with ghee and flour, the best roti canai is crispy and flaky on the outside and buttery smooth on the inside. It is usually served with dhal or curry (and sometimes with sugar). Roti canai can be modified in a variety of ways. You can have it plain (roti kosong), or with a wide variety of fillings: egg, onions, mushroom, cheese, and even banana slices.

4. ASSAM LAKSA

There are countless variations of laksa in Malaysia, but there are two major categories: Assam Laksa and Curry Laksa. Assam Laksa is considered as one of Penang’s main dishes and is generally cooked with a white flakey fish. The broth is tart and tamarind-based, and filled with noodles, cucumber, pineapple, fresh mint, lemongrass, and ginger. This dish has such an alluring combination of salty, spicy, and sweet, that you’re sure to be hooked as soon as you try it.

5. Bakuteh (BKT)

The name literally translates as “meat bone tea”, and, at its simplest, consists of fatty ribs simmered in a broth of herbs and spices (including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dong guai, fennel seeds and garlic) for as long as possible, i.e. days if possible. However, additional ingredients may include offal, varieties of mushroom, choy sum (vegetables), and pieces tofu puffs.

6. RENDANG

One of Malaysia’s most well-known dishes, Rendang is a spicy, rich meat dish. To make the dish, beef is simmered in coconut milk, chillies and spices to make a tender, aromatic and flavoursome meal. In the past Rendang was served at ceremonial and festive occasions, but today it has become so popular that it is widely served with Nasi Lemak, Ketupat and Lemang.