A bite of Malaysia

A melting pot of culture, Malaysia is home to the whole gamut of eastern ethnic groups, from native Malayans, to Chinese, Indians, and even small Thai, Indonesian, and European communities. It shares a colonial past with many other Asian countries, having been controlled by Great Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

With such a wide mix of peoples and a colorful history, it’s no surprise that Malaysia has such a diverse culture. This diversity is reflected in Malaysian food – literally, culture served on a platter. The large Chinese and Indian populations have greatly influenced the national cuisine.

One of the most famous dishes in Malaysian cooking is even an adaptation of the Indian roti, or bread. There are several variations of roti in Malaysia, the two most common ones being the roti canai, which is part pancake, part crepe, and the roti jala, which is thinner and net-like. Both types of roti are typically eaten with curry.

Lamb curry with just the right amount of kick.