If it's your first time visiting Malaysia, ask any of the locals what would they recommend in terms of culinary pleasure, and they will most likely point you to seafood, or seafood-based dishes. Situated within the earth's equatorial zone, Malaysia's waters provide the perfect environment for a variety of marine species to thrive in, from the common to the exotic - an excellent source for an abundant supply of seafood. Steamed, baked, grilled, curried, fried or braised, seafood remains one of Malaysia's best offerings, with plenty of restaurants all over the country featuring fresh seafood or seafood-based cuisine, or both, in their menu.
'Ikan bakar' or grilled fish is one of the most popular dishes in Malaysia, and can be found served almost anywhere, from seafood restaurants to night-market stalls. When not baked, grilled or steamed, seafood is also prepared the Malaysian way - that is, with lots of herbs and spices - and integrated into the local menu; amongst the more well-known ones are Kari Kepala Ikan (Fish Head Curry), Nasi Dagang and Laksa. However it is prepared, Malaysian seafood will always be a favourite not just with the locals, but with visiting foreigners as well - all owing to its freshness and richness in taste |
