10 Most Popular Ramadan Food in Malaysia

Many have claimed that Malaysians are more passionate about their food than their politics.

Well, it's true. Here, food is the peacekeeper - the most effective unifying factor among the diverse multiracial communities.

Take Ramadan for example. It is a month when the Muslims fast, but once the sun sinks beneath the horizon, Malaysians come together regardless of race and culture to enjoy a scrumptious meal which very often is accompanied by laughter and cordiality.

Despite being a Muslim country, Malaysia is visibly more liberal when compared to the Middle East. I spent two weeks in Dubai and Bahrain during Ramadan, where eateries were closed (except in upper-class hotels and food courts in malls) and it was an offence to eat in public during the day.

Malaysia may not have a lot to offer to its visitors, but it is second to none when it comes to food. If you wish to join in the fun, here are the 10 most popular Ramadan food in Malaysia you must try throughout this month.

10 Most Popular Ramadan Food in Malaysia

Ayam Percik

Ayam Percik is chicken grilled in aromatic spices and coconut sauce using a traditional Kelantanese recipe. The meat turns succulent and flavorful through overnight marination, and is customarily charcoal-grilled and repeatedly basted to retain its juiciness.

Ayam Percik in Malaysia

Putu Buluh

This is a sweet dessert dish of cylindrical-shaped steamed cake. Made of rice flour and infused with the color and fragrance from the green pandan leaves, these bite-sized cakes are filled with palm sugar and coated with freshly grated coconut. They are traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes.

Putu Buluh in Malaysia

Murtabak

Generously spiced and stuffed with minced meat and vegetable, these thick pancakes is fried with egg and served with dal curry and syrup-pickled onions.

Murtabak. Bazaar Ramadan Bangsar in Malaysia

Roti John

This is an omelette sandwich dish filled with minced meat, green onion, egg, and tomato-chilli sauce, and is usually prepared using a long loaf.

Roti John in Malaysia

Samosa

The Malaysian version of samosa is bigger and contains mostly minced meat. It has a distinctive triangular shape and the influence on its taste is more Malay than it is Indian.

Samosa in Malaysia

Sate Pedal & Hati

Chicken rumps and gizzards grilled in sweet sauce - yummy!

Sate Pedal & Hati in Malaysia

Nasi Biriyani

The Malaysian Nasi Biriyani has both Indian and Malay influences. The rice is cooked until just soft and very aromatic and the meat (typically mutton or beef) is tender and falls off the bone easily.

Nasi Biriyani in Malaysia

Nasi Kerabu

This distinguished Malay rice dish comes with blue rice, which is prepared using dye extracted from the petals of the butterfly-pea flowers. It is served with chicken (fried or with gravy), different types of belacan chili paste, various herbs, raw vegetables salad, fish or prawn crackers, and delicious toasted grated coconut.

This is my favorite Malay dish!

Nasi Kerabu in Malaysia

Cendol

This refreshing drink contains palm sugar, rice flour jelly, coconut milk, shaved ice and red beans. Also available with the addition of lip-smacking durian or glutinous rice!

Cendol in Malaysia

Kuih-Muih and Other Sweet Desserts

Malay desserts are the best. Overly sweetened they may be, but it isn't something your tummy will not forgive you for. Here's a list to help you get started: