Page 190 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

182 FLAVOURS OF MALAYSIA
A Culinary Melting Pot
INTRODUCTION
Malaysia is a melting pot of primarily Malay, Chinese and Indian people. Mix these basic ingredients together and add depth and flavor with liberal helpings of Orang Asli, Eurasians, Baba Nyonyas (Peranakan), Thais and Malaccan Portuguese. Season generously with ethnic groups from East Malaysia (Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus and Bajau from Sabah, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu from Sarawak, among
a host of others). Stir
A map of Malaysia made up of spices and a spice bedecked national flag symbolise how the country’s identity is reflected in its cuisine.
over a gentle heat for a century or more, and the result is an extremely rich, colourful and flavour- packed national cuisine.
Malaysian food offers a unique and diverse gastronomic adventure for all food lovers. Each community has its own preferred flavours, as
demonstrated by the ingredients found in
their respective cuisines. And the recipes have intermingled over time, adding a whole host of fusion dishes to an already outstanding array of choices. For gourmets of every description, Malaysia is truly a food paradise.
Few countries can offer as much gastronomic diversity as Malaysia, with its rich fusion of indigenous and regional cuisines and ingredients.