Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world in which can be found such a myriad of different types of food. No matter what your taste, there will be something that suits your palate. Since Malaysia is a country of such diversity in its people, there are many cultures found there. And it follows that there is also a great number of types of food. In fact, there is such a wonderful blend of cultures in this country that many of the foods are common to more than one race. For example, Nasi Lemak which originated from the Malays is now commonly cooked by the Chinese as well.

Here are some interesting facts about food and Malaysians’ eating habits:

The staple diet of Malaysians, like most Asians, is rice. Therefore most dishes among Malaysians are rice-based.

Flavored Rice with Chicken…yummy!

The Malaysian diet is typical of the Asian diet in that it is high in carbohydrates as opposed to a Western diet that is high in protein.

Most Malays are Moslems so they do not eat pork or other meats that are not kosher according to their religion. Therefore their diet consists mostly of fish, chicken, beef and mutton.

The Indians, on the other hand, are mainly Hindus and therefore do not eat beef. They consume primarily fish, chicken, pork and mutton.

Traditionally the Malays and Indians eat with their bare hands. It takes a certain skill to do so efficiently and effectively! Nowadays however, using forks and spoons is commonplace due to Western influence.

However, the Chinese still hold strongly to their custom of eating with chopsticks, although many Chinese do use forks and spoons also.

The Chinese in Malaysia are mainly Buddhists. But most do not practice the strict forms of Buddhism (such as being complete vegetarians), so they do not observe any restrictions in terms of food. However, a fair number of Chinese Buddhists do go on a vegetarian diet on certain religious occasions.

In like manner, those of the Catholic faith (mainly certain Chinese, Indians and Kadazans) may observe a vegetarian diet on Fridays.

Generally, the Malays in Malaysia like hot and spicy food. They also have a liking for sweet tasting food especially in their traditional cakes and pastries.

Malay Sweet Dessert

The Malays are very similar to the Indians who also like their food spicy. The Chinese are a little blander in their tastes although most Chinese like chili also.

It is customary among Malaysians to allow the head of the home (usually the father or grandfather) and the older adults to start eating first before the younger ones do so. And it is also Malaysian courtesy to verbally acknowledge and invite the older adults to eat before you start eating yourself.

In traditional Malay homes, a small pot of water is set at the table. This is for rinsing your hands before the meal (especially if you are eating with your bare hands).

Mealtimes in Malaysia are not just for filling the stomachs but a time of family bonding. Sadly however, this traditional practice is becoming more and more diluted especially among the younger urban generation of Malaysians whose fast-paced lifestyles make it difficult to have family meals together. Nevertheless, most Malaysians try to have proper family sit-down meals at least once a week on weekends. And in major festivals such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, it is expected of everyone in the same family to return to the family home for a family reunion dinner no matter where in the world they are (somewhat like Thanksgiving dinner for Americans).

It is not usual to have appetizers or desserts in the typical Malaysian meal. However, most Chinese start their meals with soup. But even this practice is becoming rarer due to Western influence.

Vegetable Soup in Malaysia

When it comes to fruits, Malaysians enjoy all the tropical ones which are readily found in the country such as papayas, bananas, star fruits, mangoes etc. It is usual to make a side dish out of some of these tropical fruits, like this one…

Coconut drink…first you eat the coconut 'flesh', then you drink its juice

There is one fruit that you probably would either love or loathe – the durian. Most Malaysians love it despite its pungent smell. The durian is known as the King of Fruits in Malaysia.

Those are some of the interesting facts about eating in this fascinating country of Malaysia.  Now read about what kinds of dishes are found in Malaysia.