Page 210 - The Guide To Sarawak

208 THE FLAVOURS OF SARAWAK
Malay Food
Usually rich and spicy, Malay Muslim food can be found in every corner of the state, from the smallest kampung roadside stall
to the grand 5-star hotel restaurant. As well as a huge variety of (halal) meat and vegetable-based
curries, notable dishes include: beef or chicken satay grilled over an open fire, accompanied by spicy peanut sauce and
a side order of ketupat (steamed rice wrapped in palm leaves); nasi lemak, a tasty complete meal in itself, with rice cooked in
coconut milk and served with sliced cucumber, egg, peanuts, anchovies and spicy sambal; ayam penyet – tender fried chicken ‘pressed’ to remove the cooking oils; and rendang – a fragrant, dry chicken or beef curry often served on festive occasions.
Satay, probably Malaysia’s most famous dish, comprises succulent morsels of marinated chicken, beef or lamb grilled over an open charcoal brazier.
Fish is a popular ingredient (and essential source of protein) for the coastal Malays. It is served in a variety of ways, including broiled with shrimp paste and chillies (left) and simply grilled on a bed of biryani rice (right).