When traveling to Malaysia, experiencing great places of interest is just one thing you do, and discovering the flavours of the country is another thing you shouldn't wanna miss. And by flavours, I mean gustatory delight!
Rice is a staple in the country. Restaurants in Malaysia serve rice in different ways, aroma and taste for that matter. But among the variety of way rice is prepared, some of the most common ingredients used are hard spices and wet spice mixture of coconut milk called “rempah”.
Of course, steamed, fried, or java rice are among the most popular ones that you can get in any restaurant you dine in. But here are some of Malaysia’s rice dishes you shouldn’t miss:
Nasi Lemak – cooked rice in coconut milk tossed with anchovies, squid, eggs, cucumber and chili paste, called sambal.
Nasi Kerabu – This native cuisine uses local herbs and salted fish to complement the rice.
Nasi Dagang – this dish is rich in aroma as it used fragrant unpolished glutinous rice that is steamed with coconut milk and served with tuna fish curry.
These chows are not in our typical everyday meal but trying them in a tour in Malaysia is definitely worth it. They will not just tickle your taste buds but they will surely leave your senses craving for more.
Hari Raya (Day of Celebrations) is a Muslim celebration of the end of Ramadan during the holy month of fasting. In Kuala Lumpur it is a joyous occasion that commemorates the personal triumph of every Muslim by the end of the fast. It also marks the start of the Muslim New Year. It is actually the fourth New Year in a country like Malaysia where Muslims, Chinese, Hindu, and Christians coexist.
In the run up to the Hari Raya celebrations, Muslims keep vigil at the Mosques for the Night of Decree, the night when the Muslim holy book Quran is sent down. Muslims believe that on this night angels descend and shower grace. To receive these blessings, homes as well as mosques and commercial buildings are brightly decorated with oil lamps. Malls and hotels in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia also play Selamat Hari Raya jingles.
Everyone Invited—But Hari Raya in Malaysia is not just for Muslims. During the celebrations, Malaysia has a tradition called Open House, where friends are welcomed to households and are offered buffets, while government offices like the King’s Palace is opened to the public.
Of course, the great-bargain sales at malls and low-rate promotions at hotels in Malaysia are for everyone for the taking as well. In addition, the colorful displays on the streets, the festivities, and merry festivities can be enjoyed in Malaysia during this time of year.
Selamat Hari Raya!—Another tradition observed in Malaysiaaway of duit raya to kids. For non-Muslims, it is pretty much like gift giving during Christmas. Wrapped in green envelopes, duit raya is goodwill money handed out to loved ones and friends.
Malaysia's commercial establishments like the Zon Hotel in Kuala Lumpur raffle off duit raya to its guests and patrons. From September to October, two guests at the Zon Hotel get a chance to win RM1,000. In keeping with the spirit of Hari Raya, these establishments and hotels are also garbed in colorful decors and festive atmosphere.
Eid ul’Fitr Buffet—During the holy month of Ramadan on the month of Syawal, Muslims serve buffets called Buka Puasa at the end of the day to break the fast. Toward the end of the holy month, the buffets get bigger in serving and the celebrations pick up. Malls, restaurants, and hotels in Malaysia serve Buka Puasa to mark the end of fasting and the start of the New Year.
Of particular interest is the last 10 days of Ramadan, when the religious traditions become more and more joyous celebrations of the New Year and merrymaking. Among the specialties served at buffets in the Malaysia hotel include ketupat (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk and/or grilled meat on a skewer), lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (desiccated coconut fried with chili), and curry chicken.
Kuala Lumpur is a perfect pit stop when you’re on your way to somewhere else. The city offers a handful of things to see and do from breathtaking sights, to leisure trip, to gastronomic delight. Kuala Lumpur indeed lets you make the most out of your stopover.
Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur for just a day or two, you sure don’t want to miss visiting one of the world’s tallest building, The Petronas Twin Towers. Famous for its architectural structure, the towers are undoubtedly among the must things to see in the city.
While in Petronas Twin Towers, bargain hunters can take advantage of their time and take a tour at the Suria for a little shopping—or shop till you drop, perhaps? The place is takes pride of being a house to posh items from designer label clothes, to bags and shoes, to accessories and cosmetics. It truly is a world-class, must-visit destination for every shopaholic.
Be one with nature and head to the LakeGardens for a leisure walk or for a visit to Butterfly Farm and BirdPark where a fun learning experience awaits you. In this Kuala Lumpur Nature Trip, you can see rare species of birds and butterflies in varied sizes, patterns and colours.
Food trip is something you would like to experience while on a short visit to Kuala Lumpur. A food haven indeed, Kuala Lumpur brings you wide array of choices of entrees from authentic Malaysian dishes to delectable international cuisines that you will absolutely enjoying savouring. Here, whether you are in for a fine dining or simply a walk while finding pleasure with street food, you’re sure to satisfy your cravings and thirst for gastronomic delight.
Finding an accommodation in Kuala Lumpur is definitely a no difficult task. Many quality hotels that are affordable can be found in the city. Olympic Hotel, for instance, brings comfort and convenience at a price that fits your budget. It also offers online reservation so you can have your room booked while planning your trip.
So whether you want to enjoy the nature, experience something educational, or just maximizing your time finding great bargains, you’re sure to have a worthwhile experience in Kuala Lumpur even in a day or two stay.
When traveling to Malaysia, experiencing great places of interest is just one thing you do, and discovering the flavours of the country is another thing you shouldn't wanna miss. And by flavours, I mean gustatory delight!
